Imagine ducking out for a wine with your other half without even having to leave the house! That’s just what one talented dad has made possible in the basement of his Baltimore home.

When the pandemic hit, bars around the world were shutting their doors. But Erick Abrecht of Abrecht Design made full use of COVID lockdowns to transform a drab and unused basement into his very own wine bar retreat.

And it’s always open.

The fifty-three-year-old put several painstaking months into the project, going the extra mile for a truly authentic Italian vibe.

He used a combination of antique fixtures, mosaic tiles, reclaimed wood and paint to give the space an aged and welcoming look. He even built a traditional entrance and had a friend create custom stained-glass signage to welcome guests for wine o’clock.

In an interview with The Mirror, Abrecht revealed that he put a lot of time into hunting for the right pieces to bring the bar to life. He visited thrift stores and other haunts for vintage goods and truly unique decor. Stand-out pieces include a vintage cash register, wall art and portraits, vases, chests – and even a very old framed 1000 lire note.

When he couldn’t find the perfect item, he created his own. “Our love for Verona inspired the search,” he explained.

Abrecht filled the rear of the bar with cherry-hued shelving for a warm and cosy aesthetic. He also filled the wine racks on the sides of the walls with liquor bottles from all around the world.

Of course, there’s a comfortable bench at which guests can perch as they await their Negroni, and another central bench for milling around and chatting.

Unfortunately, this bar isn’t open to the public, it’s reserved solely for Abrecht and his dearest, so you’ll have to admire this one from a distance.

Social media has heaped praise on the ingenious designer, with many wishing they had something similar in their own homes. We don’t mind admitting we do too!

Abrecht’s other work includes a Residential Pub and Auto Repair Shop.