Taj McCoy works onerous at being one of the best literary agent for her purchasers, making an attempt to get them one of the best publishing offers, advising them on profession paths to authorship and even being an creator herself. All of the work she places into her occupation requires her to chill out and refresh and so she takes to Period Wine Bar positioned in Mount Rainier, Maryland in Prince George’s County, to unwind.
McCoy patronizes Period Wine Bar a number of instances every week, to assist her associates – co-owners Ka-Ton and Dr. Michelle Grant – whereas consuming wine and taking her thoughts off work and what’s going on on this planet.
“I knew the Grants earlier than they opened Period Win Bar and I’m comfortable to assist them,” stated McCoy, 43. “I adore it as a result of it’s a Black-owned institution, and I like the kind of individuals they’re. They’re for the group.”
McCoy shouldn’t be the one one who appears to resonate with Period Wine Bar, because the institution was nominated for the Wine Program of the 12 months for the 2025 RAMMYS, the Restaurant Affiliation Metropolitan Washington’s (RAMW) annual awards.
The winner of that class, in addition to the others, will probably be introduced on Aug. 3 at The RAMMYS Awards Gala held on the Walter E. Washington Conference Middle in Northwest, D.C.
McCoy notes that that is the third time Period Wine Bar has been nominated for a RAMMY.
“They’re past deserving to win it this time,” she stated.
Period Wine Bar: A Dream Come True
Mount Rainier residents and wine lovers, the Grants opened Period Wine Bar, in achievement of a dream.
“Once I first met her some years in the past, she already had a 100-page marketing strategy,” Ka-Ton Grant stated of his spouse, who had at all times wished to open a wine eatery. “This was her dream. She had sampled wines from everywhere in the world.”

Period Wine Bar formally opened November 2021. The preliminary need was to arrange the institution within the District however after consideration of a number of elements, they settled on Mount Rainier in a constructing positioned on the busy Rhode Island Avenue hall.
“We dwell within the neighborhood and wished to supply some new power to it,” stated Grant, 48.
The husband and restaurateur stated clients get to decide on between 80-125 various kinds of wine to devour, “relying on the season,” including he has found traits amongst his patrons.
“I seen that when it’s sizzling, individuals are likely to need champagne,” he stated. “Through the colder months, they favor crimson wine.”
The menu gives snacks reminiscent of welcome dates, an assortment of goat cheese and crushed pistachios, and mixtures like mushroom and artichoke, blackened shrimp and avocado and Parmesan Fries. There are additionally such delights as Spanish chickpeas, Grand Cru Burger and pan-seared Atlantic salmon. There are particular plates often called Period Boards which are a mixture of meats and greens in a single serving.
“The Period Boards are meals which are grouped by nation,” Grant informed The Informer. “For instance, the Tour de France is a grouping of French meals.”
He stated the menu was put along with intentionality.
“We wished to serve our clients one of the best meals that complement their wines,” the co-owner emphasised.
Reward for Period Wine Bar
Period Wine Bar has obtained reward for its service and choices on numerous media platforms.
Dustin S. of Sterling, Virginia wrote on a July 10 submit of Yelp Assessment “this wine bar is completely charming, with a chic and vivid ambiance.”
“Though the brunch menu is small, each dish was flavorful and satisfying,” Dustin S. continued. “The workers was attentive, and the wine suggestion was good. I actually wished to take a bottle with me, however I used to be touring. I’d undoubtedly return for dinner subsequent time.”
Olivia Harpster additionally lives in Mount Rainier and enjoys coming to Period Wine Bar for a sip of wine.
She additionally hopes that the three-time RAMMYS nominee secures a win this yr.
“Once I consider the house owners of this bar, I consider dedication, consistency and curiosity,” Harpster, 36, informed The Informer. “The house owners listed below are very educated about wines. wine ought to tingle your style buds, and its odor ought to curiosity you. They know good wines they usually make you need to say, ‘I need to have this.’”