Mama E's Travels

by Erin Werneke, All photos ©Mama E’s Travels unless otherwise noted

One day, driving down County Road E in Shoreview, Minnesota, I noticed something unusual. The charming antique shop “Odds and Ends” had vanished. In its place? A cozy new wine bar called In Vino Veritas—Latin for “in wine, there is truth.” Naturally, I found a reason to visit. My friend Jess was quick to say yes to a night out. We wanted to celebrate the end of a school year for me and the beginning of her new job as a lead preschool teacher.

Owned by Farzana and Cory, In Vino Veritas is an intimate, welcoming gem.

Aside from two bar counters with stools, it didn’t feel like a traditional bar. Instead, the space is full of nooks and crannies perfect for all kinds of gatherings. Jess and I settled into two chairs meant for a living room with a low coffee table between us—it gave me high-tea-in-England vibes. We later explored a cozy nook fit for a small group. Beyond a dividing wall, we discovered a larger room, which encompassed a small stage for live entertainment.

It closes at 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, which was ideal for two tired teachers. If I were younger, it would have been the perfect place to start a night out. (Bonus: It stays open until 10 p.m. on Thursdays and 11 p.m. on weekends.)

Once comfy, we ordered drinks. I went with a flight of rosé—Zoe Rose of Agiorgitiko E, Alexander Valley Dry Rosé, and Château d’Estoublon. Jess chose a seasonal cosmopolitan with a citrusy punch.

Ordering food was confusing at first. The menu was a beautifully printed checklist, but as a first-timer, it took me a moment to catch on. Their “tapas” menu is really a build-your-own charcuterie board, which might surprise some. I started with dessert (yes, dessert first): a decadent chocolate cake that was rich and shareable. Halfway through, I realized I needed something savory to balance it out.

For my tapas board, I chose:

• Sharp Cheddar
• Imported Brie (Denmark)
• Calabrese Salami
• Gluten-free Whole Grain Crackers
• Seasoned Assorted Olives

I should’ve paid closer attention to the individual prices—my tab added up faster than I expected. That said, the presentation was stunning. I ordered just before the kitchen closed. Yet, the chef still took the time to craft a rose from the salami slices. And the server, incredibly kind, set a to-go box aside without making me feel rushed. I appreciated their grace and attention to detail.

The highlight of the night wasn’t just the food or wine—it was the people. Cory and Farzana radiate hospitality. They chatted with guests like old friends. One snowbird couple visiting from Florida caught Cory’s attention, and he asked about their travels and plans while in town. That sense of familiarity and community is something you can’t manufacture.

By the end of the evening, I felt like we were part of the In Vino Veritas story.

I invite you to become part of it, too—whether you’re celebrating something big, catching a comedy night, or grabbing a quiet drink with friends where you don’t have to clean the living room.