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Discovering Berkeley: A Guide to Wine Tasting in a lesser known area
When you think of wine tasting in California, iconic regions like Napa and Sonoma often come to mind. However, Berkeley, California, offers a delightful and unexpected wine tasting experience that should not be overlooked. Nestled in the East Bay, Berkeley boasts a burgeoning wine scene with urban wineries, unique tasting rooms, and a vibrant community of winemakers. Designated Drivers North Bay presents your guide to exploring the wine tasting delights of Berkeley, California.
Urban Wine Scene – Berkeley’s wine scene is distinctively urban, offering a refreshing contrast to the sprawling vineyards of more traditional wine regions. Here, winemakers focus on small-batch production, often sourcing grapes from top vineyards throughout California and bringing them into the city to craft their wines. This urban approach allows for innovative winemaking techniques and a more intimate tasting experience
Wineries and Tasting Rooms To Check Out
1. Donkey & Goat Winery – Donkey & Goat Winery is a pioneer in natural winemaking, producing wines with minimal intervention and a strong commitment to sustainability. Their tasting room on Fifth Street offers a cozy and relaxed environment where you can sample a variety of their handcrafted wines. Don’t miss their skin-fermented white wines and distinctive reds.
2. Broc Cellars – The tasting room in Berkeley provides an intimate and welcoming environment to explore their wines. The knowledgeable staff is passionate about natural winemaking and eager to share the stories behind each bottle. Tastings often include a selection of current releases, providing a comprehensive overview of Broc’s diverse portfolio.
3. Brooks Note Winery – A newer addition to the Berkeley wine scene, Brooks Note Winery focuses on producing elegant and balanced wines from cool-climate vineyards. Their tasting room offers a welcoming space to explore their lineup of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and unique blends. The knowledgeable staff are passionate about sharing their winemaking philosophy and stories behind each bottle.
4. Tessier Winery – Kristie Tacey, the founder and winemaker at Tessier Winery, brings a scientific background to her winemaking, having previously worked as a microbiologist and brewer. This scientific precision, combined with a deep passion for winemaking, allows her to create wines that are both technically sound and beautifully expressive. Kristie’s philosophy revolves around minimal intervention, letting the grapes and terroir speak for themselves.
5. Hammerling Wines – A boutique winery that has captured the attention of wine enthusiasts with its innovative approach to sparkling wines. Founded by winemaker Josh Hammerling, the winery focuses on crafting distinctive, high-quality sparkling wines that reflect the diverse terroirs of California.
Berkeley’s wine tasting scene is a hidden gem that offers a unique experience for wine enthusiasts. With its urban wineries, passionate winemakers, and a welcoming community, Berkeley provides an exciting alternative to traditional wine regions. So, next time you’re in the Bay Area, take a detour to Berkeley and discover the delightful wines and vibrant culture this city has to offer. Cheers to new wine adventures!