Award-Winning Restaurant/Bar Closing In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — An award-winning bar/restaurant in one of West Hartford's most prominent shopping destinations announced Tuesday it is closing.

The owners of Vinted Wine Bar & Kitchen, which is located at 63 Memorial Road in Blue Back Square in West Hartford, announced it is closing after 12 "wonderful" years.

According to a post on social media, the restaurant "made the difficult decision not to renew" its lease with Blue Back.

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to our cherished guests and, especially, our incredible staff for their unwavering support over the years," wrote Vinted Tuesday afternoon.

No official last day was revealed other than "later this summer," meaning the eatery could have up to a month left of operation.

Blue Back officials said Tuesday there is already a yet-to-be announced client for the space occupied by Vinted, which specializes in small plate-menu items and a diverse wine selection.

According to Blue Back, Vinted opened in 2012 by Ralph Santaniello and Michael Presnal, who also owned The Federal Restaurant and Bar in Agawam, Mass.

"Its sophisticated, yet welcoming, ambiance became a go-to destination for wine lovers and foodies alike," wrote Blue Back in a release Tuesday.

Blue Back said Vinted earned "rave reviews from the New York Times, was consistently named among the region’s top restaurants, and was celebrated locally for its award-winning wine list."

It was also, Blue Back said, complemented by a "curated cocktail program, robust bourbon and scotch offerings, and expertly crafted plates perfect for sharing."

The owners thanked the community for supporting Vinted in recent years

“This has been an incredibly special place for us,” said Santaniello in a statement released by Blue Back.

“We are so proud of the experience we created at Vinted and grateful to our loyal guests and the West Hartford community who supported us all these years. While it’s bittersweet to close this chapter, we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Blue Back Square expressed its appreciation for Vinted and what it offered.

“Vinted has been a true gem within Blue Back Square and has helped shape the property into the vibrant destination it is today,” said Paul Brandes, Principal of Brand Street Properties, owners of Blue Back Square.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Ralph, Michael, and the entire Vinted team for their partnership, vision, and the exceptional dining experience they provided for more than a decade. We wish them nothing but continued success and look forward to the exciting new chapter ahead for the space.”

According to Blue Back, the Vinted space and operation will undergo a full transformation before reopening as a new restaurant under new ownership.

Vinted is the second prominent wine bar/restaurant to announce its shuttering in less than a month.

The "Crush Wine Bar," located at 37 LaSalle Road, West Hartford, closed its doors for good on Sunday, July 27, after less than a year of operation.

For more information on Blue Back Square, click on this link.

From July 28: 'West Hartford Wine Bar Closes After Less Than A Year'