Pinot Divino

*Published on **2018-03-09** by **Kelley** | Categories: Travel*

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The only place that I spent more time at than L’Annexe, was Pinot Divino. I’ll have to say that there aren’t as many pictures because I was too busy drinking and talking and eating to be taking any. But there was one day where I snapped a few. It happened to be the day where I sat down with the owner to talk about how she decided to open up wine shop in the middle of Cambodia. After sitting down with her for that chat, I walked out with a friend. It didn’t hurt that I could meander from my hostel to her place in three minutes but that’s beside the point. The atmosphere that Nancy and JJ offered kept me coming back. Their amazing wines may have helped also. Every time I walked in there, I let Nancy pick what filled my glass and it always went well.

The building lived at the corner of Bug Street, an aptly named street because of Bugs Cafe a short walk down. (That’s where you can go eat bugs for dinner. Stick around, that’s the next post.) Pinot Divino is just a chill white square building. There wasn’t much to it. I walked past it a few times before I stopped in.

This is the sign that did it for me. As I would find out later, I did end up meeting some seriously amazing people from around the world. Sixteen wines to taste by the glass? I’m ready. It had been a while since I’d spoiled myself in such a way. And then there was live music! Anyone who knows me that live music calls to me. I went home for a little nap and came back out refreshed. That night I found probably the most talented duo of people in Cambodia. I’ll say that Amok Soul Duo actually blew me AWAY. A duet that played all over the area, they amazed me. I spent most of my first night with my mouth wide open at Mirasol’s voice and Herve’s notes.

(picture taken from google a search)

Mirasol Aguila, a soul singer from the Philippines, and Herve Vasseur, from France, on acoustic guitar played straight to my soul really. They had the kind of music that sliced you open and showed your beating heart. If you’re interested in seeing them while you’re in Siem Reap here’s their Facebook. They’re still rocking out to this day.

[https://www.facebook.com/events/1702302993365776/](https://www.facebook.com/events/1702302993365776/)

Just about every moment the doors were open Nancy had someone with a glass in hand and more than likely a snack to nosh on. Nights are when things got really interesting. My first night in I walked around giggling at the decor.

There were so many fun quotes on the wall related to wine. Many had me laughing but some were just about the enjoyment of life. And that’s what I felt while I sat and supped in Nancy’s place. The focus shifted from what lay around us to the place that we sat and the moments we shared. The rest of the decor sported a classy feel that made me want to lounge around here every night. And I came pretty close to doing so.

The focus of the place certainly was wine.

But I can tell you Nancy and JJ certainly knew how to do serious snacks too. There were times where I skipped dinner and just went there to dine with a nice glass.

Now, we know from the last post that seating is important. THIS is my favorite seat. Situated near the front entrance, I got to watch every person walk in and enjoy Nancy’s bigger than life greetings to each of them. That could possibly make this my favorite spot in Siem Reap.

She seemed to know all the people who walked in already. And if she didn’t they certainly felt like she did after about 5 minutes. That happened to be one of Nancy’s true gifts. She loved people even more than I did. And she could relate to anybody who joined her.

So this simple white box on the corner became my home away from home. I spent so many of my nights at this establishment that I lost count. It truly changed my life and in a later post I’ll expand a little bit about why.

** Side note: As of July 24th, 2016 Pinot has closed it’s doors. We truly look forward to the next wine bar adventure when it comes.