Exploring the hidden gems of BARE Vin og Matbar’s Wine Cellar

Nestled in the heart of Bergen, BARE Vin og Matbar is a haven for wine lovers seeking exceptional bottles and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.  

At the core of its impressive wine program is Emanuele Bertazzoni, the restaurant manager and wine curator. Originally from Milan, Italy, Emanuele has dedicated over 15 years to working with wine, bringing both expertise and a deep passion to his role at BARE.

BARE Vin og Matbar lies at the top of Bergen Børs Hotel.

A love for wine and sharing

For Emanuele, wine is more than just a beverage—it’s a means of connection. “The thing I like the most is the sharing idea. Sitting down with friends or people you love and sharing a bottle is one of the best feelings in the world,” he says. Rooted in Italian culture, where food and wine are essential parts of life, he values the communal experience that wine fosters.

His philosophy on wine is simple yet profound: “You’re not supposed to teach; you are supposed to share.” This perspective is reflected in the approach at BARE, where wine is about enjoyment rather than exclusivity. The team ensures that every guest, whether a connoisseur or a casual drinker, feels welcome and can discover something they love.

Emanuele Bertazzoni, restaurant manager og wine curator at BARE Vin- og Matbar.

One of Norways most impressive wine cellars

BARE Vin og Matbar boasts an impressive wine cellar with around 1,300 different labels and several thousand bottles. The selection includes an extensive range of French wines, particularly Bordeaux and Burgundy, as well as a well-curated variety of Italian wines—an area of personal pride for Emanuele. “We have a lot of hidden gems. You should come and explore,” he encourages.

While there are wines from all over the world, Emanuele places special emphasis on indigenous varieties that remain under the radar. “As an Italian, I think we have so many unique grape varieties that deserve more attention. They’re not always mainstream, but they’re definitely worth discovering.”

“But what I really look for is something that is connecting the people, the land, the culture. And all these elements mixed together. They finally end up in the glass.” He says.

It's not just about technique, it's about more the feeling.

Emanuele continues; “When you open a bottle, you must think about it. That behind that label inside that bottle, there's a lot of history. The people who made it, the people who harvest the grapes, the people who press the grape, the location where the cellar where the wine has been aged.”

Wine cellar that holds white wine and bubbles at BARE.

Pairing wine and food – A team effort

At BARE, wine is not just an accompaniment to food; it is an integral part of the dining experience. Emanuele works closely with the chefs to create pairings that enhance both elements. “This is not an individual sport; it’s teamwork. We are all on the same page, working towards the same goal.”

The philosophy behind pairing is that the sum should be greater than its parts. “1 + 1 should equal 3, not 2. A wine might be good on its own, but when paired correctly with food, the experience becomes something truly special.”

Emanuele thinks that the most important thing is trying to understand the needs of the guest and not to push his own preferences.

“As someone who works in wine, my philosophy is to understand what a guest might like in that specific moment. And that, I think, is the key for guest satisfaction, which is ultimately the thing we're looking for.”

A place for all wine lovers in Bergen

Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or someone just beginning to explore, BARE Vin og Matbar is designed to be an inclusive space. “We don’t want to be pretentious. We want to share,” Emanuele emphasizes. The goal is to create an experience that lingers in the memory long after the last sip. “When you go out, you remember the experience, the people you were with, and the atmosphere. We want to give you a good memory to take with you.”

For those looking to dive into the world of wine, discover new favorites, or simply enjoy a glass in good company, BARE Vin og Matbar offers an exceptional and welcoming setting. As Emanuele puts it: “BARE is a place for everyone who wants to have a great experience.”

BARE Vin- og matbar holds over 1300 different labels, og thousands of bottles.

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