Thirsty AF: The Sparrow Wine Bar

Hello, members. I gave myself a nice break to enjoy a California vacation and new spots around Knoxville as well. I’m finally back into the groove, and now suddenly everyone’s talking about football scores and pumpkin spice when I left off discussing great patio spots and frozen cocktails. Although we all know that Tennessee autumns have a good mix of heat waves and cold snaps, I suppose it’s time I turn my attention to cozy-weather spots. Technically I love a glass of red wine any day of the year, but I know many people are just now switching from lighter whites to reds, wanting a big, juicy Cab or Syrah - something with body and spice. It’s got me thinking about where I like to drink my wine.

This post is a convergence of red wine and vacation. I know many of us are very central to Knoxville, so somewhere like Farragut can seem like an excursion, and that’s kind of my point right now. Each time I go out to Farragut, or really anywhere west of Cedar Bluff, I feel like I’ve taken a little vacation. Nothing is familiar. Here enters a little spot in Farragut called The Sparrow Wine Bar. The interior is whimsical and dark. Near the entrance is a typewriter where I could imagine I am typing this blog right now (rather than the laundromat I’m currently in). You’ll of course see all the usual suspects here, Farragut housewives, who actually make for interesting people watching. The Sparrow is connected to Euphoric Cheese Shop. If the housewives don’t capture your attention, you can always go look at the specialty cheeses and even bring some back over with you. I am a fan because they have vegan cheeses, specifically a brand out of Asheville, and we all know Asheville businesses need help right now also. I would suggest starting with a glass of bubbles and walking over to select a cheese. Bubbles like Champagne are great for getting your taste buds going. Yes, this also makes for a delightful date night, and friends should go on friend dates more often. Treat yourself and your besties.

Whether you decide to get cheese or not, The Sparrow has some food and dessert items if you need a little snack with your drinks. For my second glass, I would of course go with a red wine. Last time I chose a California Merlot, which is basically the phase I’m in right now. Merlots, Zinfandels, and Chiantis are all I want to drink at the moment. Luckily The Sparrow offers half-priced glasses of select wines Tuesday through Saturday. Honestly, this is the best way to try a new wine. I was able to try a Port for the first time, and a Port is so rich, sweet, and heavy that a taste is really all I would have wanted. By the way, you can check their website for a list of wine flights currently being offered, but they also have cheese flights, and I know several cheese fiends who would want their little paws on assorted cheeses. Speaking of paws, The Sparrow’s patio is dog friendly, even offering a “bark-cuterie” board for the pupper in your life.

I will lament that their by-the-glass (BTG) selection is limited, so if there is something specific you’re really wanting to have, check their menu online first to see if it’s even offered BTG rather than a whole bottle. For example, their selection of bubbles BTG is pretty sparse, but that logistically makes sense as the bubbles dissipate once a bottle is opened. I can definitely see this spot being great for a group of three to five queens, and as we learned at Pride, we can all be queens! Even our sober queens have something to enjoy here: They make lattes and mocktails. Let me know if you make it out there. I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments.