Raise a Toast in New Tampa

Hector Gonzalez, proprietor of in New Tampa, wraps a tempting bouquet around his words as he discusses the art of wine, and the finer things in life. His passion is on display at Toast, selling value vino and hosting wine-centric events.

“We try and bring a little wine country experience at a retail price,” Gonzalez said.

Toast, at 14921 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., packs a busy schedule, ushering in experts and distributors for wine tastings, commissioning chefs for select, multi-course dinners, and arranging live, weekend mood music — a wine aficionado’s playpen.

Gonzalez doesn't just aim to sell great wine. He likes to educate and entertain, building a unique platform for a growing list of devotees.

September’s Paul Hobbs Wine Dinner, a celebration of the single-vineyard California winery, will be at the heart and soul of what Gonzalez is trying to accomplish. October will bring Toast’s 3rd Annual Wine Tasting & Pig Roast. 

“The events create a buzz … word of mouth," Gonzalez said. "They help introduce and educate customers. You get the first-hand experience of drinking the wine and a little atmosphere."

But don’t wait for the special screenings; walk in and discover what Gonzalez believes is the essence of Toast: a discriminating wine selection, priced to sell.

“I focus on small producers that are very highly rated, but anything that’s better than what you get in Publix or a typical liquor store,” said Gonzalez, who likes to "maximize the quality-to-price ratio,” Toast’s formula for success.

Gonzalez is a renaissance wine man. Growing up in fine-dining establishments, he can’t list all the stops he’s made chasing his muse: wine distribution companies, OSI (famous for Bonefish Grill and Outback), Napa Valley tours, and now sommelier and retailer. He’s a member of the sommelier guild and one test away from his sommelier certification.

Need a wine guy? Hector Gonzalez is it.

Gonzalez said he beat the recession by mixing the perfect blend of quality and price. Plans are in place to expand his knack — and his partners’ vision — beyond Tampa, toasting other parts of the Southeast with the same game plan.

That game plan also includes cigars. Gonzalez features a deft mix, humidifying smokes from Arturo Fuente, Oliva and Padron. He completes the walk-in, cedar-lined humidor with special requests and chic brands destined for Toast’s private smoking lounge.

Fear second-hand smoke? Toast’s high-tech smoke eater creates a smokeless force field for wine-only patrons. “So you never get bombarded with smoke,” Gonzalez said.

Toast is re-imagining its menu, too. Wine lovers can fuel up with well-appointed starters cooked for convenience. But Toast’s successful dinner nights, employing gypsy chefs and mobile menus, may inspire a full-time kitchen.

Toast scores with customers growing to expect the unexpected. Theme nights dance from Madrid to Rome, pairing ethnic food with regional wines. And Gonzalez loves playing matchmaker, always searching for the perfect marriage.

“We do wine pairings and themes. We change up different themes,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez also makes house calls for grape enthusiasts hosting wine-tasting events. Buy your night’s bounty from Toast and get your own sommelier teaching his favorite subject: wine appreciation.

Toast plans to expand its concept this holiday season with private parties. Gonzalez wants to bring both corporate and social revelers in-house, offering a competitive, exclusive package of food, beverage and atmosphere.

“I hand pick the best wine selection in Tampa and focus on value and quality, but I like award-winning brands,” Gonzalez said.

Value, quality and impeccable taste, Hector Gonzalez and Toast Fine Wine & Cigar Bar bring the wine country to Tampa.

More Information

Phone: 813-632-3105
Address: 14921 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
Web: toastofnewtampa.com for events calendar
Facebook: facebook.com/toastofnewtampa