InoVino, Italian Wine in Cole Valley

inoVino
108 Carl St., Cole Valley
Status: Opening tonight at 5 pm

The bustling intersection of Carl and Cole is getting a much-anticipated new addition in the form of inoVino, a neighborhood enoteca from owner Claudio Villani. Villani is the former wine director of Perbacco, so naturally there's a strong emphasis on Italian wines, as evidenced by the racks of bottles lining the walls. Villani is looking to specialize in Alpine and volcanic wines at affordable prices: they'll be available in 3- and 6-ounce pours, 12-ounce carafes and tasting flights.

As for food, Tablehopper scored a preliminary menu, which shows off a spread of bruschette with toppings like burrata and pesto, chickpeas and sea urchin, and anchovies and butter. Hamachi, tuna, sea urchin, and mackerel all feature on inoVino's crudo list, and a selection of salumi and patés is available individually or as a flight. An extensive cheese list will also be available, from mozzarella di bufala to pecorino and gorgonzola dolce.

The vibe is cozy, airy, and decidedly neighborhood-y. Metal accents, large windows and clean lines retain an open feel, although it's a small space: it only seats about 30 at a handful of tables and along the kitchen-facing marble bar. Five sidewalk tables are planned once permitting comes through, and a couple of large wooden communal tables might warm up the space soon. Hours will be from 4:30pm onwards every day except Monday, with lunch possibly en route eventually.

· A Sneak Peek at inoVino [Tablehopper]
· InoVino Coming to Hama-Ko Space [~ ESF ~]