Summer is in full swing, and Grand Old House is back with a renewed sense of purpose and a host of exciting new attractions for lovers of fine wine and food. Top of the list is Nino’s, our brand new wine bar and retail outlet.
Grand Old House’s new wine room, is a part wine-tasting experience, part restaurant, and part retail outlet, where wine lovers can sample more than 500 fine wines before buying by the glass or bottle, where you can sit and share your purchases with friends at a Nino’s table, with or without a meal, or take your bottles home to enjoy at your leisure.
Regular wine tastings, special events, and thoroughly knowledgeable staff ensure that Grand Cayman’s wine lovers now have this unique opportunity to sample and learn about wines from an expert while purchasing at retail prices. Nino Talks Vino is a brand new series of talks by our famed sommelier Nino in this eponymous wine bar and retail shop, which is located in the air-conditioned indoor and outdoor areas of our 112-year-old former plantation house.
Weekly wine tasting is held in a casual and or seated style, allowing aficionados to try different wines while Nino provides a great talk full of information and facts in a comfortable, contemporary setting with old wine cases incorporated into the tables and other subtle nods to the bar’s purpose and theme.
August 4 sees Nino conducting a blind tasting of four specially chosen Chardonnays from our selection of over 500 fine wines in the Grand Old House cellars that are available for retail sale through Nino’s. Blind tasting is both fun and informative thanks to sommelier Nino’s extensive knowledge and understanding of wines and what works well in our Caribbean setting and with the unique taste of Grand Old House’s Cayman Islands cuisine. This event is just CI$25 per person and represents great value and the opportunity to appreciate and learn about some excellent wines.
On August 12 it’s a Supertuscan tasting session, hosted by either Nino or Luciano and showcasing five stellar examples from central Italy’s famous Tuscany region: Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, 1994; Ornellaia, 2014; Antinori, Tignanello, 1995; Tua Rita, Giusto di Notri, Rosso Toscana, 2001; and Fontodi, Flaccianello della Pieve, 1997. This is a sit-down wine tasting, with each wine paired with different tapas. The session begins at 5:30 pm and is priced at CI$115 per head. Seating is limited, so bookings are essential.
The official start of the weekend at Nino’s is Friday Happy Hour. Between 5 pm and 7:30 pm, drinks at Nino’s are specially priced at just CI$5, $6, $7 or $8. It is a perfect opportunity to indulge in a single glass or an entire bottle and pair it with sumptuous tapas and tasty bites.
On Saturdays, it’s time to relax in style with Nino’s Saturday Special. It’s a new regular favorite and takes place every Saturday from 3 pm onwards. On the menu is a selection of Chef Thushara’s handcrafted sushi as well as the freshest oysters and a range of exquisite champagnes available by the glass or by the bottle.
Dine and Dash is another new concept to Grand Old House. It takes place Monday to Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm (not available weekends or public holidays) and costs just CI$25 per head, including gratuities. This lunch special changes weekly and offers two options of three available courses for lovers of alfresco lunch with an impeccable view overlooking the Caribbean sea.
Every day at Nino’s, there are different options of wines and champagne by the glass, starting at just CI$6. There are wine flights and specials on full bottles, great to be paired with tapas, charcuterie board, cheese platter, and so much more. And don’t forget, our four private dining rooms also provide great options for private wine tasting and dinners as well.
Of course, there’s no better way to finish off an evening of gourmet dining and fine wines than with a limited-edition or hand-rolled fine Cuban cigar expertly made by our resident torcedor. Choose between Panatela, Mareva, Robusto, and Canonazo, each with its own characteristic flavor.
Did we mention that there are over 500 great wines available from every corner of the world through Nino’s? Our comprehensive cellar of vintages and wide price range means there’s something to suit every taste and wallet – from young chiantis to vintage champagnes, all for sale at retail prices. The retail service is also open by appointment in the mornings.
With Christmas just a few short months away, the seasonal bookings are coming in thick and fast. It might sound early, but now is the perfect time to make a booking if you’re interested in hosting a family event, a wedding, or joining one of our special Nino’s events over the festive season. Call 949 9333 or email info@grandoldhouse.com today for your waterfront reservation.