Commune

Part wine bar, part vinyl listening room. The wine list is run by Steven Grubbs, a James Beard Award-nominated sommelier who previously built programs at Empire State South. Grubbs essentially DJs wines, selecting bottles to match the evening's musical mood. Cool-climate Nebbiolo on moody jazz nights. Wild, funky frizzante rosato from small Italian producers when the garage rock is spinning. The list emphasizes low-intervention, biodynamic, and natural wines from small European producers.

Mediterranean-inspired small plates keep the food casual and affordable. A monthly Bread + Wine Club subscription lets you take curated bottles home. They host Lotus Eaters nights with zero-proof wines and cocktails for those who want the experience without the alcohol. The whole concept operates on the idea that wine and music are both about mood, and the right pairing of each elevates both.

Nobody else in Atlanta is pairing wine to vinyl in real time with a James Beard-nominated sommelier making the calls. Commune is a concept that should not work on paper and works completely in person. Go on a night when the music is something you love and let Grubbs pick the wine.