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Aromas Wine Bar Offers Refuge For The Mature Palate

by Autumn McBride
11/29/2007

As Katie drives by the Waffle House in Five Points, she notices that the store next door is open. “I’ve been wanting to try that place,” she says out loud to her empty car. So she parks outside the door, grabs her wallet, and strolls inside.

On the way in she is greeted by the friendly regulars seated on the outside patio with their stylish glasses of beer and white wine, so she opens the door, excited for what she may discover. As soon as she opens the door she is greeted by an attractive waiter, “Welcome to Aromas, what can I get for you today?”

“I’m not sure yet. I think I might just sit for a minute to decide.”

“Well let me know if you need any help,” he kindly replies.

She quickly glances around for a place to sit. There are plenty of choices: tables by the front window, the comfortable lounge next to the Christmas decorations, the tables in the middle of the building, and even seating at the bar toward the back. She meanders quietly over to the bar next to the gorgeous display of fine wines, enormous selection of beers, and striking dessert display and coffee menu.

“What in the world should I get? There are so many choices!” she thinks to herself.

“What’s your fancy, wine or beer? Or would you like some coffee or dessert instead?” one of Aromas’ seven employees asks her, noticing her apparent confusion.

“Wine. Red I think.” The woman behind the bar made some suggestions as to what kind of wine to get: Erath Pinot Noir, Grayback Merlot, Rosenblum Zinfandel... Katie chose one and enjoyed a phenomenal glass before making her way home.

Nestled in the Five Points intersection in Athens, GA, Aromas Premiere Wine Bar offers a greater selection of wine, beer, and scotch than any other bar in Athens, according to Jay Gaines, a regular visitor to the pristine establishment.

Much like Katie, I was overcome with the selection of different products offered by Aromas, but the friendly employees are hired based on their knowledge of the products they sell in order to help the customers to the best of their ability, says Heather Allister, the manager of Aromas.

Gaines spoke very highly of the desserts offered at Aromas. “I’ve gotten out of a lot of trouble with women because I brought home a slice of that cheese cake. It’s the best cheese cake in all of Athens-Clarke County!” Allister says the cheesecake is made locally.

Gaines also spoke highly of the wine and cheese pairings saying they are unlike any he has ever had before. “The great thing about the wine here is that you don’t have to buy a whole bottle; you can have just a few glasses and know that the people serving you will make sure it’s not spoiled or anything,” says Gaines.

Allister also said that Aromas is not a chain, but its owners, Sachin and Bush Patel, also own Five Points Bottle Shop. The clientele mainly consists of non-students, such as professors and professional men and women. The bar is very low-key and does not serve shots.

The ambiance is also elegant and understated. Gaines said that during the winter they have a little fake fireplace going and always decorate for the Holidays.

Allister mentioned that Aromas often has wine, beer, and scotch tastings that can be viewed on their online calendar.

There is a Chimay Tasting coming up on November 28, and starting in December, Aromas will have a jazz piano player and build-your-own-martini night on Wednesdays.

Gaines said that one of the best nights of his life was when he came to Aroma’s for a Scotch tasting. “They actually had someone from the distillery here to explain things about Scotch to us. I became much more knowledgeable about Scotch itself and actually found a type of Scotch I liked better than what I had thought was my favorite,” said Gaines.

Aromas is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sundays from 5 p.m. until midnight. says Allister. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and from midnight until 2 a.m.