Looks like Vinoteca will have to add a few more bottles of chianti to its wine list now that its backyard bocce court and patio have opened.

In strong contrast to the wine bar’s contemporary, dark-wood interior, Vinoteca’s patio area resembles an open-air Old World villa. “We were going for an old European town square feeling,” says owner Paul Carlson. Although the patio’s aesthetic isn’t completely traditional, it appears Carlson spared very little expense in making the bocce court it’s jewel. The court, shrewdly walled-off from the seating areas, is topped with crushed oyster shells from Washington, giving the surface the proper give-and-go needed for a fast-paced game (think shuffleboard with balls). Unfortunately, the court is smaller than regulation size — so championship bowlers, go elsewhere.

Four days into the patio’s opening, the staff is in the process of drumming up interest in the court. Servers, bartenders, cooks and chefs have all taken to starting pick-up demonstration games. Carlson has even reached out to the DC Bocce League to come by and play. If, and I full expect when, lines start forming, games will be limited to allow for fast turnover. In the meantime the patio will feature special menu of grilled items — dogs, sliders, kebabs, salads — for those waiting for a match.