Enoteca on the High Plains
Vin Classic Wines, a wine-and-food boutique in the Shops at Legacy in Plano, Texas, opened quietly six weeks ago. They have polished the edges and are ready for their grand opening, which is underway now.
After many months of construction and fine-tuning, this new-concept store is a dream come true for owner Tony Bandiera and wine guru John Rector.
Allen Brothers aged prime beef, the kind you get at top-of-the-line steakhouses, rests alongside specially matured Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses. But wine is the main draw at Vin Classic. The good thing about the wine selection is this: You can find out-of-the-ordinary wines but you won’t have to take out a 2nd mortgage to acquire them. Vin Classics is meant to be a lively and exciting wine-buying experience, but Bandiera wants you to participate often and regularly.
The place has the feel of a Tuscan enoteca with a hint of French chateau, as if Catherine de Medici had designed the place herself. It’s an easy place to navigate, with espresso bar, wines to sample, flat screen videos of the wine country, and a relaxed but sophisticated environment. Wine tastings and classes will be regularly scheduled, so if you are new to wine, you can learn without feeling intimidated. It’s all about friendly and casual with intelligent style.
Vin Classic has wine experts top to bottom, starting with store director Darrell Gibson, who graduated with honors from the 
Culinary Institute of America. Also on board is local wine maven Mark Roberts, who holds a Certified Specialist in Wine accreditation from the Society of Wine Educators. Staffer Rafaella Anderson, a native of Friuli in Italy, can steer you to the finer Italian selections so beloved by Bandiera and company.
At Vin Classic you can find the perfect bottle to go with the perfect steak.
So strap on your tolltag and crank up your Maserati. The espresso machine is hot and ready.
Vin Classic Wines is at 5717 Legacy Drive Suite 120 (north side of street), in The Shops at Legacy, Plano; 469-241-8800. Hours of Operation: 10am - 9pm Monday thru Saturday; Noon - 6pm Sunday
