Bodovino

It was a fun place, interactive and nice staff. However, the place looks worn and actually quite dirty. The machines were streaked with wine, the bar not clean and the glass (on dispenser things) looked yucky. Even the furniture was beat… Once I saw this neglect, I was just sort of bummed for the night. Clean up folks…

Out of all the wine bars I have been to across this beautiful country, this is hands down my favorite. There are so many wines to choose from and the staff is beyond knowledgeable, not to mention extremely friendly (don’t be surprised if you find yourself with several free samples in front of you).
Here, you purchase a debit card, add money, and then it’s all-​out wine mania! There are several self-​serve wine dispenser machines throughout the bar that allow you to choose the amount of wine you would like (sample to large glass) and pay accordingly to the size via the debit card you purchase upon entering.
If you stop by, be prepared to spend a few hours here (and call a taxi or walk home).

So many wines to choose from. Tried a chardonnay that was recommended from a couple there and it was amazing! I am not even a chardonnay drinker! Food was awesome too! Can’t wait to go back!

Love bodovino! Everyone is so nice and seems like they actually enjoy working there. Food is phenomenal and just an overall great place to go!

Expensive, however it is a nice experience. This is something most people would do once a year due tot he price, however it is worth the trip!

Amazing place! Absolutely beautiful, TONS of wine, great selection and great food. My fiancé and i don’t drink but… we did when we went!

Like a candy store for adults! This interactive wine experience is like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
For $ 20, you can try 20 different wines. There isn’t anywhere else in Boise that offers anywhere close to that! They’ve got a great back room for private parties as well.
Food menu is perfect for the ambience… from cheese flights to flatbread pizzas, and everything is prepared quickly.
My boyfriend is more of a beer drinker, and thoroughly enjoys their huge selection of bottled beers from all over the world. That walk-​in cooler is insane.
All-​in-​all – fantastic spot. Can’t wait for the patio to open!

This was my first time at Bodovino. I found the staff to be less then helpful. They didn’t take the time to explain the card process. It’s a novelty concept that’s not inherent since directions are not posted. Once I got my card I found the staff didn’t actually load the card so back to the register. Then the wine I wanted was out so back to the register. I’m allergic to red wine and don’t enjoy dry whites, so my choices were limited. The one I wanted that was out I was told was popular so it’s out often (order more?). By and large I was disappointed with my first experience. However now I have this $ 3 card that I’m not sure what to do with.

What if you had a video arcade for adults (complete with the gamecard you preload with cash), but unlike say, Dave & Busters, you eliminate the video games entirely but add a truckload of wine? You would get Bodovino.
When you step into Bodovino you are carded at the cash register and given a flashy silver wristband (as if you were at an all-​ages concert or something) and then given the option to purchase or reload a wine card. You can then use that card to get one of three different sizes, at three different prices points, of over 80 different wines. If you enjoy your wine and you don’t enjoy trying to get the bartender’s attention to order another glass, or you don’t like to be «that guy» by making a server give you tasters of 6 different types of wine this is basically the perfect solution. Also, if the wine bottle you are getting your arcade drink from happens to run dry partway through your pour you are only charged for the ammount of wine you receive. This once resulted in me getting 73 cents worth of a fabulous Cabernet.
It has been a while since I got food here but I remember it being pretty decent. Nothing mind blowing but nothing that gave me buyer’s remorse either.
Pro-​tip: If you can’t find seating there is a whole extra room in the back, just walk through the stairwell.

Came here for the halloween. Love the Halloween special decors. Too bad I drink no more otherwise I will toast few drink down and walk home drunk: p

Bodovino is one of three places in the entire world (so I’m told) that offers these fancy wine dispenser machines. At over $ 10,000 a pop, they’re no joke, and very innovative. Why go spend $ 7 (or more) on a glass of wine when you can taste wines from all around the world for less than that while all the time dictating exactly how big of a pour you get? It just makes sense. My mom and I like to go to Bodovino to snag a drink after work or before a nice event. It’s not upscale, but definitely more of a dressy spot.
Food: I’ve sampled the flatbreads, which are really like thick crackers, and they’re DELICIOUS. They pair really well with the wines and draft beers they offer, giving you something simple to nibble on while leaving lots of room to wet your whistle! The Idaho Flatbread is a potato, gouda and bacon creation that is so unique. The Pig & Fit flatbread is a savory & sweet mix that was surprisingly pleasant. It’s not something I typically would have ordered but found myself very happy with it. The Soft & Savory cheese dip is amazing but sits a little heavy. It’s a good dish for sharing. If you like cheeses, try a cheese flight. It doesn’t even matter which one. It will come with crackers, grapes and nuts and you’ll be feeling so happy from all the wine that you’ll gobble it all up. Yum!
Drinks: I love that you can get every kind of wine and bubbly under the sun here. Whether it’s old world, foreign, made in Idaho, or from the tap, this place has such a great selection. It’s so fun to go try either big or small pours of all different kinds. Don’t like one or haven’t tried it before? Get a 1.5 oz pour! Wanting to go big? Get the 5 oz pour! I love how you are in charge at Bodovino.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere rocks. The lounge is set up with wine dispensers throughout the building, so you get to mingle and walk around as you make your selection. Tables and chairs are set up with so many different options, whether it’s high-​top wooden tables, bar-​top seating, comfy couches, or a standard dinner table and chairs. The atmosphere is very relaxed and even has TV’s featuring local news & sports.
Service: The servers at Bodovino are great! If you go often enough, they’ll begin to remember you and will suggest new wines based on your previous selections. They’re also very attentive, but not overbearing. I think Kyle is the best!
Happy Hour Offerings: I’ve never made it to happy hour (I heard it’s over at 3pm), but with such great priced drink options all day, I’ve never worried about it. I just wish they had a food happy hour!
Overall Quality: Great quality. Lots of menu choices for the picky and non-​picky eaters.
Overall Value: I think the food is a little pricey, but with the variety of wine options it really brings the value of Bodovino full circle.

Strolling around downtown Bosie looking for a way to spend a lazy afternoon. Some friends had recommended bodovino. We were close so we strolled over to kill a few hours.
We fell in love right when we walked in. First thing to do is to get a card. Then walk around and find wines that you want a taste, half glass, or full pour of. So many choices and so little time. Next trip up we will definitely be back.
We also ordered some appetizers to soak up all the delicious alcohol. The three dishes we decided on were the chocolate flight, the two taste, and the flat bread. All were the tops and really helped to balance out the wines.
Great spot to come and hang out with friends and family. If I lived here I would be a regular!!!

For someone who doesn’t know about wine this place is nice to try a variety without having to go wine tasting afar.
I went after office hours and experienced something relaxing. I purchased a reloadable card and walked around to see the different wines available. I decided to go for the dessert wines and it was hard to not try other ones. So relaxing and gratifying.

I visited Bodovino for the first time last Thursday, where I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Ophelia M. by random chance! It was an extra special treat :) Alas, I shall keep this review to the topic at hand.
I was hosting a bachelorette party for 22 ladies and we wanted to choose a place where all the gals could relax and get to know one another prior to painting the town red… The day of, I worked with Fawn and she was really incredible, managing to reserve a space for us on the patio so we could all be together and socialize. The wine selection was impressive and I enjoyed the ability to taste different wines and have it dispensed at my leisure… not having to wait for an employee to see that my glass was empty and then having to wait for a refill, etc etc. This place definitely knows its way quickly to my wine filled heart.
The plates were very tasty. I really enjoyed the humus and tapenade.
I will definitely visit Bodovino again for my next ladies night! Thanks for allowing us to take over the restaurant :)

Corner window with private fireplace. Enough said.
great street people watching, and an overall exciting and fun experience. All of the cheese flights have proven to never dissapoint, and their staff is great.
Great place for girls night, date night, or the person who likes to drink by themselves and people watch… which I say to you «Kudos».

Casual really cool vibe awesome staff … This place was a nice ending to our Idaho Vacation.
Best tip is have the staff explain how it works and it’s really fun. Once they did it was awesome. It could be a bit confusing your first time :)

We came here for a wine tasting event and stayed for dinner. The wine tasting experience wasn’t the best. It was unfortunate that the wine tasting bar was in the corner making it difficult for more than three people to discuss the wine choices.
The atmosphere was unique and the seating was spread out. The wine dispensers are arranged by region and dispense 1, 3 or 5 oz servings. The prices vary so it’s up to you on how much you want to spend.
The food was great. I ordered the Gladys flatbread which was wonderful. For dessert I shared the Tiramisu which was heavenly.

I think I may have a love/​hate relationship with Bodovino.
Although, hate seems a bit harsh.
The concept is an interesting one. Purchase a $ 3.00 card, load it up, and taste/​drink to your hearts content. The wine dispensers meander throughout the space and are arranged according to region rather than varietal. The dispensers dispense 1, 3, or 5 ounces according to your choice.
It’s all very slick.
Sometimes I like slick.
And, sometimes…*shrugs*…ehh…not so much.
However, if you’re looking to taste several wines from different regions, wineries and/​or of various varietals – this would be a great way to do it. Also, if you find a wine list a little intimidating and maybe aren’t sure precisely what you like – this is a great, low pressure way to find your way through the winding wine woods. You can wander and explore a little. And, if that’s the case, you definitely should. Explore wine. Such an exploration cannot help but be prosperous (in soul, taste, and overall happiness – not, you know, monetarily).
While there, we also enjoyed their Soft & Savory small plate, which was cambozola cheese with roasted garlic and fresh rosemary served warm with sliced baguette. The cheese was absolutely amazing. Truly. I heard angels sing. I was a little disappointed with the baguette they paired with such a saucy cheese. It was the baked bread equivalent of a tulle scarf in an Alaskan winter (which is to say: so thin as to be insubstantial and inadequate for the job at hand).
I also ordered and enjoyed their Gladys Flatbread which has roasted tomato, fresh mozz, fresh basil, and a balsamic glaze. It was delectable and delicious from beginning to end. For dessert I shared their brownie, which was good, if a bit overly sweet, perhaps.
Overall, I can definitely see what people dig about this place. And, though it didn’t hit it out of the ball park for me on every level – it could be a solid win for some.
I did learn one valuable lesson: The glass of wine I pour for myself at home? Had you asked me prior to my trip to Bodovino, I’d have said I pour about 5 ounces in my glass. Now having had a perfectly measured 5 ounce glass, I can say with certainty my pour is a skosh more heavy handed than that (and by skosh I mean nearly double – hey, live and learn, my people, live and learn!).

What a great addition to Down Town. I came in on a Saturday around 1:00pm and we were the only ones there. It is a very casual ambiance which is nice! I was casually dressed and didn’t feel out of place at all. We were greeted by the bar tender who took time to really explain to us how it works and walked us around to show us the wines. You get a $ 3/​first time «card fee» and you can load it with however much you want to start. A girlfriend and I shared a $ 20 card & it was perfect for us to both have about 5 different tastes.
The wine dispensers are really modern and cool and very user friendly. They show you how much you have on your card as you make your selections. My favorite was the «local wines» From Oregon, Idaho & Washington. We ordered a beautiful «Italian Cheese Platter» sat by the window & the fire place in the corner nook and really enjoyed our time here.
Don’t be afraid to bring «non-​wine» men here too. (Like my husband) they have a huge beer cooler for them to check out while you enjoy wines. That is a great touch or I would never be able to bring him somewhere like this. Ha Ha.
There is also a really great gift section. I will be doing some Christmas shopping here. Can’t wait to come back! Great job Bodovino & great staff, too.

He started the sentence as a statement. «This place is…».
I finished it as a question. «…awkward?».

He continued, «Uncomfortable. But awkward works.»
We were disappointed. We were expecting a wine bar like Vino Vino in Austin or Noble Rot in Portland or The Vine in Danville. Instead we found a wine store using wine dispensing machines.
Bodovino is a good fit for some. It isn’t for us. Different strokes and no failure on the part of them or us. The reasons follow for the «I’ve experienced better» view.
EXPERIENCE FACTORS IN
At first we thought were we half as «well aged» as we are we might like Bodovino better. But we noted a number of folks had similar «vintage years» as us.
We concluded if we knew three quarters less than we know about wine after three decades as winos… umm, oenophiles… we would find Bodovino a better fit.
This is a place that offers Wine 101 classes with a syllabus of five talking points including «Where wine comes from. What wine tastes like.» Everyone starts somewhere in wine drinking. This is as good a way as any other.
Newbies seem the main market here and not experienced winos… umm, oenophiles. Bodovino in some ways resembles the «Winestyles» shops that came and went in the early 2000’s targeted at the same market.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that, as Jerry Seinfeld would say. But it is what it is. It is not something else.
THE VIBE
Up the stairs in a renovated building in Boise’s BODO area, the vibe is urban cool. Good job in interior design, But for space planning it is awkward for seating with people moving around in pursuit of finding the wine they want from the automatic dispensers throughout the space Some seats at tables and chairs here and there, some at the high bar.
THE STAFF
Very friendly in greeting, «Is this your first visit? Let us tell you how it works…» Very helpful for snafus with the machines. 6 stars! Not wine savvy for questions on wines.
THE DRILL
Buy a prepaid card to insert into the dispensers, choosing any amount to load on the card. There is a one time set up fee ($ 3?). As example, a first time $ 20 card ended up with roughly $ 15.80 spendable after the fee and taxes were deducted.
You are required to have ID. State rule. Haven’t been ‘carded’ in 30 years. Wanted to hug the guy who asked. :-) Seriously! They’ll put a paper wristband on you and away you go to find your wine.
Dispensers positioned at various locations throughout the shop in cases holding roughly 8 bottles each and enough to have 100+ bottles available. Insert your card to be debited at the bottle of your choice and select a pour of 1 oz, 3 oz or 5 oz which is dispensed into your glass held below the spigot.
Prices vary depending on wine and pour size.
Find a place to sit to sip then when if you want another, get up to find your next option and hope your seat is still available when you get back.
THE PRICES
5oz pour is roughly a glass at any bar and as examples here prices are reasonable…
… Willakenzie Pinot Blanc $ 8.25
…Dunham Cellars Three Legged Dog $ 8.00
…Italian mid point Amarone $ 28.00
…German Mosel Riesling Qualitstatswein $ 7.50
THE EATS
Small kitchen here with options like cheese plates and flatbreads. Order (at counter) and serving set up is awkward.
WINE DISPENSER CONTROVERSY
Once a bottle of wine is opened oxygen is its’ friend for a little while but degrades it over time. It is why in a wine bar you’ll be provided with a menu of wines by the glass that is limited, say up to a dozen or so each reds and whites and why menus change, to keep the wines «fresh».
These wine vac-​dispensers were Introduced in some high volume restaurants (think Las Vegas) to allow expansion of by glass service from a couple of dozen to hundreds of wines.
Back in the ’90’s creative minds got the idea of starting wine bars where consumers could help themselves at the wine dispensers. Time suggests this can work in maybe less experienced wine markets but it doesn’t always have longevity in others. (As the defunct Metrovino in PDX.)
Sometimes called Enomoatics (oenophile + automatic), a name of one manufacturer of these machines, the term has become generic in the way Kleenex is for facial tissues. The machines are controversial. If you want to know more, this Eater article is a good one.
THIS N THAT:
1) PARKING: On street. Good luck with that at times.
2) THE LOO: No bathrooms inside Bodovino. They are shared by all tenants in this building on this floor and at the far end of the floor.
3) ACCESSIBILITY: Accessible lift to left side of Bodovino stairs. The too heavy access doors that failed ADA under previous tenant have been fixed. Bathrooms in on this floor are not accessible. They should be. Building owner is L.A. located investor not Bodovino. Up to building owner to fix this shameful ADA problem. The law is 23 years old.