Sometimes, when you are looking for something to do on a weekend and you don’t feel like going to the movies, or going out to eat, or just getting stuck in front of the television again, there is a wonderful alternative in Downtown, Ocala! It is the Ocala Wine Experience. This little gem is a very unique place, indeed. Downstairs it is a wine shop where they sell every kind of wine imaginable as well as gourmet treats and their own beer, named for Ocala – The Horse’s Ass. But there is more, oh so much more to this place.

There is an upstairs, and that is where all the fun is on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Ocala Wine Experience has something very few places in Ocala have and that is a unique ambience. The minute we stepped in the upstairs bar, we felt very comfortable tucked away in a little corner, surrounded by strings of lights and bunches of grapes hanging from the ceiling! It is a great place to have date night, to bring a group of friends, or I would imagine go to hang out by yourself. The staff is wonderful and friendly so you would never feel alone! We were happy to spend some time talking about wines with James, Roger and Carol on the night we went. They were helpful and informative.

Since this place is named for wine, I started off with a Bridlewood California Syrah. I love Syrah and Shiraz – the dessert wines and this variety was one of the best I have ever had. It was delicious, peppery with a nice cherry finish. Roberto who still hadn’t gotten over that Guinness on tap was still craving it and went for a bottle of the foamy stuff. But wine and beer are not the only drinks available at Ocala Wine Experience – they also make a variety of in-house martini creations.

They do not have a liquor license, so they have become very creative in crafting these martinis using wines, like Japanese Sake - and they have become favorites for many customers! The Lemon Drop Martini looked beautiful and refreshing – it is made from Lemon Drop mix and Raspberry Sake. Great for one of those hot summer nights!

Besides all these great drinks, Ocala Wine Experience also offers European style snacks – things like gourmet cheese and salami plates, bruschetta and pizzas.

But they also have delicious ice cream confections. We had the Baci Truffle which was creamy, nutty hazelnut ice cream covered in hardened dark chocolate served with chocolate sauce and a sweet strawberry! It was delicious! They have several other varieties of this icy treat and I certainly plan to go back and try some more!

Then there is the entertainment. On Friday and Saturday nights they have live music which was fun and entertaining! So if you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary this weekend or maybe next, you should try the Ocala Wine Experience!

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