Brix Wine Bar

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Wine Bar Built on Family and Expertise

Brix Wine Bar on South Main Avenue in Sioux Falls is the kind of place where the person pouring your glass actually knows what's in it. The bar is managed by Hank Freese, a Certified Sommelier credentialed through the Court of Master Sommeliers – Americas, whose guidance shapes an eclectic selection of domestic and international bottles drawn from a 1,000-bottle wine cellar on site. That depth of list earned Brix the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024 – a recognition that reflects genuine breadth and curation, not just volume.

The Tarabelsi Family's Intimate Corner

Behind Brix are Riccardo and Marybeth Tarabelsi, the family who also operate Maribella Ristorante, Trio Jazz Club, and R Wine Bar & Kitchen in Sioux Falls. Brix is the most intimate of their properties – designed, in their own words, as "a place to relax, learn, and savor." That warmth carries through in the table service and in the unique wine tasting experiences the bar offers, where guests can explore bottles at their own pace with knowledgeable guidance nearby.

Italian Food, Serious Wine

One of Brix's more distinctive offerings is access to the full Italian menu from sister restaurant Maribella Ristorante, meaning the wine-forward experience doesn't require sacrificing a proper meal. Italian cuisine and well-chosen wine are natural companions, and having that kitchen's menu available at the bar makes Brix a complete evening rather than just a stop along the way. Whether you're pairing a Barolo with something from the Maribella kitchen or working through a flight with Freese's input, the Italian culinary thread runs through the whole experience.

Wine Dinners and a Reason to Return

Beyond the standard evening service, Brix hosts dedicated wine dinners – structured events that go deeper into specific producers, regions, or themes. These experiences reflect the bar's broader ambition: not just to sell wine, but to build genuine understanding and appreciation among its guests. Outdoor seating adds another dimension when the South Dakota weather cooperates.