Sure , there ’s no place like Sonoma when it descend to wine – but Oakland has more to declare oneself than you might think . If you ’re short on time or money ( or you just do n’t match in with topnotch - snobby wine-coloured civilization ) , you do n’t in reality have to go that far north for good wine-coloured . Oakland is presently experiencing an urban wine maker gold rush , and these spots are institute a new flavor to California wine civilization . bask quality wines at roast that also personate Oakland ’s place - back , favorable vibe . If your squad is turn over who should be the specify driver , just make this trip playfulness for everyone : many of the young urban wine maker are located in former warehouse near Oakland ’s Jack London Square , falling along the Oakland Urban Wine Trail – which fix them easy approachable by public transit , include BART and the ferry .
Dashe Cellars
Dashe is Oakland ’s largest winery – and one of the old . The Dashes were ahead of the game when they began winemaking in 1996 , and open up their winery in 2004 . Do n’t let their joke of a logotype – which depict a rascal tease a fish – fool you ; these guys are deserving taking gravely . Besides , the fauna represent winemakers ’ Anne and Michael Dashe ’s root – the fish symbolize Anne ’s fishing township in her aboriginal France , while the monkey references Michael ’s hometown of Tarzana ( which , you know , sounds like " Tarzan").Dashe Cellars host some A-one fun consequence like mix workshop , their wine garden opening , and an one-year paella party . Unsurprisingly , this blank space is both dog and family line favorable . Try their Les Enfants Terrible zinfandel , a unclouded red reminiscent of wines from Anne ’s hometown – or for a luscious , velvety red go with their Todd Brothers Ranch zinfandel , which pairs passing well with barbeque .
Campovida
This place just make you want to drink wine and iciness . The countrified - chic décor , atavist R&B soundtrack , and exposed brick walls make Campovida ( that ’s " field of sprightliness " in Spanish ) evenly good for escort Nox or hang out with with friends . The friendly faculty is cool , young , and knowing , and the space host unusual - for - a - winery events like live music and yoga class . These guys are n’t all flair without substance , however : Campovida has tally both atomic number 79 and double gold medals in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition . Their viognier , the first wine-coloured they ever made , is still among their best darling – and their sangiovese is delicious .
Rosenblum Cellars
If your reading retention is working , this name should be middling conversant : Kent Rosenblum , of Rock Wall Wine Company , was also the serviceman behind Rosenblum Cellars , which he open up back in 1978 , before deal it in the late goose egg . Rosenblum probably should be diagnose RoZINblum since they ’re eff for their high - shop , prize - winning zinfandels ( get it ? ? ) – they have over 20 types of zinfandels made from wines in some of California ’s best vineyards .
Urban Legend Cellars
Urban Legend is the anti - snot-nosed wine-colored culture wine maker . The BART power train passes across the street from their doors , and the everyday aura and friendly patrons are welcome and low - keystone . Owners Marilee and Steve Shaffer explicate that they go for " first rate wine , without first rate pretensions . " Their wine list verbal description are a perfect instance of their unaffected way ; for instance , they call their Cuvee Lola " multi - hue , spicy , and complex " – in comparing it to their calico cat-o'-nine-tails . Their Vermentino , which they compare to a " sleek , white Lamborghini " is a crisp and flavorful ride on the palette – mate it with spicy intellectual nourishment .
Irish Monkey Cellars
Imagine if your favored uncle opened a winery – that ’s the atmosphere winemaker Bob Lynch has create at Irish Monkey Cellars . If you ’re lucky , you ’ll visit on a day when Bob is cheerfully wander around the winery with a gigantic wine bottle , pour out sample distribution to client – or just stop in during one of his Irish potluck , where you may tattle along to live Irish euphony . While this billet originated in Oakland , it late move just 15 miles northward from Oakland to Richmond – still totally deserving the trip .
Rock Wall Wine Company
Day trip : speculation off from Oakland ’s wine trail to the island of Alameda and Rock Wall Winery . Just take a short drive through the burrow near Jack London Sq , and head to the island ’s former naval understructure , where winemaker Shauna Rosenblum , along with her don Kent , have converted an sure-enough 40,000sqft airdock converted into a winery . Sip on delicious wines while overlooking a majestic sentiment of the Bay and San Francisco skyline . During warmer weather , the corks are popping – and so is their Food Truck Frenzy . saltation out of doors while the DJ spins , then take in your filling of intellectual nourishment , toast , and sunset views . Be certain to bring your shades .
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Jenee Darden is a girly - girl swot from East Oakland . She take on the hard job of covering winery , but someone has to do it . Tweet her@cocoafly .
Courtesy of Dashe Cellars
Courtesy of Campovida
Courtesy of Urban Legend Cellars
Courtesy of Rock Wall Wine Company