Leigh’s TableTalk ~

 by Leigh Cort

Cellar6 Owners Craig Colee and Valerie Shubert

Cellar6 is the newest addition to St. Augustine, Florida’s nightspots – it’s a sensuous lounge to ‘wine down’ that is cool, intimate and relaxing. This refreshingly ‘hip’ sanctuary is tucked away on brick-paved Aviles Street, where the arched wooden entry to the narrow boulevard is named after the town of Aviles, Spain. Guests entering Cellar6 are immediately drawn to the dazzling yellow glass wine cellar - one tiered story above the bar and then to the synergy of the space that is eye-catching but not distracting.

Here a glass of extraordinary wine and great conversation is all that matters. With high ceilings, a wall of wine bottles and rich woody hues the color of vintage scotch, the stars at Cellar6 are the owners – Craig Colee and Valerie Shubert – both eye-candy themselves along with the wine!

“We makes our guests feel at home with 4-star service - while offering a broad selection of fine wines and clever light fare” states Colee. “We enjoy offering an impeccable first-class experience in which to meet friends or find a romantic evening spot”. A seasoned hospitality/restaurant entrepreneur, this former tennis pro is a native of St. Augustine and graduate of Flagler College. He designed and built most of the interior renovations himself, incorporating a feeling of the rich history surrounding the building and magical ancient street. 

“The Cellar6 wines are a global collection that we’re excited to pour, along with Wolfgang Puck coffees, beautiful hand-crafted desserts and familiar dishes prepared with surprising flair” according to Shubert. “We serve 46 distinctive wines by the glass nightly!” A Jacksonville native and beautiful mother of two, she, too spent years in the hospitality industry at upscale private resorts and clubs.  

At Cellar6, the wine, specialty hors d’ouevres and entrée prices are affordable, especially for high end presentations focused on smaller bites. One of my favorite wines isn’t just because it’s named Third Wife Chardonnay, but also because it’s memorably delicious at $8/glass.  When I’m in the mood for a tasty red, Layer Cake Shiraz is perfect at $12/glass.  

Evening appetites are easily satisfied, whether sharing a cheese plate presentation or indulging in ‘midnight munchies’ where one can luxuriate in a rich chocolate lava cake dessert. Two dishes that were recently served are two very popular desired delectables: Baked Brie, served with fresh raspberries, strawberries and sliced apple ($10.95) and Blackened Gorgonzola Burger, grilled to order served on a Kaiser roll and accompanied with herb-roasted red potatoes ($10.95).  

With a luminous seductive ambience, the vintage living room furnishings are rescued from the chic and legendary Palm Beach Breakers Hotel; the sofas share space with black tables surrounded by comfy barstools. Nightly, guests enjoy the smooth sounds of contemporary jazz, blues or country artists both live and in ‘surround sound’ on alternating evenings.  

Cellar6 captures the speakeasy era, making this a must-stop for anyone wishing to find updated-old-school St. Augustine. Recently a guest stated that the wine list read like a ‘steamy novel’ ~ this is a special place on earth where one can really leave their cares behind. 

Cellar6

#6 Aviles Street

St. Augustine, Florida 32084

(904) 827-9055

www.cellar6.net

Monday thru Saturday ~ 4:00pm till ‘late’

Closed Sunday

Complimentary Valet Parking