TOP SHELF SERVICE

As Nashville’s restaurant landscape seems to be peaking, the city’s wine scene is just starting to take off. We now have a collection of up-and-coming sommeliers and wine directors serving up a more diverse set of wine lists, and seeking out small, dynamic producers to lure to Nashville. Meanwhile, a handful of excellent wine shops are ramping up their work to do the same. Add to that a few talented local winemakers, and a plethora of charity events offering more ways to explore what’s in the glass, and it’s clear that the latest vintage of Nashville’s wine scene is ready to pop.

WINE PROS TO WATCH

FROM SELF-TAUGHT SUPERSTARS, TO CERTIFIED SOMMELIERS —AND EVEN A CHAMPAGNE-OBSESSED CHEF—THESE ARE THE WINE DIRECTORS TO TURN TO WHEN YOU’RE EATING OUT. —ERIN BYERS MURRAY

ALLIE POINDEXTER / HENRIETTA RED

Allie Poindexter has had a lifelong love affair with food and drink. She’s worked in food advocacy; spent time in the food publishing industry; and studied world history with a focus in food studies. With a Level Two sommelier certification, she’s bringing a new level of expertise to Henrietta Red’s wine list. (henriettared.com)

NL: Describe your wine list.

AP: Menu-driven, ever-changing, playful, thoughtful

NL: How many bottles are on the list?

AP: 63

NL: How many by the glass options?

AP: 14

NL: What types of wines do you personally gravitate toward?

AP: I love all types of wine, but more times than not, I gravitate toward small production, subtle, food-friendly bottles. Right now, I’m drinking a ton of sparkling rosé.

NL: Any varietals or bottles that stand out as top sellers?

AP: The Brand Weissburgunder that we offer by the glass is one of our top sellers, along with the Roger d’Anoia cava that we sell for happy hour. Both are versatile, food-friendly wines that pair with a wide range of dishes on our menu.

NL: What’s the best deal on your list right now?

AP: We are selling the 2017 Gut Oggau Emmeram Gewurztraminer for $18 by the glass. Usually we only sell it by the bottle for a lot more!

VIVEK SURTI / TAILOR NASHVILLE

Once the chef of a pop-up dinner series, Vivek Surti now has his own space with Tailor Nashville in Germantown, where his South Asian American cuisine reflects his heritage of being a first generation American of Indian descent. Before jumping into the restaurant world, Surti spent three years working with the Nashville Wine Auction, where he was able to interact