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 .

Sign up herefor our daily San Francisco e-mail and be the first to get all the intellectual nourishment / drink / fun SF has to offer up .

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 .

Dashe Cellars space

Courtesy of Dashe Cellars

Campovida barstools

Courtesy of Campovida

Urban Legend Cellars barrels

Courtesy of Urban Legend Cellars

Rock Wall Wine Company bottles of wine

Courtesy of Rock Wall Wine Company