“We want to share our knowledge, our passion and our love for wine with our favorite little city in the world,” said Alyssa and Jenifer Becker, the sisters who own Donna da Vine.
The wine bar and eatery, which opened in December, is named after their late mother Donna who passed her love for the grape onto her daughters. The duo grew up in Kensington, but now live nearby in Boerum Hill, so they have an insiders’ view of our “little city.”
“We specialize in small producers, not the kind of bottles you’d find in everyday retail shops,” said Alyssa, who spent years traveling the world and working in vineyards in Italy and Australia.
In the comfortable 45-seat room, tucked into the parlor floor of a 19th-century rowhouse on Atlantic Avenue, you can try 35 wines by the bottle and glass (they hope to increase that number to 50 soon). Each evening “Davine Flights” allow sippers to sample three tastes — there’s the “ABC: Anything but Chardonnay” or “Hail Me a Cab” — that show off the sisters’ favorite grapes three different ways, all of them bringing out the best qualities of each wine type.
To complement the wine, chef Kristyn Samok offers small, shareable plates.
“Everything — even the pickles — are house-made,” said Alyssa.
The “Davine tastes,” include artisanal cheeses, prosciutto and olives. “Davine bites” feature salads and several savory panini. For heartier appetites, there’s the “Quattro Fromaggi mac-n-cheese,” a lush mix of Gorgonzola, Pecorino Romano, Parmesan and Fontina. There are even port wines and “Da Vine chocolates” to savor.
Donna da Vine (378 Atlantic Ave. between Hoyt and Bond streets in Boerum Hill) accepts American Express, MasterCard and Visa. Dishes: $5-$11. The bar is open for drinks and small bites Tuesday through Sunday evenings and begins serving at noon on Sunday. Closed Monday. Check their Web site for the schedule of 90-minute introductory classes on wine. Subway: F to Bergen Street; 2, 3, 4, 5, N and R to Atlantic Avenue/Pacific Street. For information call (718) 643-2250 or visit www.donnadavine.com.
