Vin-Cru, a brand new casual wine bar, is set to open in Merchant City next month. Spearheaded by friends and fellow musicians Colin Campbell and John Baillie Jnr – owners of The Hug and Pint and Dennistoun Bar-B-Que respectively – Vin-Cru will focus on natural, low-intervention and biodynamic wines alongside a collaborative menu presented by both kitchens. The name means ‘raw wine’ in French.
‘Natural’, ‘biodynamic’ and ‘low-intervention’ wines are made without the addition of chemicals, preservatives, added sugars or artificial yeasts.
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As Baillie explains: “Each wine is unique and lively, with bold flavours and made by producers who are passionate, independent and have to be sourced through a small, dedicated network.”
Having been introduced to natural wine by a friend while on tour in Berlin a few years ago, Baillie was hooked: “My pal was running a bar and sat me down and really opened up this world for me,” he explains.
“I’ve loved ‘conventional’ wine forever, but once you’ve been exposed to that soulfulness and depth of flavour, it’s difficult to go back. It’s all I’ve drank since!”
Campbell adds: “We both agreed that this would be a great addition to the city’s incredible bar scene and have been looking for the right location for a long time now. It’s exciting that we’re finally on the home stretch to making this happen.”
Discussing the collaboration between both venues, he offers a taste of what to expect from the new venture: “Both of our current venues share a similar ethos – to be relaxed and casual but with a real dedication to getting the little things right and powered by a friendly and passionate crew of folk. Vin-Cru will carry that forward into our enthusiasm for wine”.
As well as specialising in natural wines, Vin-Cru will also offer a selection of more conventional wine types, as well as a range of beer, cider and spirits.
Vin-Cru is set to open on 28th November and is currently looking for hardworking, friendly wine lovers to join the team. To apply, send a CV and short cover letter to vincruglasgow@gmail.com.
Vin-Cru will be at 60 Candleriggs, Merchant Square, G1 1LE.