UPCOMING WINEMAKER DINNERS

We’ve got lots of winemaker dinners coming up including Bokisch, Justin, Obsidian, Margerum, Cobos (Paul Hobbs) and Lindquist to name a few. Dates, menus and pricing haven’t been finalized so we can’t take advance reservations just yet but be sure to watch for email updates in the coming weeks!

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In the meantime, please join us (21 and up only, please) this Saturdays for our Chef’s 6-Course Tasting Menu with paired wines. 

Doors open at 5:15 for happy hour and dinner starts promptly at 6:00. Cost is a mere eighty-nine fifty for all six courses and all six paired beverages. Sales tax and a 20% gratuity will be added which will bring the total to just under $115. Due to limited seating, CREDIT CARD RESERVATIONS ARE AN ABSOLUTE MUST. We accept Visa and MasterCard only.

NOTE: Due to the complexity of this menu we regret that we will be unable to accommodate vegetarian requests or extensive menu aberrations.

CHEF'S 6-COURSE TASTING MENU

Chef’s Whim Amuse-Bouche

Frozen Mini Martini (1.5 oz. pour)

Appetizer Trio: Green Olive + Mozzarella Tartine | Marlin-Stuffed Mini Sweet Pepper | Seared Beef Carpaccio + Pea Vine Wrap

2023 Obsidian “Poseidon Vineyard” Chardonnay (4 oz. pour)

Smoked Pot au Feu | Roasted Mushrooms | Charred Root Vegetables | Truffle Cheese

2022 Gainey Pinot Noir (4 oz. pour)

Pomegranate-Glazed Spareribs | Celeriac Slaw

2023 Margerum “M5” Red Blend (4 oz. pour)

Pistachio-Crusted Seared Duck Breast | Charred Balsamic Radicchio | Grilled Pears | Hibiscus Jus

2022 Turley “Del Barba” Zinfandel (4 oz. pour)

Chocolate, Rum + Hazelnut Semifreddo | Dulce de Leche Drizzle

White Russian (3 oz. pour)

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RSVP

Please RSVP by clicking on the “Contact the Host” button in the box on the top right and responding with the following information.

1. your cell number and best time to call so we can call you to update your credit card info if necessary

2. how many people are in your party, and

3. answers to the HEAD’S UP questions in the paragraph below if you’re a party of 1 or 2. 

HEAD’S UP

Seating is EXTREMELY limited. We have a limited number of tables for couples who want to sit by themselves so please let us know if you’re willing to sit at communal tables as that will GREATLY increase your chances of getting in. (Yes, we understand that this is a Valentine’s dinner and that most folks will want a private table and, yes, we will do our best to accommodate that!) We also have the two firepit tables on the patio for two (https://www.winevaultbistro.com/fire-pit) available if you don’t mind sitting at a lower, coffee table height table. Also, please consider inviting another couple or two to join you as if you’re a party of four or six there won’t be a problem getting your own table. We are currently limiting party sizes to a maximum of six.

LOCATION & PHONE

Wine Vault & Bistro is located in the heart of San Diego between Little Italy and Old Town at 3731-A India Street on the upstairs terrace. Follow the black handrail up the stairs from the sidewalk to our front door. Our phone number is (619) 295-3939.

PARKING

On-street parking is usually available within a 3-block radius and meters are also free on Sunday. You can also park in the lot behind Shakespeare Pub two doors down, but do not park in El Indio's lot unless you want your car towed! If you can’t find parking next to the restaurant, there’s always LOTS OF PARKING on San Diego Avenue and the adjacent side streets just past the Chevron station across Washington Street. So please don't drive yourself crazy endlessly going around in circles waiting to pounce on that perfect spot when there's TONS OF PARKING less than three blocks away!

WINE SALES

Although some wines may be in limited quantities, all wines poured at this dinner will be available for purchase at the restaurant until sold out. We reserve the right to limit sales of any rare or allocated wines at our discretion.

WINE NOTES & BOTTLE PRICES

2023 Obsidian “Poseidon Vineyard” Chardonnay ~ $28

(Carneros, Napa Valley) Winemaker's Notes: The vibrant acidity and intense fruit this site is known for are on full display in this particularly bright and citrusy vintage yet mellowed somewhat by the roundness of texture that comes from aging in Hungarian oak. For as crisp as this wine is, the mouthfeel is lush and full, and the flavors and finish are fruitful and complex.

2022 Gainey Pinot Noir ~ $24

(Sta. Rita Hills) Winemaker's Notes: Bursts with wild black raspberry aromas balanced by rustic and savory hints of dried herbs and baking spices. Delicate nuances of sandalwood and rose petal float in the background. The mouthfeel is driven and weighty with concentrated fruit and an expansive and satiating presence. Because of its structure and underlying strength, this wine can easily be enjoyed over the next decade. 1,560 cases produced.

2023 Margerum “M5” Red Blend ~ $24

(Santa Barbara County) Winemaker's Notes: 45% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 7% Counoise + 6% Cinsault. Nose of chaparral, red berries, earth, spices, peppercorns, bramble berry and roasted meats. An amazing array of intoxicating flavors and aromas, the wine offers extensive flavors of red cherries, currants, blueberries, blackberries, roasted meats and char. Surprisingly powerful, rich, full-bodied and concentrated. ~~~ Review by Vinous ~ 94 points: A fabulous, bright and punchy wine that impresses with its purity of fruit. Vibrant plum, blueberry, mint, lavender and spice abound with a striking inner perfume and fine balance.

2022 Turley “Del Barba” Zinfandel ~ $45

(Contra Costa) Winemaker’s Notes: Contra Costa is a delta where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers meet. These head-trained vines are planted in deep sand made of decomposed granite coming down from the Sierra Mountains. The resulting wine embodies the best the delta has to offer: silken textures, ultra fine tannin and dark saline fruits. Engaging on the nose, with lifted aromas of dusty ripe red fruits, gingerbread spices and pomegranate. Overall bright and lively. A rapturous wine with an utterly vibrant texture on the palate that’s downright delicious.

White Russian

A decadent three-ingredient cocktail made with vodka, Kahlua and heavy cream. Invented in the 1960’s when someone added cream to a Black Russian thereby rendering it white. It waned in popularity in the ensuing decades until 1998 when the movie “The Big Lebowski” came along and breathed new life into it thanks to Jeff Bridges’ character, the Dude, who sipped it constantly throughout the film. Almost dessert-like, we like serving it at the end of a meal with anything chocolate or caramel or, in this case, both chocolate and caramel.

THE FINE PRINT

Due to fluctuations of supply, we reserve the right to make substitutions of equal or greater value in case any of the wines or foods become unavailable. Please, ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 ... even if your babysitter flakes out on you at the last minute!

Hope to see you here. Buon appetito and cheers!

Chris