This Pendleton wine bar was named one of the best in the world by Food & Wine. Here's why

Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
Sommelier Kevin Hart opened the first Hart & Cru brick-and-mortar location in the historic Pendelton neighborhood in 2021.
Sommelier Kevin Hart opened the first Hart & Cru brick-and-mortar location in the historic Pendelton neighborhood in 2021.

A Cincinnati wine bar is one of the best in the world, according to Food & Wine.

The culinary magazine recently asked four sommeliers what makes an exceptional wine bar. The wine experts then created a list of the 16 best spots in the world, including one local establishment: Hart & Cru.

Hart & Cru, located at 1206 Broadway St. in Pendleton, is the only wine bar in Ohio and the Midwest to make the list.

According to the sommeliers, the top wine bars featured on the list have met the following criteria:

  • A wine list with a strong point of view that features an interesting, well-curated selection.

  • Cozy ambiance and approachable hospitality, with a knowledgable, talented, and welcoming team.

  • Food menu that pairs well with the wine selection.

Other wine bars recognized by Food & Wine

Here's a look at the other wine bars that made the list.

  • Dedalus (Burlington, Vermont).

  • Esters (Santa Monica, California).

  • Tipping House (Charleston, South Carolina).

  • Obelix (Chicago).

  • Compagnie des Vine Surnaturels (New York City).

  • Four Horsemen (New York City).

  • Parcelle (New York City).

  • Libertine (New York City).

  • Bar Vinazo (Brooklyn, New York).

  • & Sons Ham Bar (Brooklyn, New York).

  • Vin Mon Lapin (Montreal, Canada).

  • Noble Rot (London).

  • Cantine Isola (Milan, Italy).

  • Le Volpe e l'Uva (Florence, Italy).

  • Loup (Mexico City, Mexico).

More about Hart & Cru

Hart & Cru owner Kevin Hart started in the industry at Boca, where he worked for seven years, eventually becoming a sommelier and general manager. He also worked as a sommelier at Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel's former four-star French restaurant, Pigall's, before opening Grow Wine Craft, an importing and distributing company.

In 2015, he founded Hart & Cru, providing concierge services such as bottle selection and delivery, monthly wine clubs, in-person and virtual tasting, private events and cellar management to private clients. Due to the growing success and demand of the business, Hart decided to open the first Hart & Cru brick-and-mortar location in the historic Pendelton neighborhood in 2021.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Food & Wine: Hart & Cru in Cincinnati among world's best wine bars