A Sip of Elegance

The Tale of Two Two One Wine Bar

By Taylor Trahan Henry

In the heart of Jennings’ downtown historic district, an intoxicating transformation has taken place. The vibrant charm of the newly revitalized area now boasts a gem that has become the talk of the town: Two Two One, a wine bar that marries contemporary elegance with a mid-city feel. Alex LeJeune and her husband, Josh, are undoubtedly movers and shakers in the Jeff Davis Parish scene. With one successful commercial and residential insulation business under their belt, they undertook the dream of turning an old space into a swanky lounge fit for business and celebrations alike.

For the last several years, Jennings has seen incredible growth throughout the city, especially in the downtown area. “In the midst of the hustle and bustle, Alexa approached me with her idea,” says Henry Guinn, mayor of Jennings. “My first thought was, would Jennings support an endeavor like this? She was undeterred and focused. They have renovated a once abandoned building into what is now one of the most elegant atmospheres in South Louisiana.”

“I’ve always enjoyed seeing people come together to discuss business, celebrate life, or just unwind over excellent food and drink,” says Alexa. “The Jennings historic downtown is the perfect place to bring that vision to life.” The story of Two Two One is a testament to commitment and a shared vision. When the LeJeunes started the renovations, it did not take them long to find out that the process would be a long one. With unwavering determination, they rolled up their sleeves and embarked on a journey that would breathe new life into the historical bones of the structure. “I had a vision and thankfully Josh had the means to make it happen,” says Alexa. “We changed our minds a hundred times and, even now that we’re open, I’m still finding ways to improve the look, feel, and functionality.”

The interior is an exquisite fusion of contemporary aesthetics and vintage charm. Exposed brick walls, carefully preserved from yesteryear, stand alongside sleek golden fixtures, giving guests the best of both worlds. Alexa, with her penchant for interior design, ensured that each corner of the bar exudes an inviting ambiance. Plush velvet couches offer comfort for patrons to unwind and savor their favorite drinks. Dimmed chandeliers cast a warm glow upon the space, making it perfect for any occasion.

The wine list, curated with care and expertise, boasts an impressive selection of reds, whites, and sparkling. With each glass poured, the LeJeunes passion for sharing quality libations shines through. And it’s not just the wines that steal the spotlight at Two Two One. They’ve also crafted an excellent menu of cocktails. For a refreshing spritz, The Heywood knocks it out of the park – delicious blend of muddled strawberry, vanilla vodka, lemon, agave, and a splash of citrus soda. No cocktail menu is complete without an Old Fashioned, smoked to boot. For a twist on that classic, try the Smoked Tequila. The Cucumber De Stress does exactly as it says. The taste of muddled cucumber, gin, elderflower, citrus, and orgeat will have the worries of your day fading away. For those who prefer a chilled beer or traditional mixed drink, the full-service bar also offers a selection domestics, imports, seltzers, and liquors.

“Crafting our cocktail menu was so important to us,” says Alexa. “We prioritize using high quality liquor and other ingredients. I am so thankful for our relationships with local distributors that allows us to get our hands on the best for our customers.”

In South Louisiana, no gathering is complete without a little something to eat, at least. At Two Two One, light hors d’oeuvres grace the menu. From the classic wine-pairing favorite, charcuterie, to more savory options like hummus garlic spread, the food perfectly complements the beverage selection.

Two Two One has become more than just a wine bar in its short time open. It has grown into a melting pot of cultures and connections. As a testament to their commitment to community, Alexa and Josh look forward to regularly hosting live musicians, wine tastings, and events featuring local talents, transforming the wine bar into a stage for shared creativity and a place where doers come together to grow the community.

Two Two One is a tale of dreams materialized, of how an old building found new life, and a historic district embraced the warm embrace of modernity. It symbolizes the beauty of small businesses that enrich the very fabric of a town like Jennings and the passion of a couple who poured their hearts into creating a place of sophistication and charm.

So, the next time you find yourself in the enchanting downtown historic district, be sure to wander into the embrace of Two Two One. Lift a glass and savor the moment!

Two Two One is located at 221 Main Street in downtown Jennings. For more information on hours, menu, and specials, visit them on Facebook at Two Two One Wine Bar.