January 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Photos Available
Contact: Maya Elmer
510.665.8600
TURNING WATER INTO WINE
Berkeley’s Vine Street Pumping Station finally lives up to its name
BERKELEY, CA- Vintage Berkeley, a wine retailer focused on great value, small production wines, and personal service, opened its doors with a toast to the new year in January. Housed in a decommissioned 1930’s municipal water pumping facility, Vintage Berkeleyis breathing new life into the city’s historic landmark property. Now instead of water flowing out of the old pumping station, visitors will find mountain grown malbec from Argentina, pinot noir from the Russian River valley, inky syrah from Walla Walla, aromatic Basque blancos, and enough bubbles to keep any party jumping. And because there’s nothing so enjoyable as a sweet ending, Vintage Berkeley is also offering a handpicked selection of dessert wines, including decadent ice wines from Canada.
Aptly located on Vine Street across from the original Peet’s Coffee and around the corner from the Cheeseboard Collective, Vintage Berkeley is continuing the neighborhood tradition of celebrating artisan food and wine. Most of the store’s bottles are under $20 and the assortment of wines and sakes are ideal for novice, sophisticated, and adventurous palates.
The converted space is the brainchild of business partners Peter Eastlake and Michael Werther, lifelong friends who are now fusing their diverse professional backgrounds to create an enjoyable wine shopping experience. “We wanted to create a store which appealed to the sensibilities of the community, where people could enjoy quality wines without breaking the bank” says Eastlake, co-owner and manager.
Recognizing that wine has long been perceived as an exclusive and esoteric product, the store promotes friendly familiarity, wine education and firsthand experience through the free nightly tasting of a select wine from the store’s shelves.
After the doors opened earlier this month, initial responses from the community have been strong. The store plans to collaborate with nearby businesses and use the unique space for community events. Says Eastlake, “Vintage Berkeley is truly a wine store for the people.”
Vintage Berkeley’s Store Hours:
M–F 11am-9pm; Sat. 11am-8pm; Sun. 12-5pm
Wine Tastings
M-F 4pm-7pm, Sat 2-4pm