D'Vine Wine Cafe, Charlotte

After graduating at the top his culinary arts class and honing his skills at the Club at Longview and Ratcliffe on the Green, chef Ashley Wilkes found a home at D'Vine Wine Cafe. Here, he prepares elegant seasonal menus with both small plates and full-sized entrees. In addition to the European-style dishes, the menu includes cheese and charcuterie spreads paired with bread and apple butter.

But Wilkes's food is only half the story. Just as important are owner and award-winning vintner Terry Miller's wine selections. Guests select pours from more than 40 wines by the glass, or choose from 550 bottles stored in a temperature-controlled cellar. The wine program, winner of an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, is expanded by the onsite Wine Shoppe, where people can shop an additional 1500 bottles. Setting the ambience is live entertainment, which ranges from open-mic nights to acoustic to jazz, which can be enjoyed from open patio seating.