Rioja! A Wine Bar

09/08/2026

Come say hi this week - we've got a sommelier hosting a tasting Wednesday, a w**emaker coming to visit to host a w**e tasting on Thursday and a really fun night with artist Alisha Wielfaert on Saturday. A little something for everyone, cheers!

09/04/2026

Next up in our Meet the Team series is our newest friend on the block, Scarlet. Scarlet's energy will leave you in a better mood than you walked in and we're so happy she found us. We'll let her take it from here --

I’m a server! I’ve only been at Rioja for a couple weeks, but I’ve been loving every second of it!

When I’m at home, my go-to glass is a typically rosé or moscato! 

A podcast I’ve really been into lately is W**e 101 by VinePair. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about w**e!

Something people are surprised to learn about me is that I graduated from the College of Charleston! Go Cougars!

When I’m not at Rioja, I’m either at the yoga studio, any local coffee shop, or at home listening to music

09/03/2026

Hey Friday - we see you!

Meet your new bodyguard. DAOU’s “Bodyguard” 2022 is a Paso Robles red blend built mostly from Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah, two grapes that rarely get top billing but absolutely deserve it. Deep garnet, big and bold, with dark fruit, baking spice, and a finish that lingers like it’s got your back. Come get yours before it ghosts the shelf. 💪🍇

08/28/2026

Have you met the team powering Rioja? This is a spotlight on one of the new and friendliest faces at Rioja --- Lana! We're amazed at Lana's ability to instantly remember every regular guest. Here's a bit about Lana -- be sure to say hi next time you're in for a glass.

What's your role at Rioja, and how long have you been part of the team?

I’m a server at Rioja, and I’ve been part of the team for about a month so far!

What do you do on your day off when you're not at Rioja?
Going on adventures outside or being active at the gym and helping others as a dietitian

Go-to bottle when you're not working — what's in your glass at home?
Lambrusco (a new favorite!)

Favorite pairing — w**e and food combo you'd put on a billboard?
Cabernet Sauvignon + Dark chocolate sea salt truffles

Pets! 
My family's cat, Scorpio, is an adventurous kitty who loves to snuggle and drools when he's happy. I've also fostered some kitties recently from the shelter!

08/27/2026

It's almost Friday --- prepare accordingly.

Sometimes you just need a classic. Justin Girardin’s 2023 Bourgogne Rouge is 100% Pinot Noir straight from Burgundy, France; the region that gave birth to this beautiful grape.

Light on its feet, silky, and endlessly food-friendly. Perfect for anyone who wants Burgundy in their glass without remortgaging the house. 🍒🇫🇷

08/24/2026

You can escape the back to school hustle with us anytime this week. We'll be waiting for you.

08/21/2026

Rioja team spotlight -- the team that remembers your name and favorite drink. Introducing Christian -- the legend who can do it all. Front of house pro and back of house ninja !

What's your role at Rioja, and how long have you been part of the team? 
My role at Rioja is both FOH/BOH! Wherever my help is needed for that shift :) I’ve been a part of the Rioja team since January 2026! 
Coffee order, or are you a tea person? 
My coffee order is a little basic haha just an iced americano w/ a splash of almond milk 
What's a show, movie, or podcast you're currently obsessed with? 
Right now I’ve been rewatching shameless! It’s so good, it’s one of my favorite shows. 
What's the first w**e you remember really loving? 
I remember really loving the Vice! First sip I immediately knew it was one of my favorites. 
If Rioja had a mascot, what would it be and why? 
It was definitely be some sort of “corkman”  I envision it has kinda lanky arms and big gloves as well, cartoonish for sure. I feel like it’s a cute way to incorporate not only the w**e, but to reference its packaging/storing process.

08/20/2026

Such a fun day with Brent from Brent R at the beautiful Rioja! A W**e Bar in Greensboro! So grateful for this amazing Mahjong community from all around the triad who came out to support our event today! 🥰 Special thanks to Christine B | American Mahjong Instructor for inviting me to collaborate with you! This community is awesome!

🫶🫶Let’s Mahj-On! Camel City Mahjong Jennifer Laiprasert Kim Mary Ingram just to name a few!😘

08/17/2026

08/13/2026

Frugal Friday Feature Alert --
Kalawashaq' Lagrein — Tara Gomez's label, named for the Chumash village her ancestors are from. She's the first recognized Native American w**emaker in the U.S., and this bottle is proof she didn't get that title for nothing.
Lagrein is a nearly-extinct Italian grape (Alto Adige) that Tara's growing in Santa Barbara County instead — deep color, violet and black cherry, structure like a Cabernet with better manners. Almost nobody in the Southeast is pouring this.
One glass, come find out why. 🍷