What comes to mind when you think of enthusiasm? If you answered Tom Grayling, you’d be one hundred percent correct. Tom is the energetic co-owner of Gainsbarre, Fairhaven’s newest natural wine bar. The fromagerie is a one stop shop for natural wine, small plates and even beer (it is Bellingham, after all). Since opening in November 2017, Tom and the crew at Gainsbarre have made it their mission to revitalize the beverage scene that once burgeoned in Fairhaven.
After over 15 years in the food and beverage industry, Tom knows the ins and outs of running the wine bar effectively. But even Tom couldn’t do it alone. He’s got quite the team behind him, from his knowledgeable and friendly service staff to seasoned Chef Alex Nusloch to his equally enthusiastic business partner Laura Swift. Gainsbarre is the definition of a collaborative effort. The team here has racked up a ton of collective experience in the food and beverage scene, and they pride themselves on providing their guests the best experience possible.
“Sharing good food and wine with others is extremely important to me. It brings community together,” Tom says as his eyes scan Gainsbarre’s wide selection of wine bottles. Tom is exceedingly proud of their collection.
It’s obvious when someone is passionate about what they do. It makes you feel connected to their grand plan. This is especially true of Tom.
Tom explains that all of the wine at Gainsbarre is unique to Gainsbarre. You can’t get it anywhere else in the area. This is due to their wine procuring process. They cut out the middle man. By only using a handful of purveyors and importers, Tom gets his wine straight from the source. He likes to think of Gainsbarre as a farmstand. Most of their labels come from Europe, locations such as France, Italy and Germany, but they also import certain wines from California and the Willamette Valley in Oregon.
“All of our wine is organic and natural,” Tom says. “There are no additives and I think people will start to realize the difference once they start drinking it. Once you start drinking organic wine, you just don’t go back.”
Tom is a passionate wine lover. He is also a lover of good food, and the culture and menu at Gainsbarre reflect that. The hiring of Chef Nusloch from New Orleans, Louisiana, was a critical step in developing their small plate menu that is both exciting and adventurous. Dishes such as Avocado Tartine with English pea, mint and feta; and their charcuterie board featuring Texas wild boar, coppa and salame toscano reflect that.
For those looking for even lighter fare, try their Greens & Grains salad which combines farro wheat, pomegranate, belgian endive, greens, lemon and mint.
“It was always our intention to have food to pair with our selection of high-quality wines,” Tom says. “Alex puts a ton of thought into our menu and wonderfully pairs our menu items with the perfect wine suited for them.”
Although Gainsbarre is different than the typical Bellingham watering hole (i.e., not hyper-focused on beer), the wine and snack bar still has a place in the city. Its differences are its advantages. Not being the norm can benefit you – it gives people the incentive to try your product because you are unique, Tom says.
The location they’ve selected has a long wine related history. According to Tom, it was a wine shop for 12 years and saw multiple incarnations. At first the shop was called Purple Smile. Tom frequented it regurlarly as a customer. Perfectly Paired took over the space before taking their business to Lynden. Both the owners of Purple Smile and Perfectly Paired were mentors to him.
“This place has a great wine history and I want to help keep that alive,” Tom says.
Server Anna Mortimer walks over to our table and concurs, “We want you to have an adventure when you come visit us,” she says. “That’s what sets us apart. You get to immerse yourself in our environment and in our wines. You’ll get to learn all about them while here, so you get a relaxing and educating experience.”
Tom beams and adds, “She is so right!” It is clear that the team at Gainsbarre shares the same vision.
Gainsbarre is open from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends. They have a daily happy hour which runs from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily when you can grab $4 beers and $6 pours of select wine. Come in and enjoy the experience!
Gainsbarre
1143 11th Street
Fairhaven
