Birmingham’s Golden Age Wine Shop & Bar named James Beard Award Semifinalist

If you haven’t heard, three Birmingham area restaurants and chefs were named 2022 James Beard Semifinalists. Today we’re telling you all about the one nominated for the best wine program: Golden Age Wine. Keep reading to find out why this is a big deal.

James Beard Awards

Described as the “Oscars” of the food world, the James Beard Awards celebrates talented chefs and restaurants across the US. This isn’t the first time the Birmingham food scene has been recognized by James Beard. Check out some of the past winners:

• Highlands Bar & Grill—Outstanding Restaurant (2018)
• Dolester Miles, Highlands Bar & Grill—Outstanding Pastry Chef (2018)
• Hot and Hot Fish Club, Chef Chris Hastings—South Chef (2012)
• Bright Star in Bessemer — American Classic (2010
• Highlands Bar & Grill, Chef Frank Stitt—Best Chef: Southeast (2001)

“We’re extremely honored to be nominated for the wine program. It takes our whole team to run the show.”

Brandon Loper, Golden Age Wine co-founder + CEO

Who is Golden Age Wine?

“From the beginning, we’ve put a commitment on people, people that work here as well as people behind each bottle of wine.”

Brandon Loper, Golden Age Wine co-founder + CEO

When entering this mini oasis of a wine bar, you’re welcomed by light colors and a pleasant ambiance. You’ll also love that Golden Age Wine embraces the community. The furnishing is sourced from the community, from the Alabama red clay tiles hoisting the bar to the marble tables they found at a scrapyard.

Crackers, meats and cheeses are also sourced locally.

• Location: 2828 Culver Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 10AM-9PM | Friday-Saturday 10AM-10PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

The wines

At Golden Age Wine, you’ll find special, low intervention wines that you won’t be able to find at the grocery store. Essentially, these wines are organic or biodynamically farmed from native yeast fermentation.

Loper describes this fermentation process as the equivalent of making your own sourdough starter. The wines from Golden Age are made from unique microflora, producing risky and distinctive flavors.

“One of our goals is to really grow the Alabama wine scene and be seen as a place to try new things. So we like to find wine producers that aren’t currently here.”

Brandon Loper, Golden Age Wine co-founder + CEO

If you’re not sure what to pick, they feature 12 of their favorite wines they’re currently drinking. They’re seasonally appropriate and include most styles like whites, reds and bubblies.

Another reason why James Beard has nominated Golden Age Wine would be their special events. Check out their next wine tastings:

• On Tuesday, March 8 they’ll serve wines made by women for International Women’s Day
• Join them on March 17th, for the grand opening of their Champagne room

Once their Champagne room opens, it’ll be your new favorite night out extravaganza. The vibe in this room contrasts with the rest of the store—think a New York-style bar meant to be a secluded and elegant place to hang.

Do you agree with this nomination? Let us know @BhamNow.