Celebrate the Holidays at ZaGaya Wine Bar: A Global-Soul Speakeasy Blending North African, Ethiopian & Mediterranean Flavors in Brooklyn
Brooklyn, NY — November 2025 — This winter, step out of the cold and into warmth, flavor, and community at ZaGaya Wine Bar, Windsor Terrace’s newest global-soul speakeasy. Nestled at 471 16th Street, ZaGaya invites you to celebrate the holidays with a vibrant fusion of North African, Ethiopian, and Mediterranean flavors, perfectly paired with curated wines, soulful music, and intimate poetry nights.
Whether you’re gathering with friends, toasting to the season, or discovering new tastes from around the world, ZaGaya offers a cozy, culture-rich escape — right in the heart of Brooklyn.
Photo by Karoline Hernandez
Pronounced /zuh-GUY-uh/, ZaGaya was envisioned by founder Lule Demmissie as a soulful retreat where guests can slow down, connect, and savor experiences rooted in heritage and hospitality. Its menu spotlights spiced, herb-infused drinks inspired by North Africa, Ethiopia, and the Mediterranean, paired with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and small plates influenced by generations of Ethiopian culinary tradition.
“ZaGaya was born to be more than a wine bar; it’s a gathering place where neighbors, friends, and families can slow down, share a table, and feel at home in a space that celebrates both beauty and belonging,” says Demmissie.
The ZaGaya Experience
This holiday season, ZaGaya invites guests to gather, indulge, and connect in an atmosphere glowing with warmth and global spirit. Blending intimate design with an elevated, globally inspired menu, ZaGaya transforms every visit into a sensory journey worth savoring.
Curated Wine List: From elegant Nebbiolo and crisp Chablis to bold, textured Krasno Orange, ZaGaya balances timeless regions with adventurous pours. At its heart is Saba Tej, a floral Ethiopian honey wine that honors one of the world’s most ancient and celebrated traditions.
Signature Cocktails: ZaGaya reimagines Tej in festive, modern expressions like the Autumn Lavender Tej, Apple Cider Tej, and the fiery Spicy Lioness Tej — perfect companions for crisp winter nights.
Inclusive Offerings: With house-crafted mocktails, non-alcoholic wines, and inventive elixirs such as the Rose Water & Cardamom Elixir and Zero-Proof Negroni, every guest can raise a glass in the spirit of celebration, no matter their preference.
Art & Atmosphere: Beyond food and drink, ZaGaya comes alive with live music, soulful playlists, and spoken word, transforming the space into Windsor Terrace’s warmest cultural stage on select evenings.
This winter, step inside and let ZaGaya’s glow, flavor, and rhythm remind you what makes dining communal — and the season magical. Whether you’re escaping the cold, sharing a toast, or seeking soulful inspiration, ZaGaya is where Brooklyn gathers to celebrate.
About Lule Demmissie –
Founder & Creative Visionary
Lule Demmissie is a Brooklyn-based entrepreneur, cultural advocate, and seasoned executive who has dedicated her career to building communities where people can thrive. Born in Ethiopia and raised with food as a language of culture and connection, she brings this philosophy to ZaGaya Wine Bar, weaving together her Ethiopian roots, African warmth, and Mediterranean sensibilities with Brooklyn’s creative energy.
Beyond hospitality, Lule is a recognized leader in business and culture. She previously served as CEO of eToro US and as an executive at TD Ameritrade and Morgan Stanley, earning a reputation as a thought leader featured in outlets including Forbes, Bloomberg, and CNBC. She currently serves as Global Chief Marketing Officer at ABC Fitness and Chair of the Board of Safeplace International, an NGO supporting displaced LGBTQ+ refugees.
“Our space, menu, and vibe are a reflection of my Brooklyn and Ethiopian roots and my lifelong belief that food, music, and art are powerful forces for unity,” says Demmissie. “ZaGaya is the alchemy of flavors, culture, and connection that shaped me — and it’s meant to be shared.”
With ZaGaya, Lule has created a cultural oasis: a place where global flavors meet soulful artistry, where neighbors gather not just to eat and drink, but to belong.
Photos by Karoline Hernandez
Visit ZaGaya
ZaGaya Wine Bar is now open and celebrating the holiday season with reservations available on Resy!
Join us for a soulful glass of wine by candlelight, a festive charcuterie board curated with global flair, or an evening of live music and holiday cheer. This season, let ZaGaya’s global-soul hospitality wrap you in warmth, flavor, and community.
ZaGaya Wine Bar
471 16th Street, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
ZaGaya isn’t just a bar. It’s a cultural movement — where global traditions meet Brooklyn’s creative spirit.
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
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