My Biz: Coralville wine bar owner gets back to his Argentinian roots

Walter Pecile always has loved wine. In fact, he grew up loving it.

Raised on his family's winery in Argentina, established in 1875, Pecile learned to appreciate all things vino.

Later in his life - some 20 years ago - he moved to Iowa and worked in the computer science field. When it came time to retire, he decided to occupy his time with something he was truly passionate about.

Two years ago, he went back to his roots and opened Mendoza Wine Bar in the new Coralville Center for the Performing Arts building.

'This is a place to just have a conversation, to chill out, enjoy a glass of wine, and talk about important and not important things.”

He said he didn't so much open Mendoza, which he co-owns with his wife, to compete with other local establishments, but more so to fulfill his desire for a place to kick back and relax.

Mendoza Wine Bar is open Wednesday through Saturday in the evenings. It is known for featuring live music with local musicians three days a week. It also showcases work by local artists on the walls.

Pecile said Mendoza uses organic produce and cooks all it menu items fresh, including pizzas and tapas. Once a month it offers a four course wine and food pairing.

The wine is always the main attraction at Mendoza Wine Bar. The offerings are meant to be a 'good representation of wines from all over the world,” he said.

Pecile enjoys teaching people about the different wine options when they stop in for a glass or two.

'People get to know or be less afraid of labels,” he said. 'I tell them it's OK to ask questions.”

Pecile said he genuinely enjoys all aspects of his job - from buying the groceries to taking reservations.

'When you own a place you wear so many hats from cleaning the floors to being the celebrity,” he said.

But Pecile said the wine bar would work with or without him.

'In reality, the people are coming here for the food and wine, the music and the atmosphere,” he said.

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At a glance

'Company

: Mendoza Wine Bar

'Owner

: Walter Pecile

'Address

: 1301 Fifth St. Suite 105, Coralville

'Phone

: (319) 333-1291

'Website

: www.mendozawinebar.com