Tucson’s downtown and Fourth Avenue area have gained an urban European-style wine bar via REVEL Wine and Beer, 419 E. 9th St., just east of the Coronet.
While REVEL’s grand opening isn’t until January 14, it’s currently open to the public as it’s testing the waters.
The bar also offers wine-pairable bites such as cheese, charcuterie, and chocolate. Although the bites are fancy, the vibe is meant to be accessible.
“You can have fun and be loud,” said Todd Getzelman, who owns REVEL with his wife Celine Getzelman. “It’s not a stuffy wine bar.”
One wall features a prominent mural by Rebecca Grad, inspired by Parisian street art.
“It brings the pretentiousness of wine down and makes it more comfortable,” Getzelman said.
However, don’t mistake the down-to-earth vibe with a lack of knowledge. Todd was raised in winemakers in Paso Robles, California, while Celine’s wine background originated in Switzerland. Both are both certified sommeliers.
REVEL’s wines come from regions all over the world such as Rías Baixas, Sicily, Mendoza, Willamette Valley, and Savoie.
Wines by the glass range from $7 to $10, while bottles range from a bottle of La Fiera Pinot Grigio ($27) to Bollinger La Grande Année Brut 2005 ($160). Small pours of dessert wine range from $4 to $6.
The bar currently offers four beers: Weihenstephaner Original Lager ($6), La Chouffe Belgian Blonde ($8), Bitburger Pilsner ($5), and Mother Road Brewing Company Tower Station IPA ($5).
The kitchen is small, so food options are limited.
Small plates ($8) include a sample of either meats or cheeses. A butcher’s board ($16) includes meats, cheese, and other accompaniments such as nuts, fruits, and pickled vegetables. A chocolate board ($8) comes with port.
“The focus is really about complementing food,” Getzelman said. “Wine is the first priority.”
A back patio is in the works and should be available within a month.
REVEL Wine & Beer Bar is located at 419 E. 9th St. and is open 4 – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. – midnight Friday, noon – midnight Saturday, and noon – 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit reveltucson.com or keep up with REVEL on Facebook.
