Tapas and wine may have been ahead of the times for Woodstock in 2017, but that did not stop Sean and Anna Daily from pursuing what felt like a missing piece to downtown Woodstock. Rootstock and Vine, now known as Rootstock Restaurant and Bar, was established to offer gourmet food and fine beverages to the Woodstock community.
With high hopes to be more invested and involved in the growth of our community, Sean and Anna set out to create a novelty wine and tapas bar. In perfect timing, they acquired a piece of history to house their vision and bring their concept to life. "The building dates back to 1908 and is the original Woodstock post office; we renovated it to expose the actual brick and rustic wood," says Anna. After expanding to include a second level with 360' rooftop views, their wine and tapas bar quickly evolved into a full restaurant serving quality dishes, all thanks to Chef AJ.
Chef AJ's forte is creating a menu that blends the familiar with out-of-the-box dishes. Her menu nudges guests to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. "Chef AJ is a genius in the kitchen; she dares people to push the boundaries on their palate. She knows exactly what dishes to add to the menu that will complement our wine and whiskey selection," says Anna. A current favorite is the roasted octopus on a bed of hazelnut romesco with teardrop peppers. "The octopus is slowly roasted for 12 hours to attain a beautiful texture and tenderness, the perfect seafood dish."
An array of global wines and select whiskies are paired perfectly with Chef AJ's refined menu. Anna says, "Our whiskey portfolio is unmatched in the area and geared towards the whiskey connoisseur, someone looking for a collection of some of the rarest. One can appreciate the wonders of whiskey through our selection."
Not only do their select whiskies satisfy, their global wines will awaken the senses of any wine enthusiast. When selecting their wine portfolio, they are very careful and specific in seeking passionate winemakers. "I am drawn to the story behind the family wine business. If he or she is passionate and took a chance to buy a vineyard or is up at 3:00 AM to pick grapes due to weather conditions, it parallels with mine and Sean's passion for Rootstock. That sincerity and love for what they create is a deep connection for us and the label." Whether you desire a robust red wine that will stand up to any steak or a crisp white wine that pairs well with a light charcuterie board, Rootstock Bar and Restaurant offers that variety.
All for the love of local gourmet, global wines, select whiskeys, sensual dinners and date nights, Sean and Anna aim to provide quality dining experiences for their beloved Woodstock community.