Cuvée (say "coo-VAY") is a champagne lounge and event hall that holds 200 people.,”When you think of places to enjoy bubbly champagne, do you imagine a comfortable setting for college kids, accessible without French phrases and free of a formal dress code? If not, it's time to think Cuvée.

Cuvée (pronounced "coo-VAY") is a champagne lounge and event hall that holds 200 people. Located on the 3rd floor of the Isabella Ryder Building, 177 N. Broadway, Cuvée celebrated its grand opening last Thursday, though it's been operating since September.

"Cuvée" is a French word for "blend," but the significance extends beyond the lounge's aim to inspire patrons to mix and mingle.

"Champagne is a blend of three different grapes," said Kris Gorski, one of the co-owners of Cuvée. "Three grapes, we're in the Third Ward, on the third floor of the building. And, we're a gift store, lounge and event hall."

Though it offers a full service bar, Cuvée emphasizes its selection of sparkling and still wines, and has between 10 and 12 bottles open for orders by the glass at any given time, Gorski said. Whole bottles are also available, for consumption in Cuvée or for retail.

"When we first started planning to open a champagne lounge, we were concerned that people would look at it as an unaffordable, unattainable place that you could only come to in a suit," Gorski said. "That's not the case. Of course you can come in a suit, but we want you to feel comfortable, and spend as much on a glass of champagne as you would on a cocktail."

Comfort and availability are Cuvée values, but don't mistake the place for cheap.

"Some of it's expensive, and you get what you pay for," said Kimberly Floyd, the other co-owner of Cuvée. "The more money you spend on a bottle, the more complexity and layers you get. But there is nothing in here that doesn't taste good."

The most expensive bottle of champagne, 1996 Salon, costs $382, but a Cuvée client does not necessarily need to be drinking Salon to be welcome.

"The ideal people we'd like to see up here are creative, adventuresome, like to travel," Floyd said. "I view wine, champagne and what we're doing more important than age, income or gender."

Floyd and Gorski agreed that Cuvée can appeal to college-aged people.

"This is a great date place," Gorski said. "You know, impress 'em on the first date."

Twenty-somethings and students can blend in at Cuvée without dates, as well.

"College kids are impressed when they feel comfortable here and can afford it, because it's a step above a sports bar or a corner bar," Floyd said. "There's something fun about wine that makes all people equally comfortable, that has nothing to do with age or gender."

The task of appealing to young or new wine drinkers can be challenging, however.

"Our building is 100 years old and we've got a 300-year-old product," Gorski said. "We say, 'How can we keep it new and fresh?'"

Floyd and Gorski plan events to advertise Cuvée's affordability and relevance to a larger audience, such as the "Tuesday Night Special," a glass of New Mexico's Gruet champagne, Famous Dave's barbecue and baguettes from Broadway Bistro, for $10.

Floyd said a redefinition of what is being sold can also generate interest.

"We're selling champagne, but champagne as a celebration," Floyd said. "We have an event room that can be booked for celebration events, but we're also saying that every glass of champagne is a celebration. You can have a glass to celebrate a Monday."

In order to encourage sampling, visitors can order flights of wine, which are 2-ounce samples. Gorski said this encourages customers to try many different types of wine without waste.

Floyd said the Third Ward, where Cuvée is located, was the perfect setting for the lounge's style and objectives.

"I love the Third Ward," Floyd said. "You always see creative people doing unique things-even inside the offices. I like to be around MIAD and the theaters, not a lot of corporate development."

Floyd said the area is ready for the other changes Cuvée brings about.

"We're a nonsmoking building, and we thought that would be well received in the Third Ward," she said.

Floyd and Gorski both said they'd encountered questions about whether or not Milwaukee would be open to a champagne lounge, but felt confident the city was.

"For so long, Milwaukee was known for being Brew City, known for beer," Floyd said. "I'd heard so many people say, 'I love champagne, but Milwaukee isn't ready for a champagne lounge.' Champagne drinkers would tell me Milwaukee doesn't like champagne."

Cuvée Cocktails

The bar features original Cuvée cocktails as well as classics. A drink called Black Velvet, Milwaukee Ale House stout with champagne, is a Cuvée creation, while the Fizzy Navel, Peach Schnapps, orange juice and champagne, is an already existing mix that fits the atmosphere perfectly.

Cuvée concocted a cocktail called the Lava Lamp, a Jell-o shot doused in champagne to create a dancing effect, for an opening event last week.

Floyd and Gorski ranked Cuvée's three most popular cocktails:

1. Classic Mimosa – orange juice and champagne

2. Flirtini – Pineapple juice, vodka, Triple Sec and champagne

3. Bellini – Peach purée and Prosecco

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