Under Pressure Wine Bar is bringing a fresh perspective to Atlanta’s wine scene later this year, with the goal of becoming a neighborhood go-to and a destination-worthy experience. All levels of wine knowledge and enjoyment will be welcome at this wine-first bar and restaurant coming to Roswell Road in the Chastain area.
Created by Atlanta’s first MICHELIN Guide-winning sommelier Juan Fernando Cortés and restaurateur Adam Berlin, Under Pressure Wine Bar flips the traditional model by putting wine first in every decision. The concept features a menu built around the wine program, with standout sparkling selections, large-format pours and a design-forward space inspired by David Bowie.
Before opening its permanent location, Under Pressure Wine Bar will offer an early preview through a four-week series of Thursday evening pop-ups at Brush Sushi in Buckhead Village, beginning May 14 and running through June 4.
Each week, Under Pressure Wine Bar will take over the Brush Sushi’s main dining room and bar with vinyl DJ Capt. Mudfish spinning music from Bowie, Queen and other ’80s icons, alongside a wine selection from Cortés and Berlin. Chef Jason Liang of Brush Sushi will offer special à la carte dishes designed to pair with the wines, while Brush’s full sushi menu will also be available. Reservations for the dining room are available via OpenTable; bar seating is on a first-come basis.
“These pop-ups are a preview of the experience we want guests to have at Under Pressure,” said Cortés. “Wine should feel approachable, exciting and discovery-driven. We will start with excellent wine first – underrepresented labels, great value, interesting stories – and select food that pairs with the wine.”
Anchored by a 1,500+ bottle cellar, Under Pressure’s wine program is to be designed for discovery and depth. Nearly 20 percent of the list is dedicated to sparkling wines ranging from top vintage Champagnes to alternative bubbles at great values. Natural and biodynamic wine selections will also play a role, alongside a balanced mix of Old World and New World producers across all styles. A focus on large-format bottles allows for more by-the-glass offerings than typically available.
“Wine can be intimidating, but we make it inviting,” said Berlin. “Under Pressure will cultivate a culture of genuine connection and discovery, where newcomers and connoisseurs feel equally welcome to discover new varietals and pairings.”
A house vermouth program and a tight, refined cocktail menu will round out the beverage selection. The food menu will include classics like truffle French fries and caviar service, alongside a rotating list of seasonal dishes designed specifically to pair with wines by the glass.
Located at North Buckhead’s Fountain Oaks shopping plaza, Under Pressure’s design is being led by SOGO Studios. The 2,000-square-foot interior is complemented by a spacious covered patio, with total seating for up to 150 guests in a space featuring vintage Chastain Amphitheater concert posters and a David Bowie-inspired atmosphere.
Under Pressure is informed by its founders’ combined experience across wine and hospitality, with each bringing a distinct perspective shaped over years in Atlanta’s dining scene. Cortés (CSM, CSW) is a MICHELIN Guide-winning sommelier and the creative force behind the wine program. Berlin is known for building concept-driven hospitality venues such as Atlanta favorites Chicheria Mexican Kitchen and Buena Vida Tapas Bar.
The duo first met 10 years ago through their respective pop-ups – Stanky Wine and Tipsy Gourmand – and have come full circle to collaborate again.
