Two thumbs up and many wine-glass emojis to Mad Crush Wine Bar’s approach to vino: “You don’t drink a bottle of wine, you share it.” With over 120 labels, most not offered at the LCBO, enjoyable accessibility to great wine in a relaxed, knowledge-friendly setting is the only goal of this new casual, yet refined destination now occupying former Bar Italia’s College Street space. The wine-paired menu, local and seasonal, is a bonus. Owned by oenophile-hospitality pros Andrew Carter and Jamieson Kerr of the now-gone Crush Wine Bar, The Oxley, The Queen and Beaver, and The Wickson Social, there are five certified sommeliers on staff who joyfully pour and educate.
Banquettes and booths, generous high-tops with teal seats, and a raw-bar kitchen occupy the main floor. There are several table options for group dining and tasting experiences, including the 10-seat marble-counter bar. Behind the bar, murals by a local artist run up either side of a two-storey mirror – it makes for a great visual from the 2nd-floor private dining area overlooking the main. The private space, lined with maps of wine regions around the world, is furnished with a handsome 26-seat Ontario walnut table. Events are customized, from multi-course wine-paired menus, family-style dining experiences and curated and themed tasting activities. Full main floor buyout is available for up to 90 guests.