Modern innovation meets historic charm at The Sycamore Wine Bar—Historic New Castle’s speakeasy-inspired wine tasting experience.
The first thing you’ll notice when you step into The Sycamore—housed in a charming basement space on Delaware Street—is that there is no “bar” in a traditional sense. Instead, automatic dispensers line the wall, displaying a curated selection of wine and spirits. The modern technology of the automatic dispenser display is a unique contrast to the historic stone textures.
The basement at 208 Delaware Street was formerly used as office space. Tricia Howarth, the bar’s manager, explains that this is how the team stumbled upon it. “When you go down the stairs and see the original stone and brick walls, nuanced lighting, and unique artwork, you know it’s going to be an upscale atmosphere,” she says. The space inspired the concept, and The Sycamore Wine Bar was born.
View this post on Instagram
A Fresh Tasting Experience at The Sycamore
The experience at The Sycamore plays into the space’s contrast of modern luxury and historic charm. When guests start a tab, they receive a card that’s compatible with the dispenser system. When you’re ready for a drink, you simply scan the card, make your selection, and watch as the wine is automatically dispensed into your glass. Guests choose from three different pour sizes, so they can enjoy a quick taste of something new or pour a full glass of their favorites.
After allowing the machine to dispense the pour of your choice, it’s time to take a seat and enjoy a drink in the historic atmosphere. The Sycamore also partners with local chefs on a selection of light bites like truffles and charcuterie pairings.
“The community has been craving an upscale bar location for a long time,” Howarth says. “We are open later than the other restaurants and bars in town. We are pulling visitors from as far as Virginia, Maryland, central Pennsylvania, central New Jersey, Kent and Sussex Counties in Delaware, too.”
The Sycamore Wine Bar is open from 4-10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4-11 p.m. on Fridays, 2-11 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2-10 p.m. on Sundays. Along with the everyday tasting experience, The Sycamore also hosts fun events like the signature Wingo (Wine Bingo) game and tastings. The wine bar is also launching a new monthly wine education series. Guests can register in advance and enjoy a series of wine tasting classes centered around the summer season, food pairings, and holidays. Wine educator Rachel Brown will guide each session.
The Sycamore is also available for private events and is a great space to host birthdays, surprise engagements, corporate events, and even bachelor or bachelorette parties.
The Sycamore Wine Bar | 208 Delaware Street, New Castle | 380-3034
