South American Wine Cafe, Vinos Finos y Picadas, Opens in Lafayette Village Shopping Center

RALEIGH, NC, April 13, 2011 (Press-News.org) Vinos Finos y Picadas, a South American wine cafe, has opened its doors in Lafayette Village Shopping Center—located on the corner of Falls of Neuse Road and Honeycutt Road in Raleigh. The cafe opened its doors in January under the proprietorship of Patrick West.

West has spent almost half his life in North Carolina, starting with undergraduate school. West's love of wine began when a coworker invited him to a dinner party featuring an "Argentine BBQ", with grass-feed, Argentine beef short ribs, chorizos, and Vasio (similar to skirt steak)—all served with a wonderful herbal mixture called chimichurri and bread. The meal was complemented with a bottle of Malbec from Argentina. West said that it was with this wine that he discovered the two loves of his life: his co-worker (who became his wife) and the world of elegant wines.

"My father told me that when a man marries, he not only marries his bride, but her family as well," says West. "The latino culture is centered on food, wine, friends, and extended family. Every meal was a party with many people in attendance. While eating one meal, they were already busy planning for the next."

As his passion for fine wines continued to develop over the next 25 years, West saw a different lifestyle that he enthusiastically embraced. After 32 years in the healthcare industry, he decided to leave the corporate world and establish Vinos Finos y Picadas—a venue to reflect his love and passion for South American culture.

Vinos Finos y Picadas offers patrons a variety of wines from around the world—specializing in wines from South America, specifically Argentina and Chile. Small plates, or "picadas", are also available on large cutting boards laden with a variety of hard and soft salamis, stuffed olives, prosciutto hams, a variety of cheeses, artisan breads, spreads, empanada turnovers, dried and fresh fruit, nuts, and chocolate. The cafe is designed for intimacy with soft leather chairs arranged in sets of two for couples. Two large Pennsylvania flagstone patios are also available for outdoor dining.

"When laying out our cafe, I wanted to recreate the same feeling that I get whenever I visit my extended family," says West. "With the rich decor, soft music in the background, and comfortable seating, I want our guests to feel like family who are simply stopping by for some casual conversation and something to drink and eat. Everyone who walks through our doors is family, and I hope guests feel that sense comfort and warmth when they visit us."

Vinos Finos y Picadas is open from 12:00PM to 10:00PM on Sunday through Thursday and from 12:00PM to 1:00AM on Friday and Saturday. The cafe offers free wine tastings on Tuesdays from 5:30PM to 7:00PM and features live entertainment on the weekends. All wine sold in their store is available for purchase. For more information, visit http://www.vinosfinosypicadas.com or call (919) 747-9233.

About Vinos Finos y Picadas
Vinos Finos y Picadas brings North Raleigh and the Triangle region a wine cafe with ambiance galore that will provide a cultural exchange that focuses on excellent service and side dishes that are complementary to the wines served. We want our patrons to learn about the world of wine and encourage a "hands on the stem" experience of exploring and tasting wines in a relaxing environment that allows for great conversation. Vinos Finos y Picadas invites you to come for the wine and stay for the experience. For more information, visit http://www.vinosfinosypicadas.com or call (919) 747-9233.

Press Contact:
Louise Cottrell
FireBrand Marketing, Inc.
(919) 302-9010
louisec@firebrandmarketing.com