Grapes Wine Bar

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Wine Bar Born from Passion

Owner Patrick Bouculat has been part of Annapolis's wine scene since 2002, when he founded Wine Cellars of Annapolis. Nine years later, craving something "off the beaten path," he attached a wine bar to his shop — and Grapes was born. The idea was simple but ambitious: a place where the people of Annapolis could explore the world of wine and food together, without pretension and without compromise.

That vision has held up. Grapes Wine Bar & Restaurant has earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for ten consecutive years, been named a Top 5 restaurant in Annapolis by Annapolis Home Magazine, and taken home Best Charcuterie in Annapolis for both 2024 and 2025 from WhatsUp Magazine — which also recognized it for Best Wine Selection. These aren't one-off accolades; they reflect a consistent standard maintained year after year.

The Wine List

The beverage program is the heart of the operation, and it shows. Patrick's curated list spans Crémant de Limoux Rosé from France and Laurent-Perrier Champagne, through Sancerre and Burgundy, across to Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, and a 99-point-rated San Marzano Primitivo di Manduria from Puglia. The range is genuinely global — Albariño from Rias Baixas, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, Zinfandel from Mendocino — with selections backed by scores from Wine Enthusiast, James Suckling, and Decanter. Whether you're working through the wine board or leaning on Patrick's Picks, there's always something to discover.

Food to Match

The American and French-inflected menu is built to complement the wine, not compete with it. Chef specials rotate and reflect real seasonal thinking: Maple Leaf Duck Breast with vanilla parsnip purée, sautéed Brussels sprouts, and balsamic glaze; Watermelon Gazpacho with feta and mint; Churro Cheesecake with fresh strawberries. Friday lunch extends the experience into the afternoon, and monthly Saturday events give regulars a reason to keep coming back.

The Experience

Grapes sits at 1410 Forest Drive — a little removed from the tourist bustle of downtown Annapolis, which is exactly the point. It's a neighborhood destination that rewards those who seek it out: a wine shop and wine bar under one roof, with the kind of depth and care that only comes from someone who has been doing this for over two decades.