FIRST PEEK >>>

Tacomans have been enjoying vino and tasty treats at Cork! A Wine Bar on Sixth Avenue for more than three years. Mid 2009, it came under ownership of Nick Coughran. Be it wild hair, whimsy or well-thought plan at wine world domination, Coughran has opted for a change in venue for his vino. At what was to be a soft, under the radar, opening yesterday afternoon, fans of his and said gift of the grape piled in around 4 p.m. Announcing a soft opening on Facebook has a way of taking the softness out of it.

By 5 p.m., staffer Jennifer, fondly called "The Machete," was adding serious miles on her shoes keeping up with an early evening crowd anxious to take part in the complimentary wine tasting and hors d'œuvres, as well as see the new space.

Parkland resident Tony Koenig works downtown but ventured up the hill with co-workers for a retirement party at Cork! "I think it's just nice with the roll-up door and Jennifer said there'd be outside seating later, too". He refers to the wide sidewalk that looks on the ball field at Jason Lee Middle School from North State Street, Cork!'s new home.

Seated at one of 10 tables, Tim Norris enjoys a glass of red and comments on the turnout. "There's a lot of people that have come over from down the street. This is good." Norris has become a fan of Cork! and wine because of Coughran's enthusiasm of the grape. He loves to huddle around a glass and talk wine with the owner.

The layout and décor are comfortable and invite lingering and sampling. The tasting bar, a huge dark wood affair, is separated from the rest of the room by a railing as required by state liquor law. A cozy corner is occupied with stuffed leather chairs under an enormous painting of wine bottles. Raw beams, more dark wood and a color palette of rusted burgundy, chocolate brown and sandstone are kept airy by high ceiling and plenty of natural light pouring in many windows.

Besides wine, a handful of beers, hot tea, dry sodas and San Pellegrino are offered. Tapas menu consists of flatbreads, antipasti, charcuterie, bruschetta, and cheese plates.

Coughran brings the happy hour, entertainment, great tapas and chill vibe to the new location. A new wine list will be released within the next month.

Cork! A Wine Bar

4-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday
606 N. State St., Tacoma, 253.212.1492

LINK: Happy hours on right now