Benoit’s Wine Bar now open

Wine bar proprietor Benoit Doucet (right) poses with two of his staff, Luke Sedgewick and Rayni Motiuk after opening to the public on Saturday. David F. Rooney photo

After months of anticipation Benoit’s Wine Bar opened to the public on Saturday afternoon, offering its customers a selection of 20 fine wines and a soothing and relaxed environment in which to enjoy them.

“I’m very happy to be open at last,” said proprietor Benoit Doucet.

It was a close run thing. City Council initially refused to endorse his application for a liquor licence in March 2010, however, intense public pressure in favour of the wine bar convinced Councillors to reconsider their decision.

Since then Doucet and his partner Kayle Robson have spent the past year renovating the commercial space they had purchased on Second Street East. The interior of the wine bar, which seats 54 people, is comfortable and relaxing. Doucet is offering 11 fine red wines, eight whites and one rose in a civilized and sophisticated atmosphere.

Benoit’s Wine Bar is open 3 pm until midnight Sunday to Friday and 3 pm until 1 am on Saturdays..