The overwhelming response as Pinehills residents and our many magazine sponsors slipped inside Sip at 1620 Wine Bar was one of pleasant surprise, to say the very least. Wrapped within the harborfront's Village Landing Marketplace, sits their unexpected boutique lounge set off by hammered tin ceilings and vintage lighting cast over velvety settees and antique armchairs. Guests soon filled in beside the fireplace, wine glasses in hand, to begin an evening of celebration and welcome reunions, looking ahead to the season we New Englanders await (somewhat) patiently every spring. 

Ken Grille, camera in hand as always, captured the swanky scene inside Sip—although he and his wife, Anita, have enjoyed evenings on the outdoor patio, he hadn't been inside yet either. Overlooking the waterfront beyond, and Water Street below, Sip’s expansive outdoor lounge makes for excellent people watching come summer while musicians take their places, as well: from local staples, to talent from Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Sip’s lineup of entertainment is ongoing.

Sip at 1620 Wine Bar is the intimate sister venue to the larger 1620 Winery & Event Space located in Cordage Park. Both are owned by the same company, but while the Winery handles large weddings and events, Sip functions as an intimate wine bar, tasting room, and small-event space for private gatherings. 

Beyond their endless 1620-label wines, local beers, and a range of spirits—including smoky mezcals for craft and classic cocktails alongside a separate list of bourbons to reimagine old-fashioneds—Sip's staff offered hors d'oeuvres generously. From mini beef wellingtons to spring rolls, tuna tartare, fried fresh mozzarella, and more, their housemade-from-scratch selections were thoughtful, and presented a peek into what guests may enjoy from their regular menu of tapas, entrees, charcuterie—and flatbreads.

As soon as you can, let their gin-based “Garden Gimlet," a “Blind Date” made with aged reposado, or a full wine tasting, start your afternoon or evening off well this season and next—dare I say, this place gives us something to look forward to in the off-season, too!