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| - I had a hard time believing the small space tucked around the corner at Atherton could be a great wine shop and a nice place to enjoy a glass, but I'll admit it - I was wrong. The Vin Master, with bottles on one side and couches and tables on the other, caters to both shoppers and guests in search of drink, and does both very well.
Post Christmas shopping and Mellow Mushroom snackage at the Boulevard, we were the latter and made our way all the way to the back to a small bar set-up with a chalkboard of available glass offerings. There is a tasting option (I believe it was taste any 2 for $6 or 3 for $8), along with a very thorough and informative intro to accompany each (he was mid-spiel as we arrived), but the prosecco was calling my name. The couches were super comfy, the dogs scurrying around were adorable, and we were checked on as often as he could with the growing crowd. There was no issue with patrons bringing in food from the food trucks outside (which in a part of town that is pushing so hard for it to thrive it shouldn't be that oddly refreshing) and everyone was enjoying themselves. The only snag was as we were attempting to close out there was a little lag as we were being juggled amongst the other patrons who needed something. No biggie, of course, since it is a small shop and I'm not expecting someone to employee too many extras for the chance it'll get busy like it happened to that evening, but on nights like a Chow Down you can expect to wait.
The prices were reasonable (and a yelp check-in deal is always nice) and I look forward to returning to enjoy another glass and also shop, and many of the wines were very affordable and some were even broken down into pairing suggestions - so if you know what you're making for dinner but don't know what to serve with it - viola! the Vin Master has you covered, and although I'm sure he'd rather aid you with your purchase, you could easily navigate yourself to a good wine without help.
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