Restaurateurs Ian and Eric Hilton, along with chef and partner Brendan L’Etoile, are opening Bar à Vin this week. The wine bar is located next to their restaurant Chez Billy Sud at 1035 31st St. NW in Georgetown.
"The wine bar is a beautiful complement to the French bistro next door," Sommelier Andrew Wooldridge tells Eater. "One of the big focuses at Chez Billy Sud is food wine and wine pairing, so [it] just seemed to make a lot of sense." The beverage list will focus on French wines while cocktails, beers, aperitifs and digestifs will round out the menu. A selection of charcuterie and cheeses will complement the drinks.
Wooldridge says the inspiration for the space, designed by Joe Reza, comes from the French countryside. The shiny copper bar is surrounded by the historic building's original brick walls and floors and table tops outfitted in dark stained wood. Chandeliers, a wood burning fireplace, and walls covered in embossed velvet add to the rustic atmosphere. They're still finalizing this week's opening, though Thursday is the most recent projection.
