If you love wine, have I got a place for you! My close friends and I usually have a monthly meet up at a different spot somewhere in the city. This past month we stumbled upon a new place in Mt. Lookout and it is definitely one to check out: Vinology, located at 3181 Linwood Avenue. WOW is an understatement! We happened to drop in to Vinology on one of their monthly “Wine Tasting Tuesdays” and suddenly our simple going-away dinner for a friend turned into an amazing wine experience.
With wines from all over the world, Vinology is the perfect place to discover different wines and expand your palate. From France, Italy, Australia, Africa, Asia and the Netherlands, you cannot go wrong with any of the vast array of selections from their wine cellar. One thing that makes Vinology extra special is that none of their wines can be found in any grocery wine section. My friends and I walked out of Vinology having bought at least 16 bottles of the best wine we’d ever tasted!
Michelle Nguyen: From Vietnam to Vinology
Vinology founder Michelle Nguyen is the inspiration and power behind the unique gathering experience that is Vinology. Originally from Vietnam, where wine culture was virtually nonexistent apart from rice wine used in cooking, Michelle Nguyen embarked on her wine journey during her final year of college spent in Paris, France.
Immersed in the rich wine culture of France, she discovered the integral role wine plays in French identity and daily life. With France being a global leader in wine production, Michelle was captivated by its extensive vineyards and storied wine history. After over two decades in the corporate world, Michelle decided to pursue her passion for wine and personal connections. She chose Cincinnati, attracted by its inviting atmosphere, to launch Vinology.
After my experience at Vinology with my friends, I was able to personally connect with Michelle to learn more about her story and why she choose Cincinnati to launch her vision. Here’s what she had to say.
How did it all start and how did you come up with the name?
It started because of my passion for wine culture that was ignited during the time I lived in Paris, France. After researching Cincinnati, I realized that the Mt. Lookout community needed to have a wine bar and bottle shop that would serve everyone from novices to expert wine collectors. They needed not only convenience but something that would give them a more diverse wine selection of boutique and small wine growers from around the world at approachable price ranges. The name comes from the word ‘vin’ which is French for wine and ‘ology’ which is the study of. It’s not an official word in the English dictionary but I think it will be added some day!
When did you know that you had an amazing concept?
When I was looking to purchase the property, I realized that Lookout Joe Coffee shop only utilizes the space for half the day. We were able to maximize the value of Mt. Lookout’s prime real estate by having a wine bar added for the evenings to serve the community. Mt. Lookout was also in need of a wine bottle shop and the space was readily available in the back of the building down the hall from the wine bar, so we were able to bring both a wine bar and a wine bottle shop to the residents.
Who are the makers and shakers on your team of Vinologists?
Our wine expert is David Schildknetch, a Mt. Lookout resident and a renowned American wine critic and journalist. Another maker and shaker is Deborah Barton, our EVP & GM who came from the Lytle Park Hotel and is in charge of the team of Vinologists that she handpicked herself from her loyal following.
Why Mt. Lookout vs any other location in the city? Do you plan to expand?
Mt. Lookout is the perfect first home for Vinology! Based on the amazing demographic of very diverse world travelers here, the city is ready for a rich wine culture. We bring wines from around the world to the people of Cincinnati right in Mt. Lookout Square. We plan to expand once the concept is researched, tested and embraced by the community.
You have wines from every continent of the world that are not sold in a regular grocery. Is there a best-selling region?
Still too early to paint a more comprehensive picture but, so far, the demand for boutique and diverse wines from small growers has been so impressive to see. Our customers are highly educated, very curious and inquisitive, avid world travelers who have been waiting for a wine shop where they can find wines that they enjoyed in other countries but not found anywhere else locally. We are so delighted and honored to be able to serve this need for our sophisticated and diverse community.
My friends and I came in not knowing about your Tuesday tastings. What other types of events can you host for?
We can customize many different events suited to your needs specifically – ranging from formal tasting classes with David in our Cincinnati Wine Academy to informal private events, either in our cellar or wine bar and/or the patio, weather permitting. We have been hosting many private events, including some up to 50-60 people this summer.
How can we connect with Vinology? What social platforms are you on?
We are on Instagram, Facebook, Google, Yelp, and our websites:
