The Nevada Sagebrush

Photo by Casey Durkin/Nevada Sagebrush

As if beckoning to those that pass, the dark hallway summons the feet to abandon the cold cement.
Turning only briefly towards the darkness, the entrance gives way to an artfully decorated room, its walls covered in wine corks and the floors coated in colorful tiles. Hanging from the ceiling is parchment, its edges stained with wine.

Hidden just beyond the Reno city center and nestled next to the river is Reno’s undiscovered treasure, Jungle Vino.

The sister of the coffee shop Java Jungle, Jungle Vino offers the same excellent service, but with a twist. It’s a bar.

Jungle Vino offers a wide variety of wines, beers, mixed drinks and enticing cheeses, pizzas and sandwiches.
However, it is the intimate atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back.

“There is one-on-one service,”customer Susan Bradley said. “The service is personal and they recognize my name.”

Bradley, who has been coming to Jungle Vino for several months, said she appreciates bartenders taking the time to get to know her.

“I feel very comfortable and they are knowledgeable and know what wines are in,”Bradley said. “They know the new shots and they are more up-to-date than many other places.”

Jungle Vino changes their wine menu one to two times each month, transitioning between seasons. With the start of fall, they are focusing on heavier, more full-bodied wines.

Customers can select from an excellent list of fall classics, each sure to satisfy even the choosiest of wine lovers.

Currently, they are featuring the Benessere Pinot Grigio, a soft, semi-dry wine with an excellent combination of peach, cherry and citrus. It is sweeter than most Pinots, but leaves a deliciously delicate finish on the palate.

They are also featuring the Santa Ema Reserve Merlot, a full-bodied Chilean wine with black fruit, smokey chocolate and a hint of vanilla.

Although not featured, the Almira Los Dos Grenache Syrah is a superb choice for fall.  The Grenache is a robust wine with a beautiful, velvety finish that is outstanding alone or paired with food.

If paired with food, the Grenache is best with Jungle Vino’s Dante cheese platter or the Jungle medley: a combination plate of cheese, Genoa salami, hearty nuts, stuffed olives, fresh fruit, gourmet crackers and a choice of cheese.

For those who are less comfortable with choosing the right wine, Joey Curtis, a bartender at Jungle Vino suggests a red.

“Merlots are good solid wines,”she said. “They are just something people come back to.”

For those who prefer beer, Jungle Vino has a selection that could rival many bars in Reno.

A favorite is the Baltika Extra Lager, brewed in Saint Petersburg, Russia. A semi-sweet malt beer, the Baltika is characterized by a deep golden color and bold oaky flavor.

In addition to an extensive wine and beer list, Jungle Vino also has specialty pizzas. With an uncharacteristic combination of toppings, customers can dress their pizzas with ingredients like artichoke hearts and peperoncinis. An excellent crust and fresh ingredients make their pizzas well worth a try.

An anomaly among Reno bars, Jungle Vino is an intimate setting with a laid-back crowd. The staff is friendly and the food is fresh.

“There is a sense of community,”bartender Rachelle Jacovelli said. “We keep it new and fresh, and we really care about our clientele.”

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