The neat piece of kit behind Dundee’s only wine bar

Dundee’s only wine bar has opened to great reviews and it’s all down to a smart piece of kit which allows it to sell quality wine by the glass.

The Enomatic machines are key to preserving and enjoying uncorked wines for up to one month

With over 60 different types of wine and champagne on offer, The Wine Press aims to match quality with variety, thanks to the use of innovative machines that allow uncorked wines to be kept for up to one month.

Sitting in a prime waterfront location where Legends bar once stood, The Wine Press is looking to capitalise on the crowds coming to visit the redeveloped area and the future V&A Museum of Design.

Patrick Rohde, the founder of The Wine Press and owner of Dundee-based Aitken Wines, said that the Enomatic machine is a “world-recogised piece of kit for preserving and dispensing wine” and part of Phase Two development plans for his business.

The Wine Press enjoyed a popular launch on July 31st

The machines, which can hold up to eight wine bottles apiece and retail for £15,000 each, have been one of the bar’s main attractions so far.

Patrick revealed that he plans to order two more Enomatics in the New Year to satisfy demand, after visits to London saw him secure supplier backing to purchase two of the expensive pieces of kit to open the business with.

Customers can use the hi-tech devices to try a 25ml sample of a wine, or pour themselves a 125ml or 175ml glass.

He said: “Wine is a Dundee institution and the customers have not let up; this is the seventh or eighth week we’ve been open. I think it’s safe to say we’re here to stay.

Dundee's only wine bar offers a constantly-updated selection of wines

“The most resounding comment on Facebook is that it’s a very welcome addition to Dundee and has been a long time coming.”

For those who are not fans of wine, the bar also serves spirits and beers as well as charcuterie and cheese food platters.

Despite this initial success, the businessman is aware of the need to develop The Wine Press even further and has an eye on Dundee’s riverside future.

“Almost as soon as I got the keys to this place, I took the windows back to their original heights which offers unobstructed views of the waterfront, including the cranes from the V&A site.

The Wine Press opened this summer on the site of the old Legends bar

“I would like to expand the front of the building to open the views to the redevelopment, as apparently the site has been granted planning permission to expand before.

“While I need time to regroup because of the high initial costs, Phase Two would also make use of our lovely vaulted cellar to have a private tasting area for our customers. We’re planning to keep things fresh and new for our customers - we’re even in the process of renewing all the wines in the Enomatics.”

With extensive knowledge of the wine industry, Patrick Rohde took over Aitken Wines 8 years ago. Describing himself as “a little bit disillusioned with the trade” at the time, he sought to create a more bespoke experience for the city’s wine drinkers.