Back in the beginning of the year, we announced the news about BAY GRAPE, the Oakland wine shop from Josiah Baldivino (previously head sommelier of Michael Mina restaurant) and Stevie Stacionis (a wine writer who has also worked seven years in the front of the house at restaurants in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and New York).
Great news: they just opened! The shop is right on Grand Avenue on the northern edge of Lake Merritt in the Adams Point neighborhood of Oakland (in between Uptown and Grand Lake). The 1,800-square-foot retail space is full of light, with wide plank wood floors, high ceilings, and hand-built wood wine cubbies (Sarah E. Owen designed the space).
You’ll find plenty of quality (and affordable!) wine, craft beer, sodas, and a selection of local and artisanal charcuterie, cheese, nuts, pickles, and bread. You can take things to go, or open up a bottle and create your own little picnic at the communal table or the counter. Baldivino and Stacionis have a personable and unpretentious approach to wine, and with bottles averaging $20-$25, you won’t go broke exploring the shelves (you’ll even find some good bottles for $15, trust). There will be global choices, but Cali will definitely be representing. Wine is sold to go, or you can enjoy the bottle on-site for retail price plus just $5 corkage.
Classes and special tastings start in September, and the grand opening party goes down on Saturday September 6th from 5pm-9pm! Neighbors: they also have a CSA pickup with Capay Valley Farm Shop (plus you get recipes from Stevie, suggested pairings to go with the recipes, and a free taste of wine when you come in, score). Hours are Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 12pm-9pm. 376 Grand Ave. at Elita, Oakland, 510-686-3615.
