It’s a convenient trick of our modern language that “Wednesday” and “wine” start with the same letter. The linguistic coincidence also means when hump day rolls its lumbering self around each week, we can take the opportunity to sip on adult grape juice with unabashed aplomb because come on! Wine and Wednesday were pretty much born to be paired together.
This week, in the thick of the holiday season, we want to feature a fun, old-world Newport Beach wine spot ideal for those seeking to switch up their #WineWednesday routine, try something new, swirl a different vintage, drink from a new glass and all that jazz …
21 Oceanfront
The delicious anachronism that is 21 Oceanfront might take you by surprise. To wine at this establishment is to be transported to a bygone era, when life was forever painted in the gilded and glittering, and spats were still in style.
Often, there’s a guard waiting at the door. Once inside, there’s always a wraparound staircase that brings you to the second floor, where 21 Oceanfront takes form. The higher altitude — well-situated above the adjacent parking lot — means unobstructed views of the beach from the big, picture windows that line the back of the darkly wooded bar. (Hello, sunset-watching spot!) The theme of dark tones can be found everywhere, from the coffered ceiling to the floral walls but never in a way to be macabre. Instead, the restaurant exudes a warmth and familiarity with its rich colors, as if while sitting there tucked away and above the boardwalk bustle below, you can twirl your wine glass in secret … with 20 or so other secret-keepers by your side.
The Dish on Wines
The wine list at 21 Oceanfront is extensive and well-curated. For the sparkling enthusiasts, there’s Chandon and Veuve Cliquot and Dom Perignon.
For the Chardonnay lovers there’s a host of California’s best like Angeline, Cakebread, Acacia, Frog’s Leap and Kistler Les Noisetiers.
Sauvignon Blancs include Duckhorn, Trefethen Estate and wines from around the world — Burgundy, France; Côte de Provence, France; Veneto, Italy; New Zealand and more.
Cabernet Sauvignons go deep into California’s finest, from Caymus to CADE Estate to Heitz Cellar to Stag’s Leap.
And the red party continues with top-rated Merlots, blends, Pinot Noirs, a Zinfandel, a Petit Sirah and a Syrah.
View the complete wine list here.
Happy Hour
Happy hour at 21 Oceanfront is a mix of old-world charm and local flavor. Enjoy $9 well drinks, discounts on select wines by the glass, $6 beers and reduced-price appetizer items, all to the tune of live music. Among our food favorites? The salmon poke stack, jumbo lump crab cakes and petite New Zealand lamb chops.
View the happy hour menu here.
