Sitting as it does right on the waterfront, the ambience is quite calming and pleasant. Clusters of grape lights hang from the ceiling, and the 10-seat bar is of highly polished pecan hardwood. Other tables in the tap room are constructed from old wine barrels. Outdoor patio seating is also available, open to the freshwater breezes. The overall atmosphere is rather quiet and reserved, befitting the wine side of the business.
Beers are listed on a chalkboard, while the wine list contains about a dozen house-made wines. Fruit wines are prevalent here, and made without sulfides, making them sweeter but also giving them a shorter shelf life. Pints are uniformly $5, while the wines vary in price.
The menu is not extensive but contains plenty to snack on. The favorites are the Dirty Martini Turkey Sliders, stuffed with olives and jalapenos, and Johnsonville Baby Beer Brats on a mini bun. Owner Patrick is often on hand to man the grill himself. Dried fruits, cheeses, and crackers are also offered.
On the day we visited, the annual “Float Down” was taking place on the river outside – hundreds of rafts and tubes just floating down the St. Clair, careful, of course, to not tread into the dangerous international waters! We had the opportunity to speak at length with Emil, who was happy to describe his beers and brewing process. Overall, Vinomondo has the definite feel of a wine tasting room, but the beer stands up quite well. Let’s hope that Vinomondo continues to convince the Port Huron faithful of the glories of the craft beer experience.
