Substrate

Very cool spot to meet up before diving into some Bird pizza or going out elsewhere. I just wish someone told us this place was attached to Bird Pizzeria through the bathroom hallway. You can have a nice glass of wine outside or inside. Super nice staff. Met our friends here before our reservation at Bird Pizzeria. Had a few glasses of wine here. Very cool vibe.

Substrate is the natural wine capital of the world (or at least Charlotte) the staff is excellent - incredibly knowledgeable and they have great taste! You're missing out if you don't collect some recommendations or natural wine facts from them. Their offerings are unique and they have maintained that since they opened their doors. They are rightfully popular and have totally earned it. Hanging out at Substrate feels like hanging out at your best friend's house if you do it right. Cozy interior, interesting records spinning, funky seats and rooms, intimate bar, retail wine for anyone and everyone, and a disco ball. Only bring the friends you reallllly like to visit here. Substrate is a gem!

What an awesome spot!!! We came in tonight looking for a chill (yet lively) vibe, and we were not disappointed! The bartender definitely knew his stuff and recommended a great bottle of Côtes du Rhône, and we absolutely loved the space - it's cozy, eclectic, welcoming, quirky... all the best things just steps from Optimist Hall. We can't wait to bring friends here for more wine & vermouth nights - it's a winner!

A cute, vibey wine bar with a wide variety of options for wine drinkers and options for beer drinkers alike. I was obsessed with the floors and there are comfortable seating options a plenty. And if you're a beer drinker, can't beat $2.50 Miller High Life's!

Cool, very chill vibes! Great, friendly service. Really cool wine selection. Happy to have this place in the neighborhood!

They have a great wine and vermouth selection. The wine was great, and I've never dabbled much with vermouth but the bartender put me on: he was great! He was very smart and informative. The ambience outdoors is ok, but inside it is cozy, chic, and retro.

A cool, cozy space with a very interesting wine list. Looks like the outdoor space is fantastic when it's warm.

The lost art of a cool now found, unpretentious, NoDA-ish neighborhood wine bar has been found. Off the beaten trek from the 36th street business, Substrate provides all the feels you want and those you didn't know you wanted in Area 15. If you don't know, well now you know! Substrate is nestled behind Bird Pizza, a newer pizza joint and, if you go into either establishment, you end up at the other. Literally a common area/hallway separates them. They have a small parking lot that is on the backside of Bird Pizza, which is essentially the entrance to Substrate. They also have a good size outdoor deck with a decent amount of seating. The inside gives this feel as though you are walking into someone's home. This "someone" has the undeniable cool factor I personally thought we lost in NoDa, until Substrate came to the neighborhood. There is limited seating inside but they do have cozy options. All the staff are extremely friendly and attentive. Matt who owns and runs the bar definitely knows a lot about wine and has very strong opinions about what he prefers to serve or recommend by the glass options or bottles. After you speak with him, you realize how much of him is in this place, and its very well executed. I happen to come in on a Wednesday when they have free wine tastings. I was extremely impressed by the wine distributor who hosted the wine tasting. He dove into detail for each tasting with enthusiasm. You didn't feel like you were being spoken to, but rather, in a conversation with him. This particular day it was extremely hot outside, so I sat in the common area with a glass of orange wine which I newly learned about and thoroughly enjoyed. Matt also spent a good amount of time helping me select a bottle of wine for dinner. He also mentioned that he has been contacted by a number of local chefs for private dinners which I am extremely excited to see come to fruition. If its not obvious, I am a fan. I will be going back for the authentic vibe and unique approach to teaching me new wines I wouldn't have otherwise considered. Cheers!