Bay Grape

Monday night, blind tastings. Go ahead test your wine knowledge.

Absolute 5 stars. I went with a friend for the walk-​in $ 10 wine pairing. The first was an amazing white wine a Villard Viogneir. The second was a ‘funky’ wine as they told us, it was interesting! Not my taste but it was fun to try something that tasted so different.
They aren’t really a restaurant but you can buy a wrapped cheese, and other spreads, and theyll toast a baguette for you to enjoy with the wine.
I really loved the atmosphere. It was so relaxing and laid back and I loved hearing about the wines. Both women who poured the wine were really sweet and open to any questions about the wine.
Am really looking forward to going back for more of their tastings! Dog friendly!

I don’t think heaven has a place better than this.
I felt welcomed and enjoyed everything about bay grape.
My family and I will be coming here as long as time exists.
We love you guys!

This is a great local wine shop and place to have a glass of wine with friends. The staff was incredible knowledgable and helpful. My friends knew exactly what they did — and didn’t– want, and the staff nailed it with two great bottles of wine. Very reasonably priced as well. We also got a baguette and cheese to enjoy while drinking. Very welcoming space. They are doing it right & we will be back.

I went to Bay Grape with a friend. Neither of us had been there before, but we both love wine. The staff is amazing. They were all extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and just gave us an overall great feeling. It’s been a long time since I visited a place where the staff was as helpful and accommodating as the folks at Bay Grape. Four hours later, my friend and I walked out with huge smiles on our faces, and not just because of their amazing wine selection.

Really, really amazing bottle shop. The owners are both sommeliers and their academic knowledge really shines through in the bottle selections. No bad choices here, just hand picked producers who put love into their non-​industrial-​scale wines. Tastings, classes and just great wine culture. No matter your knowledge level this place will take care of you.

Not only was the staff super knowledgeable, they were genuinely friendly. No matter where wine conversation went, the staff (Delia) just kept sharing more and more wine smarts. I am glad I drove all this way for a tasting and for some bottles. The pours were generous and I feel I left with some nice buys.

It was such a cute little place. Sam and Celia helped us picked some wine and they are very nice, sweet, and pretty. I love the environment of this place and will definitely come back again! Parking was okay, I drive around the block once and found parking. I loved how you can bring your dog too, I will bring my dog next time! Thanks Sam and Celia!

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a five star average rating for anything. But this place deserves it.
First, the location is great. It’s right by the lake, and they are open like alllll day.
The owners are a married couple who genuinely like wine. Okay, so we all «like» wine. But they know wine (and beer, and spirits). Both are skilled professional Sommelier… sommeliers’… Sommelii? I don’t know the spelling and grammar for plural Sommelier. But I’m sure if I asked, they would gladly tell me.
That last sentence above is what gives this place its five star average. Sure, they have an excellent supply of wine, both high end and stuff that is similar to 2-​buck-​chuck. And you can take your booze and go, or sit at the bar and go for it. Either way, they will excitedly tell you all about it. They (the owners) engage.
No mater what line of work, consumers respond well to knowledge and genuine engagement. And they hit both these marks well.
I’ve attended vineyards or wine tastings where people are scoffed at for asking questions. Most of the time, it’s in a small, smug manner, but noticeable nevertheless. Bay Grape, however, offers and alternative to this stigma. They are inviting, fun, warm, and they offer a skilled service for those of us who like alcohol (Jesus, I feel like an alcoholic writing this right now), but no where in our lexicon does the vernacular exist to discuss «why» one like is preferred over another (see what I did there?).
Anyway, to the owners. We genuinely appreciate your philosophy, and congratulations on your, still new, successful business.

I can understand why this place is highly rated after spending an hour or two in here. If you’re driving and trying to find this place, especially when its dark out, good luck. Minimal signage makes it difficult to find, but its right next door to the Korean restaurant.
Loved the sign stating «What the Heck is this Place?», and the best description «We’re a wine bottle shop, we want to make wine less douchey». *applause
Amazing selections of whites and reds, lights to darks, and the staff on hand is extremely knowledgable about what they offer. You can find a bottle for a $ 10 and all the way up to a couple hundred, but your best bet is to tell the staff what you like to drink and what you’re willing to spend and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Ended up sharing a bottle, some cheese, and bread with the wife, sister and friend. Super low key spot and love the concept behind this place. I believe its pet friendly as well.
Good for date night, or really anyone who likes to drink wine and have good conversations.

So glad we visited this place and we will definitely be back. Love the atmosphere and the vibe — relaxed and not pretentious at all. Plus, it’s pet friendly. I love how the have a good and pairing class on Sunday’s and also want to try their blind tasting class.
Anthony and I came in on a Sunday afternoon and sat down at the bar. We had a tasting of 4 that consisted of a Nebbiolo, a Zinfandel, a super Tuscan and a Cabernet. The pour was generous and the flight was ok. I do like how they focus on local wineries that have a good product for a reasonable price.
We will definitely be back for a blind tasting.

This place is top quality my friends. Wines range from $ 10-​$ 50 and there is something for everyone. It is dog-​friendly, so getting fur-​baby kisses always adds jot to any setting for me personally.
The staff is very knowledgeable and has suggestions not only for your pallet, but for your wallet.
I have been 3 times, and I look forward to going again over Thanksgiving.

So if you haven’t been then you need to go. In all seriousness, make the time, and get to Bay Grape.
Located on Grand Ave., steps away from the NL/​12 bus lines (for those without a car), Bay Grape brings you the class you’d love pairs with the comfort of what you’d have in your home hosting a gathering.
Stevie (and Josiah) are simply fantastic. They’re down to earth, fun, wonderful people. Their staff is just the same. They’re knowledgeable and will make sure you find just what you’re looking for during your time there. But why stop there, let’s also discuss the type of people you’ll encounter at Bay Grape. The other patrons are equally as friendly, funny, and sweet as you can find. Idk what they’re putting in this wine, but it definitely brings people of all backgrounds together for joyful times.
It’s a cute setup with a place for you to sit at a bar or table. The wines range from $ 11-​$ 50. But don’t stop there — there’s of course cheese to go with your wine, chips, sodas, beer, nuts, and meat for you to also indulge in because you have to have it all.
Wines are typically sold by the bottle. If you come on a day when they’ve had tastings earlier, then you might luck out and be able to purchase wine by the glass rather than the bottle. There is a nominal corkage fee but don’t let that deter you from experiencing one of the fastest up-​and-​coming locations in Lake Merritt.
I can’t wait to get back in there for a Sunday Funday or Wine Wednesday because it’s a #chardknocklife for us.

I need to come here more often and just drink.
Play some games, I’d say a round of settlers is fitting.
Staff are the friendliest. A ginormous selection of reds. My favorite! I used to be a fan of the white and sweet desserts wines… say no more. I cannot FW with the whites… harharhar. I wish I can remember all the reds we had that night.
You can honestly cannot go wrong with any bottle. I love the area too. Great option for a date night with your SO because you can walk the lake after. Just don’t go too late! It is Oakland after all!
Thank you to my homegirl Sierra for hosting a rockin’ event here at Bay Grape. AWESOME choice!

#120
What a wonderful wine shop right in my neighborhood. The Stevie is so friendly, accommodating to large groups and seriously knowledgable concerning the products sold here. There was not one question I could ask her that the she could not answer. She guided me through the store to see the vast selections offered and I swear, the wine she pointed me to was even better than what I had in mind!
I met several people last night for a meet-​up replete with wine, fun, new friendships and lots of delicious wines. We sat at a large «farm table» towards the front of the wide open store. The floors are a beautiful wood, benches and comfortable seating located throughout the venue and it is a pet friendly establishment as I met a new little furry friend there too. Next time I will be brining my furry friend Nietzsche to explore the store as I shop.
I had the wonderful pleasure of playing ‘Cards Against Humanity’ with tons of people while we tried several wines and chopped it up all getting to know each other. I got the distinct pleasure of making some new friends as well.
We bought several bottles for the large table and each shared and tasted one another’s choices. We had many reds, a few whites and even a rose or two. Everything was delicious.
I am definitely returning to Bay Grape with some wine loving friends to show the place off and become a regular shopper as this staff and selection are amazing.
Stephani Smiles for Bay Grape ;)

Can I move in? Seriously, tho.
Wine shop meets living room meets perfect neighborhood joint to post up and enjoy a nice bottle, friends and community. Either take a bottle to go or pop that baby open ($ 5 corkage fee) and enjoy at the bar or at the communal table. Rustic wood, an open space, big front windows letting the outside neighborhood in.
Wines range all over both regionally and price point wise. I enjoyed a $ 11 red as well as a $ 24 bottle. I also spied some great beers and kombucha as well, if wine ain’t yo’ thang.
Hungry? They have some cheeses, charcuterie meats, terrine, chips, crackers to enjoy so you actually won’t go hungry. Oh, did I mention they’re dog friendly? YEP!
Perfect for girls night, boys night, friend night, date night or in our case, game night! Bring friends and a game and enjoy (they also have a few house games).
I don’t think I can find more of a spot that epitomizes localness. Warm and fuzzies all around.

This is how a wine bar should be – welcoming, unpretentious, and of course have lots of wine that range from affordable to special occasion only.
Thanks to Sierra, who had a UYE here, we finally got to visit Bay Grape! This place has been on my Bookmark list for a while. Should have tried it sooner! It’s a great place to hang out with your significant other or a group of friends. Get a recommendation from the staff and you can take your bottle home or you can drink it right then and there for a $ 5 corkage fee. They also have blind tastings and classes led by sommeliers who can improve your knowledge of wine.
Sierra had a couple of bottles of wine (one red and one white) on the table when we got there and both were very drinkable. We enjoyed sipping them while we did introductions and waited for people. Later as we were playing Cards for Humanity, people bought bottles of other reds and shared them with everyone. I decided to get a Rosé and the staff helped me choose one that wasn’t too dry. We chose one from the Côtes de Toul, from the Lorraine wine region of France, and I really liked it. It was a really nice Rosé and all who tasted it in our group really enjoyed it as well. I’ll have to go back and get a bottle of it. At $ 15 for the bottle, it’s a great value.
Next time, the hubby and I will have to pair our wine with a cheese or two and some charcuterie. Sounds like a perfect idea for date night with the hubby!

Such a cute place! Super knowledgeable and friendly people working there. Delicious wines and beers. Ask lots of questions and chat up the wine sommeliers. Great place great vibes. I’ll definitely be back :)

***300^th Review***
I’ve been thinking about what amazing business should I save for my 300^th review and Bay Grape steps in and sweeps the rest under the rug. Being that it’s Valentine’s Day and I love wine and have had this place bookmarked for a while thanks to Nique F’s review, I asked my honey if we could stop by here to pick up a bottle for our trip tomorrow and here we are.
Walking in, I was immediately amazed by the organic feel of this space. Tons of fresh flowers, natural wood and spilled sunlight from large bright windows give this wine shop a relaxed and happy vibe. BONUS: they are pet friendly (resident doggie Napoleon is adorable and goofy) and have bike parking in store! We were greeted by Josiah and Stevie, both wonderful, warm and you can feel the love they put into their business. Also, they look like they are having fun! I asked for recommendations for a chardonnay and Josiah pointed me towards a few and then poured my honey and I some riesling while we perused. That won me over right there! I felt like I was at a friend’s house instead of at a business, even though it’s my first visit!
We decided to stay for a wine tasting (shared, since I can’t drink too much red due to headache triggers). Most places will give you a glass and pour you the shared tasting, not here! Stevie cheerfully set out 2 glasses and poured our shared tasting into individual glasses and each glass contained as much if not more as your typical individual tasting elsewhere. Both her and Josiah happily explained the story behind each wine, all 3 from Santa Barbara (where they met and fell in love and why they are pouring wines from SB on Valentine’s Day, awww). We had a ton of fun sitting at the bar, sharing our wine and playing card games.
Thank you Stevie and Josiah for creating a space full of love, zero pretension, and tons of awesome! We had a lovely wine date here to close out our Valentine’s Day outing and were so glad to end up here. We left happily with one of the wines Josiah recommended. Can’t wait to come back again soon!

When people ask me what my dream job is, I don’t hesitate: I’d like to own a wine shop. I mean, talking about wine all day (and by talking I mean drinking) … how is that not dreamy? If I really get carried away with the dream, I imagine having a bunny rabbit as the resident wine shop pet. So, when Bay Grape moved to the hood, with their laid-​back living room vibe, resident puppy and formidable/​affordable wine selection, I was equal parts excited and jealous.
What does Bay Grape intend to be? A neighborhood wine shop where you can pick up an interesting bottle for dinner, or stay and sip it with friends (for an extra $ 5). I think Ordinaire intended to be the same, but they really just turned into a hella hipster wine bar, so I dig Bay Grape’s legit casualness. They have bottles chilled and ready to go, they also have cheese, meats, and some snacks sold at RETAIL prices (an amazing deal) meant for noshing with your bottle if you stay. There’s bike parking inside. There’s funky music on the stereo. They offer «Sunday School» wine tasting sessions with guest winemakers. The owners will chat with you, and make you feel like a friend even if it’s your first visit. You can sense a genuine lack of pretense, unlike most other wine shops ’round here. Lots to love!
I wish I lived nearby, as Bay Grape would be the perfect extension of a living room. Instead of inviting your friends over for a drink, you could pop in here and enjoy an amazing bargain, chill space, and have no glasses to wash. Well done achieving my dream, Bay Grape!