Texarkana now has a new walk-in location for wine fans.
Verona, an Italian restaurant in downtown Texarkana open since December 2015, now offers diners the option of tasting various wines and finding out what they like.
"We are starting to create this wine culture in Texarkana," owner Paul Baird said. "It is on the verge of blooming."
"We've been doing well since January. We wanted to make sure the restaurant was established; this is the next step."
Baird said it isn't hard to learn how to drink wine.
"A big misconception is Texarkana wine drinkers only want to drink muscadine wine. Actually, they seem open-minded and willing to broaden their horizons. Recognizing a good wine does not require training."
Baird says even for a particular type, say, a merlot or a Riesling, though the wines may be based on the same grape, there will be a wide range of flavors because of how each wine is distilled, the other materials used and a variety of other factors.
That has been Baird's business for a number of years. With 15 years in the food and beverage business, he has seen the ins and outs and knows the patterns. Those who want to establish a business downtown need to be ready for a slow, steady buildup of their business.
"You can just seem to be shuffling along, then BOOM, things take off," Baird said.
Downtown Texarkana is the historical and cultural heart of Texarkana, and with new, local, unique restaurants and other establishments making their way into the available space, it has started to take on an energy,
a character.
"I sought out downtown," Baird said. "With the new areas and culture building up, an energy is gathering. Still plenty of room for others."
Baird gives major credit to Main Street Texarkana.
"Ina McDowell and the Main Street organization have been a huge help, both monetarily and with information. With just a phone call, businesses can find a huge amount of resources available to them, if they want to come down here."
As for Verona, besides high-quality Italian food, the new wine room is a place where one can sit down, order a glass or two and just quietly take in the atmosphere.
"People who want to just drink wine, take their time, they are fully welcome here," Baird said. "Wine is our specialty. We have other downtown establishments that offer other adult beverages. But if a nice glass of wine is what you want, or just a cup of coffee or even a good Italian meal, our doors are open."
Verona is located at 212 E. Broad St., Texarkana, Ark. Call them at 870-773-4444. Visit them on Facebook or at
veronaonbroad.com.