Gaston is the 2nd wine bar in the Frantzén empire(the first one is in the Old Town(Gamla Stan) next to the same owners gastro pub the Flying Elk, cocktail bar Corner Clu and around the corner from the fine dining Frantzén restaurant) and this one located inside department store NK. It is part of the increased ambitions of NK when it comes to its food and beverage offering. The wine bar is on the top floor of the department store and so far it is often a very relaxed and calm place. The space is considerable bigger than the original Gaston which is nice for larger groups but it does also lack some of the charm of the smaller Gaston. I do still like it though as it is easy to just pop in for a glass without having to worry if there is space. The selection here is a bit smaller than in the original Gaston but it is still good for a wine bar. Usually around 10 wines by the glass and they also offer the nice sommelier’s choice where the sommelier will select 3 wines and give you smaller tasters(approximately 1⁄3 to ½ glass) for 120SEK. Great fun to be able to taste a lot of different wines and also try things one otherwise would not go for. I would prefer a better selection of champagne by the glass, it has lately been the good but boring Charles Heidseck and I would rather see some of the more exciting champagnes on the list. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and really interested in wine so always fun to chat a bit with them. As it is often rather calm here they do also have time to chat longer. It is also possible to order food from the other restaurants on the same floor and eat it at the tables at Gaston. One major drawback is however the limited opening hours — they cannot be open later than the department store so not open after 20.00 on weekdays and only until 18.00 on Saturdays.
