Cheating with Charleston’s hottest new sommelier.

Thirty days of Keto and 9 pounds down, it was time for some action and wine was the main attraction.  Social media was bubbling about a new wine bar in North Central, a neighborhood in the upper peninsula of Charleston.  Graft Wine Shop and Wine bar is located in a small group of shops, tucked away off upper King Street.  This is an area where upper middle class meets inner city.  A transitional neighborhood that has exploded with upscale eateries, breweries, and local boutiques. 

Graft Wine Shop and Wine Bar opened in March 2018, pioneered by 2 previous employees of the infamous Charleston Grill, and a huge hit on the peninsula.  The mix of past and present are brilliantly blended.   The décor is modern with an industrial, big city swagger.   Record albums line the upper display shelves, taking you back to another place in time, when music was thready and skipped on a turn table.   Covers from LL Cool J to Bruce Springsteen brought great conversation while trying to decide from the large selection of domestic and imported wines.

Fortunately, we arrived before anyone else on a Wednesday evening. Femi Oyediran, part owner and sommelier, greeted us with a smile and a thank you for coming.  After a brief exchange of our likes, he recommended a French Pinot that was delightful.   Femi Oyediran was included in Wine Enthusiast 40 under 40, a list of the top 40 alcohol aficionados of 2018 under the age of 40.  I suggest if he recommends it, you should try it.

Graft’s main focus is wine, but they offer a few snacks.  My indulgent treat, Mom’s Pimento Cheese, a mix of sharp cheddar, hint of mayo, and a sprinkle of paprika to give it just a touch of smoky flavor.  Served with corn chips, it is the epitome of southern snacks.

Amidst a food and beverage scene that changes as quick as the weather in Charleston, Graft brings the basic fundamentals of success to the table.  Outstanding customer service, knowledge to deliver a product to make the customer happy, and a welcoming spirit will keep patrons coming back to this diamond in the rough.