Bill Bentley's Bio

FLOOR-KING BILL BENTLEY POURS THE WINE AT SIX89

CARBONDALE, CO – Variety, value and approachability are at the heart of the wine list at SIX89. Wines are selected by Floor-king Bill Bentley based on a criterion of excellence, interest and price. Paring wines with the eclectic menu at SIX89 is a delicious challenge that Bentley accepts nightly.

Bentley has worked in restaurants for over eighteen years. He developed his passion for wine ten years ago as a waiter at The Flagstaff House in Boulder. SIX89’s wine list is constantly evolving to take advantage of good vintages from around the globe as well as changes in the cuisine and clientele of SIX89. The wine list consists of one hundred and forty-five selections with thirteen varieties available by the glass.

Bentley is a big fan of Australian wines and Australian and American wines compose the majority of the list. French, Italian and German wines also have a strong presence along with the New World emphasis. Many of the wines are well known, while others require an introduction to the general wine aficionado. Bentley predicts that more South American and Spanish wines will enter the wine list at SIX89. He enjoys introducing unique wines to the clientele at SIX89, especially Alsatian white varietals, Syrahs and red Zinfandels, which are well represented on SIX89’s wine list. The wine list is original and is loosely formatted by variety from light to more full-bodied wines.

It is no coincidence that the wine list at SIX89 is as unique as the menu. Bentley says he often dreams about food and wine pairings, like pairing a zinfandel with chef Mark Fischer’s smoked duck stuffed chile rellenos, and he encourages guests to try a sweet white wine with the lobster salad with a Thai vinaigrette dressing. Just as Fischer offers his “Random Acts of Cooking” where he chooses the menu based on a table’s tastes and preferences, Bentley welcomes the opportunity to do the same with wine pairings. It is difficult to say which is better – Fischer’s cooking or Bentley’s pairings, but both relish the opportunity to create culinary moments that work.

SIX89 is located at 689 Main Street in Carbondale, Colorado. SIX89 is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 5:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested; 970.963.6890.

www.SIX89.com