Ashley Tanner and Gray Maddox have a deep love for Birmingham and the restaurants that make this city so unique. The engaged entrepreneurial couple have spent their respective years managing restaurants like Frank Stitt classics Bottega and Chez FonFon. Now the couple is taking a leap to open their own food and beverage concept, filling a niche they observed missing in the Magic City.
Yes, our fair city has an exciting variety of cocktail bars, breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants. But Tanner and Maddox saw that a convenient wine bar complete with retail shop had yet to make its mark on the downtown scene. Until December 27th, that is, when they first opened the doors of Aviné at 2225 2nd Avenue North.
"Downtown has become so walkable, and it’s nice to have a wine bar that people can visit," said Tanner. "We felt like there was a void, and we jumped on it. It’s been a long time coming, we’re excited to finally be able to open."
Aviné's shop is packed with a wide array of wines sold at retail prices. The quaint bar and restaurant are sure to make you want to stay and visit for a while. The bar includes some exquisite wines offerings with a heavy European/French influence, but also serves beer, cocktails, and liquor. Just as popular as the drinks is the incredible food menu. Items include delicious 3-meat, 5-meat and cheese plates. And while it’s great to dress up for a special occasion, this wine bar embraces patrons who want to keep it casual. Jeans are just as welcome as your Sunday best. Each night also features a magnum pour, with a giant bottle of featured wine available until the last drop has been enjoyed!
While they are excited to bring a much-needed new concept to downtown Birmingham, the couple is just as thrilled about the great variety of local flavor they have around them! Old friends at Lé Fresca, Bamboo on 2nd, and el barrio have become neighbors in a move that’s exciting for the entire downtown Birmingham Loft District.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing glass of wine before touring a nearby art gallery or planning to enjoy the night with someone special, Aviné is open from noon to midnight seven days a week to make it happen!
