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Washington, D.C. has become a hot spot for many great experiences. An international city to boot, people from all over the world descend upon the D.C. area to enjoy many of its cultural attractions from museums, galleries, theater, fine dining, sporting activities and most importantly, wine. Recently, there has been a surge in wine bars openings in the D.C. area ranging from large to small, pretentious to casual. Among a few are: District Winery, Vinoteca, City Winery, Eno, Flight, Barcelona, Cork and Primrose. Each of these is noted for offering some
pretty good wines. Having been to all of them, each has its unique flavor and atmosphere in which to have a great time with friends over a glass or a bottle of wine. One thing I have come to realize is wine is a personal experience for everyone. And when it comes down to how you want to enjoy your wine, it’s a very subjective experience. Some want the pretentiousness that comes with fine dining while others want a more casual interaction. For me it varies based on what is actually going on at the moment. But one wine bar in particular that has become my “go-to” spot for engaging in some consistent, great wine tasting and conversation is Brent Kroll’s Maxwell Park, D.C.
On a cold winter’s evening in Washington, D.C., February 12, 2019, the weather outside is frightful, but the wine is sooooo delightful! After a long day of meetings, I decided to go where everybody knows me. Maxwell Park is a cozy wine bar in the Shaw neighborhood of D.C., which offers impressive wines from all over the world. The wine list changes often so as to give patrons a varied experience in wine offerings. On this particular evening, I wanted a consistent experience where I knew I would enjoy myself and meet some interesting people in the process.
Brent Kroll, Proprietor and head sommelier of Maxwell Park, D.C. runs a friendly, personalized and energized
wine bar for both novices and more sophisticated oenophiles. On this particular cold, winter evening, I was greeted by the staff as I walked through the door and immediately spotted my seat where I would engage in some impressive wine tasting. After I took my seat, like clockwork, I was offered an aperitif to cleanse my palate. I usually don’t drink the aperitif, but on this particular evening, I decided to taste it and I was pleasantly surprised by it’s clean finish. An aperitif is not wine, but unlike a full cocktail, it’s typically an alcoholic drink normally served before a meal. Afterwards, I began to look at the wine menu. At the same time, I notice Brent has emerged from his office to survey the bar and begins to make rounds to speak to his patrons. I have noticed that Brent doesn’t meet a stranger. But wait! These people are not strangers. They are local neighborhood folks, people in town on business or people in town visiting friends. These people are just like me. And we all have one thing in common - wanting to have a great glass of wine and make it an experience while getting to know other people.
The folks at Maxwell Park don’t forget faces or names. Unlike other wine bars where you’re more than likely just a sale that adds to the bottom line, Maxwell Park personalizes your wine experience. You are greeted upon entry into the bar, the bartenders make eye contact with you and smile, and the staff actually engages in conversation with you as if they are really interested in who you are. After my first two visits to Maxwell Park, it didn’t take long for me to recognize Brent’s business model – treat everyone important regardless of color, status, creed and personal beliefs. But the more I thought about it, maybe I was thinking too hard. I don’t believe it’s Brent’s business model. I have come to learn that it’s just who Brent Kroll is as a person. He offers an environment where people can come inside, and without pretense, have a great time and enjoy a remarkable wine experience.
As I finish surveying the room at Maxwell Park, I looked up and Brent has approached me and it’s like we picked up where we left off during my last visit to his wine bar. He not only remembers my name, but he remembers the spot where I usually sit (at the window facing the street). This was very impressive because having been to Maxwell Park on numerous occasions there are hundreds of people who visit on the average Friday night. Brent offered me a glass or two of his new stock, which I thoroughly enjoyed. To me, this is what separates typical wine bars from great wine bars.
I ultimately spent two hours at Maxwell Park surveying the crowd and getting to know folks who love wine. I always meet some very interesting folks here. What better way to spend the end of a long workday? At the end of the day, we all want to go where everyone knows your name. And Maxwell Park, D.C. is that place!
Drink responsibly and in good health!