Bellevue’s wine community just got a boost as Grand Cru Wine Bar and Shop opened in the Ten20 Tower apartment building in downtown.

Owners Steve Walker, Tom Cottrell, and Robert Reichel envision a contemporary Eastside destination highlighting world-class wines.

The Wine Bar and Shop have separate entrances, both accessed off 108th Avenue Northeast at the ground level of the Ten20 Tower.

“The whole concept behind Grand Cru was to build a wine community in Bellevue,” Cottrell explained. “We are kind of like missionaries trying to get people into wine by offering a friendly place where people can feel comfortable coming and enjoying a glass of wine or purchasing a bottle to take home.”

The Wine Bar has 40 hand-selected wines by the glass and a wine list with 101 bottle selections. The wines by the glass are kept under a gas protection system to keep oxygen away from the wine. The system ensures the wine is kept fresh for every pour.

Every Friday, the Wine Bar features TGIChampagne, an evening dedicated to sparkling wines and champagne. The Wine Bar also serves a series of seasonal desserts and appetizer plates to compliment the wines.

With floor to ceiling glass windows, the Grand Cru Wine Bar overlooks the Ten20 Tower’s courtyard and fountain. An outdoor patio with limited seating will be available on warmer days.

Grand Cru offers beginning to advanced wine classes held in the bar’s private tasting room. The tasting room can hold up to 46 guests and is available for small parties and events.

“Although these are two separate spaces they are complimentary of one another,” Cottrell explained. “Having two locations allows us to carry a wide variety of wines at all price ranges.”

Grand Cru features a Wine of the Month Club as well as a VIP Collectors’ Club program.

Grand Cru Wine Shop, 1020 108th Ave NE, Suite 120, http://www.grandcru-wineshop.com, 425.455.4363.