Get Ready to Fall in Love with Swoon Books & Wine in Dayton

I had the chance to preview Swoon Books & Wine before it opens to the public. This bar-meets-bookstore is beyond beautiful, perfect in every detail, and ready to sweep you right off your feet.

The Drinks

The menu mentioned that it could change before Swoon fully opens, but here are the notes I penciled in the margins from my first visit:

If you’re already a fan of Joui Wine in downtown Dayton, you’ll definitely fall in love with Swoon’s curated selection of wines, beer, and cocktails. Owner of Joui Wine, Lauren Gay, is one of the co-owners of Swoon along with Lindsay Woodruff, owner of Maraluna! The menu offers so many unique flavors with storybook themes.

I tried the Paper Crane featuring Japanese whiskey, aperol, amaro, and lemon juice. They adorably garnished it with a tiny origami paper crane.

Swoon also offers snacks from A Pretty Picnic, including a cheese box. With that and Montucky Cold Snacks beer, this is officially my boyfriend’s new favorite bar of all time.

The Books

Swoon’s shelves are stocked with romance stories from every genre. There are sci-fi romances, classic bodice-rippers, romantasy, horror, historical, etc.

For big fans of romance, you can become a member at Swoon to receive two books monthly as well as other perks.

I took home a copy of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin as well as a Swoon shirt. They also sell canvas tote bags and branded wine keys that I have my eye on! I’m looking forward to diving into the story soon and finding new ones at Swoon in the future.

The Space

With a lush, gilded, rococo theme, the decor at Swoon is so romantic.

The lamps and lights are all dripping with faceted crystals. The furniture is upholstered in velvet, there are sconces and candles, ornate rugs, marble tables, and the walls are a deep teal blue.

The Details

Order a drink at the bar or have a seat at a table then pick out books and merch. They can ring you up for everything in one transaction.

If you have a book club, you can reserve Swoon for your meetings! I can’t think of a better venue for discussions about books than a place where you can be surrounded by full bookshelves while sipping wine.

You don’t need reservations to visit, Swoon is open for browsing and sipping.

Swoon Books & Wine
2504 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio