‘A little bit of California to Warner Robins.’ Catch the vision for this new wine bar
Ebony Lewis wants to bring “a little bit of California to Warner Robins.”
With the help of her husband, Marc, she’s opening La’Vino Wine Bar in the fall at 106 South Kimberly Road just off Russell Parkway.
Right now, they’re transforming the building that will house the wine bar to include a wine cellar, private room and patio in the back with a privacy fence.
Retiring in October from the Air Force Reserve at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington D.C., Lewis developed a passion for wine while earlier stationed at Los Angeles Air Force Base in California.
Ironically, the assignment in California was one this Miami native didn’t want because it took her so far away from her mom back in Florida.
From casual to connoisseur
As Lewis began to embrace the state known for its Napa Valley and other wines, she began to enjoy wine bars and trips to vineyards.
Lewis also began to get serious about wines, moving from a casual wine drinker to a wine connoisseur.
With La’Vino Wine Bar, she wants to give her customers that same experience.
“A lot of people don’t know a lot about wine, so this will be a place where they can learn,” Lewis said.
To that end, Lewis plans to offer 1-½ hour wine tasting for $20 at 8 p.m. Friday nights with Taurean Lennon, founder and CEO of The Urban Wine Room. Wines sampled from the tasting will be available for purchase.
In addition to sharing her love of wine with others, Lewis said she wants to create an intimate space where people can relax over a glass of wine and socialize.
Lewis plans to paint the front door yellow in honor of her late mother , Alfreda McIntosh, who died in May. Yellow is a happy color for Lewis and yellow makes her think of sunflowers. Her mom loved sunflowers.
Step inside through the main door where Lewis envisions a small bar with tables and chairs in the main space.
Lewis plans to add wallpaper with love written in all different languages.
Customers can enjoy wine by the glass, or purchase a bottle that can be recorked and taken home. They can also simply stop in to buy a bottle of wine to take with them.
Step outside the back door where Lewis envisions a patio with tables and chairs. She plans to add a pergola and later picnic tables in the grassy area.
A few patio tables will also grace the front of the wine bar. Parking will be in front and on the right side of the wine bar.
At least once a month, Lewis plans to offer live entertainment of varied genres from country to jazz.
Opening plans
Via a pre-opening, ticketed event Sep. 30, La’Vino Wine Bar is offering a Fort Valley State University homecoming mixer with live entertainment featuring singer-song writer Jarrod White.
Lewis also expects to offer a sneak peek of the wine bar to the general public in late September, with plans to fully open in October.
Her husband, who’s active duty at Robins Air Force, expects to help out wherever needed.
“I’m supporting her. I work for her,” he said with a smile.
The couple, who celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary Sept. 2, have five children between them with their youngest living at home.
They met at LongHorn Steakhouse in Warner Robins when she was in town for work. In addition to serving in the Air Force Reserve, Lewis also has a civilian job at RAFB — a post she’s held for about two years. They make their home in Warner Robins.
Lewis hopes that one of their daughters, who’s just starting college, may eventually join her in the business.
The name for the wine bar came from consultation with her besties, which includes her sister-in-law.
Hours will be 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10:30 p.m. on Friday and 2-9 p.m. on Saturday. The number is 478-551-4850.
