It’s been several years in the making, but Local Vines, Lamorinda’s new wine tasting venue, has finally opened its doors in Lafayette. Located in the former Napa Auto Parts location at 3393 Mt. Diablo Blvd., the inviting and classy ambiance is a far cry from the building’s previous incarnation.

    More than seven years ago, the Lamorinda Winegrowers Association (LWGA) wanted to open a place where the area’s burgeoning industry could show off its wares at a local level.  Having earned the moniker of American Viticulture Area, this seemed like the next step.  Current membership includes approximately 100 wine growers and associates (those who are interested in all things wine-related).  LWGA co-founder Joao Magalhaes made certain that the dream of opening a tasting venue was written into the group’s mission statement.

    Taking it one step further, in a December 2016 proclamation to the LWGA, signed by Contra Costa County Supervisors Candace Andersen and John Gioia, the challenge was made for the group to come up with a tasting venue to show off the area’s award-winning wines.

     According to Local Vines owner, Lafayette’s Larry Thal of Thal Vineyards, he and his wife Esther began developing the location just before COVID struck.  “Getting permits during that time was a slow process.  We didn’t have to build a new building – it was originally built in 1948. We took what was here and remodeled it.”  While the tasting room is on the first floor, the winery is in the basement and has the capacity to produce 2,500 cases.  Right next door is the future location of Germinate Kitchen – a catering company co-owned by Amy Schofield and Marisa Swartz, who will eventually provide small bites to Local Vines customers.  

    “We also hope to have cooking classes, wine pairings, corporate events, and more,” added Thal.

    The Thals wanted to create an atmosphere where folks could taste outstanding wine, so any wines served had to pass muster by submitting their product to Local Vines’ independent wine board for review. “We don’t want to discourage any wineries from selling with us,” stated Thal. “However, any wine on the premises must be licensed by the state and federal government.”  

     At the moment, Local Vines has an impressive roster of labels to taste with nine wineries and one cider.  Featured are: Crane Terrace Winery, Deer Hill Vineyards, Los Arabis Vineyards, Meadow View Winery, Raisin d’Etre Vineyards, Rancho Del Hambre Vineyard, Reliez Valley Vineyards, Stag Hill Vineyards, Thal Vineyards, and Mount Diablo Cider Company.

     The Local Vines Wine Board includes:  Vlatka Stampar Bathgate, a Certified Sommelier whose family owned a vineyard in Croatia and who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Enology (Wine Science); Jenny Fry a graduate of California Culinary Academy in San Francisco who decided to direct her interests to the field of wine sales with restaurants; Susan Winchester a Certified Specialist of Wine who combines her interests with food and wine after gaining experience working for Napa wineries; Pietro Buttitta, a Certified Sommelier and Local Vines winemaker with 25 years experience in the food and wine industry; and Bill English, an award-winning winemaker with 25 years in the industry.  

    A Local Vines press release stated, “The vision for Local Vines and Germinate Kitchen is to create a community space where people can learn about and enjoy wine, and to highlight Lamorinda AVA wines as a day trip destination for micro batch, urban wines and ciders.  A highlight of the space is the separation of the tasting room and commercial kitchen by a glass divider, thus breaking down the fourth wall and demystifying artisan food production.”

For more information visit:
www.Local-Vines.com
www.GerminateKitchen.com
www.LamorindaWinegrowers.com