Reinvented Cork Wine Bar Set To Pop Next Week

Ten-year-old Cork Wine Bar will alter its business model — and the tapestry of 14th Street NW — by moving and expanding into a nearby space on Thursday, November 9.

Co-owners Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts announced plans in September to vacate their standalone location at 1720 14th Street NW and move up the block, folding the neighborhood restaurant into the market and tasting room they also operate at 1805 14th Street NW. That building, which they own, has housed Cork Market and Tasting Room.

“Yes, it’s ultimately a business decision, but it’s one that we believe will lead to a greater combined vision — with the best of what Cork offers under one roof,” Gross said last month.

Added features include a new patio, private dining room, and first-time lunch service. The owners will also break into the winemaking business at the new location; The duo just tapped local expert Ryne Hazzard, a member of the Virginia Vineyards Association, to help work out production details.

Here’s what to expect once the dust settles:

• The new Cork Wine Bar and Market will have 60 seats. The ground-floor space has been expanded with the addition of a 25-seat casual eatery, 20-seat tasting bar (with a new Flight Club), and patio. There’s potential for private events, wine tastings and dinners, and classes.
• The food 411. Market chef Ian Morrison will prep a lineup of cheese, charcuterie, salads, sandwiches, and Cork’s famed fried chicken and avocado bruschetta. New to the menu is a weekly grilled cheese night and a kid-friendly menu. Executive chef Jason Schreuder will stay on board, pushing his seasonal fare throughout the space.
• More retail items. The market will up its assortment of to-go cheese and charcuterie options and old world European wines. “Our list focuses on traditionally made estate wines that are organic and biodynamic,” says Gross.
• Cork’s wine making debut. For the first time, wine will be made on-site from Virginia-grown grapes. Starting in 2018, one vintage of rosé will be made at Cork every year; it will be sold on draft in the market and restaurant. The giant District Winery in Navy Yard just became the first winemaking operation in D.C., with rose also as its first wine.
• The redesign team includes lots of local love. Eric Gronning of nearby Gronning Architects helmed the project, while handmade tile comes from neighbor Ann Sacks, wood floors from Floors on 14^th, glassware from HomeRule, and a patio garden will be designed with Amanda McClements of Salt and Sundry and Little Leaf.