Wine, charcuterie anyone? An intimate, upscale gathering spot to open in downtown Macon

An intimate upscale gathering spot is expected to open this spring in downtown Macon.

Philosophie Charcuterie and Wine Bar at 616 Poplar St. will focus on a top-notch wine selection and charcuterie boards while also offering a few small appetizers and dessert selections, said Kyle Tucker, general manager.

“Wine is fine by itself, but when you have something with it, it brings out all the other flavors,” Tucker said.

Besides, Tucker added, it’s a good idea to have food when having a couple of glasses of wine. Also, it’s hoped that the wine bar experience will be educational without being pretentious, he said.

Designed to attract professionals, especially women, the spot will offer a safe place to relax and unwind, he said.

The restaurant will include a long table in front of the large windows in the front of the building, which will provide a nice view of downtown while also ushering in lots of natural light.

Coming in the front door, a high bar will be on the left with tall chairs. Tables and chairs will fill up most of the space, with the wine bar capable of seating up to 45 people.

The temperature-controlled cellar, which also will be known as the bottle shop, is located in the left back corner and will offer wines, meats and cheeses, honey and jams to go — just about everything you might enjoy while relaxing inside but taking it home instead, Tucker said.

A small kitchen is the back of the restaurant designed for suitable food offerings that accompany the wine bar concept.

Attention to detail

Much attention has been given to details, from the plush soft high bar chairs to the self-leveling tables to keep them from tipping.

Tucker expects to locally source food offerings as much as possible while the interior rebuild has already taken advantage of skill sets of a variety of local business owners.

McKenzie Pino of Urban Nest Design designed the space.

“It will feel really open,” Tucker said.

At 33, Tucker has spent nearly half of his life in the restaurant industry. A familiar face, customers will likely recognize him most from the former Marco Ristorante Italiano on Forsyth Road and the former Roasted Cafe & Lounge in downtown Macon.

“It’s just what I enjoy doing,” Tucker said.

As work continues on the interior, folks have been stopping by to take a peek inside.

“Everybody seems like they’re really excited about the place,” Tucker said. “I’m really excited.”

Just exactly when the new downtown spot will open depends on a variety of factors, including final inspections.

“We want to open as quickly as we can,” Tucker said. “But we don’t want to be rushed.

“I want it — everything — to be as envisioned.”