The wine bar, which developed a nice following when it was located in the Michigan City Arts District, has been building out its space on Rt. 12 for several months.

Tamara and Tyler Gonder would be forgiven if they thought their business was a bit cursed. In 2020 they were planning to open Brix, a wine tasting room, in downtown Michigan City, when the pandemic struck.

They persevered, and spent five years in the Uptown Arts District on 6th Street, developing a nice following. Then they closed in late February of 2025, seeking a space with a larger kitchen. They bought the former Arturo’s Bakery on Rt. 12 just west of Karwick Road in Michigan City.

After an extensive renovation, the Gonders celebrated a soft reopening this summer, and were getting staff up to speed as they moved toward an official reopening. Then lightning struck—literally.

The severe storms and derechos that blew threw the area in mid-August caused a lightning bolt to strike a tree on the property, wiping out Brix’s power and computer system. Tyler had to take a few days off to help neighbors in LaPorte deal with downed trees. All in all, a crazy time as employees and neighbors dealt with prolonged power outages.

Things have settled down. The bar area is a fun spot to hang, with a live-edge wood bar Tyler helped make. An adjacent dining room is a pretty space with several small tables. A large rear deck has red umbrellas for shade.

Find a wide selection of bottles from around the world, as well as about 20 to 25 by the glass. Non-wine lovers will be happy to know there’s a small selection of beer on offer too.

Most days, Tyler and Tamara can be found in the back of house, where they concentrate on cooking food in their larger kitchen. The menu will look familiar to anyone who’s been to a wine bar: pizzas (low $20s), salads, sandwiches, and snacks such as hummus, charcuterie, baked brie, bruschetta, and meatballs.

Tyler and I traded a few messages but never connected before I needed to get the word out about Brix’s reopening. But I hear he’s planning to offer wine flights and has thoughts of hosting an outdoor wine festival in the future on the property’s expansive grounds.

About the name: Brix measures the sugar content in grape juice; winemakers use Brix to track grape maturity and decide on a harvest date.

Note that Brix’s Facebook page has not been updated; it still has the old address on it. But updates appear on the page’s feed.

Brix is open from 2-9 pm CT Tuesdays through Sundays. (219) 262-5038 2613 E US Highway 12, Michigan City.