The Tastes Wine BAr & Bistro Concept
Tastes Wine Bar & Bistro was the creation of Daniel Kuhlman and Kristel Deckx. It was based on their shared affection for wine and food and a comfortable, casual and colorful ambiance. The limited service business plan for Tastes was ranked 7th in Denver University, Bard School of Entrepreneurship’s 2006 business plan competition. In 2010, Tastes’s owner, Daniel Kuhlman was selected out of almost 40 Metro area businesses by the Denver Small Business Development Corporation to participate in a free 9 month Growth Catalyst Business Coaching Program designed in conjunction with the Denver Chamber of Commerce.
For 6 years from 2006 through 2012, Tastes operated two locations and introduced customers to a varied menu of international wine, beer, spirits, tapas and desserts. It was honored as Denver’s “Best Wine Bar” 3 times. Twice by Denver’s A-List, 2007 & 2010 and once by Westword Magazine as Reader's Choice, 2009. 5280 Magazine singled out Tastes for “Best Wine List, New Restaurant” 2008. Tastes offered classes, art shows and group party settings.
The first Tastes Wine Bar was located at 4267 Tennyson Street in Denver’s Berkeley Arts District. It opened in 8 months from concept to grand opening on Sept 1, 2006. Construction and project management was undertaken by Daniel Kuhlman. With only 753 sq. ft. it boasted 32 seats inside and 12 seats on the patio. This location is currently operated as a similar concept under different ownership and branding.
For 6 years from 2006 through 2012, Tastes operated two locations and introduced customers to a varied menu of international wine, beer, spirits, tapas and desserts. It was honored as Denver’s “Best Wine Bar” 3 times. Twice by Denver’s A-List, 2007 & 2010 and once by Westword Magazine as Reader's Choice, 2009. 5280 Magazine singled out Tastes for “Best Wine List, New Restaurant” 2008. Tastes offered classes, art shows and group party settings.
The first Tastes Wine Bar was located at 4267 Tennyson Street in Denver’s Berkeley Arts District. It opened in 8 months from concept to grand opening on Sept 1, 2006. Construction and project management was undertaken by Daniel Kuhlman. With only 753 sq. ft. it boasted 32 seats inside and 12 seats on the patio. This location is currently operated as a similar concept under different ownership and branding.
- Denver 9 News reviewed Tennyson and said "The funky and eclectic atmosphere matches their worldly menu of wines, cheeses and desserts".
The second Tastes Wine Bar opened with 1360 sf on Denver’s uptown restaurant row on April 21, 2008. It met with immediate success as the reputation of the first Tastes laid the foundation. Construction and project management was undertaken by Daniel Kuhlman.
- The Denver Post's YouHub reviewed Uptown and said "While the atmosphere is always intimate and fairly insular, it's a wide open space with a great, if small, front patio".
In 2011, the second location underwent a conversion to full service, fine-dining operations in preparation for an exit strategy. The conversion included updating the décor, adding a prep and full line kitchen with ventilation and fire suppression system and additional refrigeration and service details. Construction and project management was undertaken by Daniel Kuhlman. The location is currently operated under different ownership and a new concept.
- 5280 Magazine's Amanda Faison reviewed the new concept and said "The small, sparse restaurant (if you dined at Tastes, you won't recognize it) has been open for just over a week, and it's already got a legion of fans—myself included"
about Tastes Wine Bar & Bistro's owners
Kristel Deckx grew up in Belgium, worked and traveled around the world before moving to the US in 1993. She was Tastes Wine Bar's executive chef and Tastes Inc.'s vice-president. She is also an artist and designed the wine bar's interior. She maintains her physical therapy license and received her degree from Conickxsteen in Kapelle op den Bos, Belgium.
Photograph by Nicole Guidi
"Kristel stepped in to the kitchen and created order where chaos should have thrived. She was truly the heart of the restaurant" - Neal Bigelow, Manager, Special Events Tastes Wine Bar & Bistro
Photograph by Nicole Guidi
"Kristel stepped in to the kitchen and created order where chaos should have thrived. She was truly the heart of the restaurant" - Neal Bigelow, Manager, Special Events Tastes Wine Bar & Bistro
Daniel Kuhlman was raised in both New York City and upstate. Prior to being President of Tastes Inc, he operated his own construction business, was a US Army Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division and a Regional Sales Manager for Union Pacific Railroad. He received his MBA from Tepper Business School, Carnegie Mellon University and is PMP credentialed with the Project Management Institute. View Daniel Kuhlman's current venture at www.longmontsrealestateagent.com.
“His innovative approach to business has enabled him to develop effective ways to improve business processes.” – Courtney Berg, President/CEO of CourtSide Consulting
“His innovative approach to business has enabled him to develop effective ways to improve business processes.” – Courtney Berg, President/CEO of CourtSide Consulting