Grafted Wine Bar in Belleville

Do you ever happen upon a place so intriguing that you know you must stop? We were recently wandering around Belleville, Illinois and saw a cool house that beckoned us to take a closer look. I thought it was probably a private residence but was pleasantly pleased to see it was a wine bar and lounge called @graftedwinebar. The name is spot on knowing that the “vines are European in origin but have to be grafted or tied to the rootstock of American vine species.”

We were greeted at the door by Magda Gilpin, the owner, who welcomed us to the Italianate style mansion built in the 1850s and is considered one of the oldest buildings in St. Clair County. We were immediately charmed by the home as we walked from room to room that now houses this lovely wine bar.

We decided to sit in the screened in front porch and settled in for a remarkable experience. Magda assisted us with our wine and lunch selection. Big Guy got the brisket sandwich and I opted for the charcuterie board. It was the perfect afternoon on a cool September afternoon.