This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Fred Moesinger has long loved food and wine, though he admits there was a time when the pairing of the two seemed a mysterious art. Having gone from best-guessing at wine lists as a youngster to opening a wine bar, he understands the trepidation of anyone who enjoys wine, but may not know her Primitivo from her Tempranillo (wine grape varieties, for the uninitiated).

His newest business, BTG Wine Bar, welcomes people of any interest level to sample and enjoy over 75 wines by the glass, along with craft cocktails. Staff at both BTG Wine Bar and Caffé Molise are well-versed in wine knowledge and lore, and will happily and unpretentiously make suggestions when asked. "It's good for people who are new to wine or those wanting to expand their palate a little," says Fred.

Over the years, Moesinger and his wife and business partner, Aimee Sterling, have made many trips to expand their wine knowledge. They've worked on vineyards in California and met with wine makers in Italy. Through taking part in the labor of crushing grapes—both in tanks and with their feet (yes they still do that!)—to planting and maintaining vines, to the blending of varieties, they and their team have gained a breadth and depth of knowledge about wines that is uncommon in Utah. They have even blended a bottle for Caffé Molise, consulting with local wine rep Francis Fecteau and well-known California winemaker Morgan Twain-Peterson. The Caffé Molise Rosso is a bold and supple red blend of Zinfandel and Syrah.

The list of wines at BTG Wine Bar is updated quarterly, with some staples featured on the list year round.

It is this hands-on approach to food and wine that gave rise to Moesinger opening BTG Wine Bar. Opening in 2013 just two doors down from Caffé Molise, BTG Wine Bar has grown steadily, becoming a favorite spot in downtown Salt Lake City. BTG hosts seasonal events where they feature special cocktails and flights, as well as wine dinners with visiting winemakers.

For many, wine can be a bit intimidating, but Fred is dedicated to making the experience accessible.

"We have a few flights constructed. A flight is three different wines with two ounces of each. This allows people to compare and contrast, and see what they like; see if they can pick out the differences between a cabernet sauvignon from California or a cabernet sauvignon from Washington, and to see which ones they like. Guests also enjoy trying to tell the difference between a $100 bottle and a $20 bottle," Moesinger said.

For the novice or connoisseur, much appeal lies in the flights. Wines are paired thematically, either by varietal, country, or style. For example, their bubbly flight includes French Champagne, Italian Prosecco, and Californian sparkling wine. Guests can also peruse the extensive offerings and create their own custom flights.

What he's commonly seen is that after tasting the flight, many will prefer the less-expensive wine. It's all about personal preference, he said. "It's interesting to see what appeals most to a person when they're presented with three wines they know nothing about. Many times the favorite will be the least expensive wine. All of our wines are entirely palatable and people should drink what they enjoy." These offerings help to demystify what should be an entirely pleasurable venture.

If you're looking for something to eat, "We've got a pretty extensive menu with Italian offerings. There are a lot of choices for people: pastas with red or white sauces, lighter summer fare with salads, fresh seafood and produce, and heartier dishes in the winter such as meat sauces or braised lamb or pork dishes," Moesinger said. The staff at BTG Wine Bar is very well versed in the cuisine at Caffé Molise. Conversely, the staff at the restaurant is very comfortable with the wines available at BTG Wine Bar. They're able to recommend wines from BTG Wine Bar to pair with the restaurant's food. "It's a great experience for anyone who comes in," he said.

Moesinger notes that BTG Wine Bar is the only bar of its kind in Salt Lake, and that may be hard to understand for some visitors or first timers. Utah's liquor laws get a bad rap, he said.

"We work with some great vendors. Utah has some really top-notch wine reps that have their fingers on the pulse of what's going on domestically and around the world. They try to bring us unique offerings. We tell them what we want and they do a great job of sourcing it," he said. "Ordering it through the state, there is of course a process, but overall Utah is really good about bringing in whatever we want. We have a lot of wines that are exclusive to the wine bar — and at lower prices than you'd find them around the country. We are proud of that."

Moesinger is encouraged by the reception so far. He hopes that BTG Wine Bar and Caffé Molise have helped to evolve the public's perception of food and wine in Salt Lake City. His primary goal is to offer a pleasurable experience to anyone who happens to stop in, whether they are long-time loyal patrons or just happen to be passing by.

Caffe Molise is located at 55 West 100 South. They are open every day except some holidays, Sunday through Thursday from 11:30am to 9:00pm; Friday and Saturday from 11:30am to 10:00pm.

BTG Wine Bar is located at 63 West 100 South. They are open every day except some holidays, from 5:00pm.

http://www.caffemolise.com 801-364-8833

http://www.btgwinebar.com 801-359-2814