Lula Drake Wine Parlour

The story of Lula Drake Wine Parlour began with a piece of Columbia history. While exploring the basement at 1635 Main Street, the team discovered a 1920s trunk holding a gold-embossed calling card for a local woman named Lula Drake who operated a hat shop out of the space. Inspired by her trailblazing spirit, proprietor and Head Sommelier Tim Gardner opened the wine parlour in 2016 as a gathering place for locals, travelers, and curious wine lovers alike. Today, this chandelier-lit, antique-filled destination has put Columbia on the global culinary map, earning the prestigious 2024 James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Program and a ranking as the second-best wine bar in the U.S. by Food & Wine.

At Lula Drake, exploring wine is designed to be approachable and exciting rather than intimidating. Gardner and his team focus on small-scale producers who practice sustainable, organic, and biodynamic farming. Their rotating list highlights rare vintages and hidden-gem regions from around the globe, while a select beer list offers adventurous microbrews. Every visit is a chance to try something new and ask questions in a warm, judgment-free setting.

The kitchen program, led by Co-Executive Chefs Rachael Harrison and Ashley Bundrick, features dishes crafted to showcase what’s in your glass. Guests can start with cured selections like the signature Capa Negra Jamón Ibérico or a cheese board, then dive into flavorful shareables such as gluten-free Yangnyeom “KFC” (Korean fried chicken) or seasoned Lamb Bites with sumac lemon yogurt. For dinner, don’t miss the house-made Cacio e Pepe, a pillowy ricotta gnudi finished with Parmigiano-Reggiano and freshly cracked pepper, or seared Lowcountry Sherry Shrimp. Save room for dessert, whether that’s a sweet Cookie Butter Crêpe or a sweet and savory Dessert Cheese & Charcuterie board featuring chocolate mole salami and caramel Norwegian brunost. Plan your next unforgettable evening on Main Street with Experience Columbia SC today.