When one thinks of Wine Country in the United States, it’s California that comes to mind – usually Napa Valley. But wine lovers needn’t limit themselves to the beaten path! Consider looking North to the Bay Area where natural urban wineries are becoming all the rage. There is a burgeoning wine culture in Berkeley, California, from wineries to tasting rooms to wine bars! Cheryl Newbrough explores some of the best below.
Windchaser Wine Co.
This authentic urban winery offers tasting in a local surrounded by barrels and twinkly lights for a hip Bay Area experience. Windchaser Wine Co. is proudly Californian (yes, with even a state flag on the wall!) and sources its grapes almost exclusively from the state. The casual space offers periodic events with food (think oysters and BBQ) and live music, making it a fun date night spot.
Hammerling Wines
Hammerling Wines is known for its unusual flavors and offers low-intervention sparkling wine from vineyards along the cool-climate California coast. While the flavors are experimental and funky, these natural wines are also tasty! Their motto embodies that bold California spirit: “Get lost. Find something new.”
Covenant Wines
Covenant, located on 6th Street in the Berkeley Drinks District, is a perfect spot for wine lovers looking for a casually elegant experience! Enjoy their concert series outside on their tasting patio while sipping wines developed in-house sourced from vineyards located all over the world, from California to Israel.
Maître de Chai Wine
“Maître de Chai” is French for “Keeper of the Cellar,” and this wine seller feels just as vital – and exclusive. Their tasting room is open by appointment only, allowing for an intimate and highly specialized experience. But their online shop is open 24/7 for ordering so you can always stay stocked up with your favorites!
Lusu Cellars
Lusu Cellars is named for Lusus, the companion of Roman wine god Bacchus, and its founding is equally rich in history. Owner and winemaker David Teixeira’s family made wine for multiple generations in Portugal and his modern product benefits from that deeply rooted experience. Focusing on natural products, David and his team “listen to the land,” developing products, events, and special tasting experiences.
Vinca Minor Wine
Don’t be fooled by Vinca Minor Wine’s plain warehouse exterior – this family-run business offers an exquisite selection of reds, whites, and sparklings, including its ever-popular rosé cans! All of the wines are natural and most are sourced at home in California.
Donkey & Goat
The Berkeley winery with the most adorable name just might be Donkey & Goat – and their products are delicious too! Founded in 2004, it is a pioneer in eco-friendly natural winemaking, one of the first to list their full ingredients on their label. The business offers a tasting room, a wine club (with long distance and business options), and special events.
Final Thoughts
With a focus on eco-friendly natural and local sourcing, combined with a desire for elegant and authentic community experiences, Berkely’s wineries and tasting rooms are growing ever stronger in popularity.