Rosenblum Cellars Winery
# 1100
Alameda, CA 94501 (510) 865-7007
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Good for Kids: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
22 reviews
Neighborhood: East Oakland
"Don't blink when you come off the 23rd Avenue exit --- or you'll have to pull some fancy drift maneuvers to get back to that "first right"…" read more »
77 Reviews for Rosenblum Cellars Winery
This is the BEST wine I have ever had. Deep long lasting flavors. Beautiful molasis and eucalyptus.... That's all I have to say. Oh and TRY THE CHOCOLATE PORT!! AMAZING!
Unlike a lot of Northern California wineries, Rosenblum is not striving to make the greatest Cabernet. Their focus is on Zinfandel primarily and secondarily on Rhones. And, often, they succeed. Rosenblum is one of the most reliable sources of quality, higher end Zinfandel. Their Petite Sirahs and Syrah are also generally good. Their Mourvedres can be hit or miss. On my most recent visit I really liked their Roussanne.
The tasting room is located at their Alameda winery facility. Set high above the resting barrels is the tasting room. I have been their quite a few times. The service is unpredictable. Could be attentive. Could be aloof. Could be quick, slow, too quick, too slow.
The window at the far end of the tasting bar provides a great view of the SF skyline. And, somehow I hadn't noticed until my most recent visit.
Maybe the staff wasn't happy to be working a holiday weekend, but the welcome we received here was cool at best. We had mentioned our trip to the St. George Spirits distillery and she said "Oh, and they referred you here..." like we'd gone downmarket or something. Very odd.
Free tasting flight features wines of a taste/quality that I won't consider buying (in other words, poor quality), so this was a quick trip with no plans of a return.
Rosenblum does do a cool piece of "cause" marketing. Certain blends (from Chateau de Paws) have some proceeds donated to Paws with a Cause. Cool!
I love Rosenblum wines. One star for being in one of my favorite places, abandoned water fronts, close to industry. I love it. Its so cool to drive to the abandoned runways after a tasting. Its cute outside, with fresh blooming flowers in old wine barrels. They even have strawberries growing in the barrels. Which are ripe right now. I had a few.. Yummy. I will probably find out they put pesticide on them. LOL.
I am a big Zinfandel fan, and big zins is what these woman and men have. They also have this crazy dessert wine, black muscat. I had it at my birthday, goes perfect with Cheese Cake.
Kick Syrah, is wild, piggy and hidden in my cellar for now.
Kathys Cuvee Viognier, is a pungent bouquet. If you let the first mouthful sit in your mouth for a moment, you can smell wild honeysuckle before you even taste it. Fills your whole head with it's sweet perfume.
I have not had a wine I do not like. I have spent a handsome amount here. Well I thought I had until the woman next to me in the tasting room laid down $2000 the other day. Oh I wish.
First time I went both the servers, were very very friendly, kind, helpful non pretentious and such sweet hearts. Dogs are welcome, I don't have a dog but love them visiting wherever I am.
I was reading comments on other reviews about the kinds of people who go to the tasting room. That is out of Rosenblum's control, but I have encountered eagle eyed snobby women, to drunken yale hippy drop outs who invited me to 80's theme party, to tall drop dead hunky gay men, unfriendly hairy men who hang at the end of the bar, and the usual forgettable crowds.
Who cares, I love diversity and all its delusions and projections. Its what makes the world so truly amazing.
Do visit, its well worth it.
Alameda has some real gems and this place is one of them 5 stars all the way.
I have attended their wine classes, visited the tasting room several times, and recently partook in their annual open house. I would do it all again and probably will.
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Love the friendly folks at Rosenblum! Went to their special event today to meet up with some friends for an afternoon of tasting. I walk up to the tent, they ask for my ID, I show it, they place a cool little plastic bracelet on my wrist and trim it down to size. Then someone else hands me a ticket and tells me to go inside to pick up my free glass.
I walked past platters of sliced baguette, huge chunks of cheese, smoked sausage, meatballs, veggies, and olives that people were chowing down on when I found my friends.The band was just starting to play outside in the dessert wine tent.
My friend shows me the list of the 35 different wines that were available to taste and adds that they're really glad they bought their tickets on-line because the price was $40.00 at the door.
"What?" I asked her, "You paid?"
Best part of my day was tasting and nibbling for free at this beautiful location in Alameda. Can't wait to tell my dad that his 1/2 Jew daughter snuck into Rosenblum for free. Nothing could make him more proud.
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The Good - the wines - particularly the Zinfandel's
The Bad - it's getting more and more crowded at the tasting room
The Ugly - the pain-in-the-ass know it all that was next to us the other weekend in the tasting room that had to comment loudly about every nuance, aroma, and flavor after every sip of every wine he tried. Just shut the F up, would you?
Sorry, had to rant for a second.
I've known about Rosenblum and have been enjoying his wines for about 15 years now. And during this time I have rarely been let down. Known for the Zin's, they have expanded into other varietals, some of my favorites being the:
- Chateau la Paws Cote de Bone Roan
- Kick Ranch Reserve Syrah
- Holbrook Mitchell Trio Meritage
But the Zin's are where they really shine.
In fact that is where the Bad comes in. They have won a number of awards including a handful of the Zin's being in the Wine Spectator top 100 Wines of the Year. A pretty big deal. But that also brings more people - some because they like good wine, and some because they like to say they like good wine. Big difference. More people at the tasting rooms than there used to be. Some of them not as laid back as what you are used to seeing in the Alameda tasting room.
That brings me to the Ugly. There is a quote from Plato that basically translates to "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." I have this hanging in my office. The man next to me the other week definitely was in the latter part of that quote.
But hey, quality brings recognition. And recognition brings all kinds of people.
But it is definitely worth it.
Regular tastings in the tasting room are free. Reserve tasting is $5. Definately worth it. And that's one thing about the Alameda tasting room, there aren't other wineries to go to. So might as well stay here and taste the whole lot.
or you can go to St George for some vodka and whiskey :-)
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Rosenblum is a diamond in the rough for wine tasting in the Bay Area. If you are too lazy to go all the way up to Napa or Sonoma for wine this is the perfect place for some delicious and FREE tasting. Free wine tasting seems to be something of a novelty these days, especially in Napa where you're likely to pay $5-15 per tasting...kinda outrageous if you ask me, I am also ch-ch-ch-cheap.
Not only is Rosenblum good for everyday tasting, they also throw some really awesome events 4 times a year. These are their big tastings where you pay $25-35 for the day...40-50 wines...food...entertainment...a glass... The first time I went, with my parents I might add, my friend and I thought it would be a good idea to try to taste every single wine there. Word to the wise: This is IMPOSSIBLE and you will throw up...in front of your parents...and be passed out by 3pm...and be hungover at 5pm...
I learned my lesson and at the last Open House tasting event I attended, I made sure to share a few tastings, eat more of the food, and not get quite so boozed up...
Definitely come here for the Open House Events. You'll enjoy good food: meat balls, french bread, mounds of assorted cheeses, fruit, steak, veggies, more bread & cheese, and even WINE ICE CREAM (this might not sound particularly appetizing but it is soo good, and purple, and filled with chocolate chunks, and they let you have as much as you want...I had about 5 cones...)
Rosenblum is most known for their Zinfandels...I recommend:
-Rockpile Road Vineyard Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley (92 points from Wine Spectator, $35) Have your sugar daddy buy you this one...
-San Francisco Bay Zinfandel, Appellation Series (More affordable at $18 and also delicious)
-Vintner's Cuve XXX Zinfandel, California (Most affordable at $12)
All the Petit Syrah's are also delicious and if you are into the sweeter dessert wines you have to try the Syrah Port, so tasty and completely affordable at $16 a bottle.
Definitely check this place out but make sure you have a designated driver...thanks Dad!
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Enjoyed two separate tasting events where not only an incredible selection of zins were offered, but snacks including ice cream and live entertainment.
A very hospitable staff and the vitners were very helpful and friendly.
A ferry ride is one of the best transportations available and keeps one from risking DUI.
What a nice local winery - check it out!
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First of all, I'm born and raised in Alameda so it warms my heart to know that a renowned wine can come from Alameda; and to specialize in zins makes a difference because that is my favorite!
Second, Rosenblum is a semi-retired if not retired verternarian. So coming from a dog lover that's another point on the board for him. He even has wine dedicatied to man's best friend, Chateau Le Paws.
Third, funny enough, I met my the guy I'm currently seeing at their open house last year there; and so far it's been good. (Let's hope it stays good!)
All in all it's a great place! Free wine tasting...who could beat that! The people there are great; very knowledgable and love to chit chat. Their open houses are fun and there is lots of food and music. I am a wine club member and you can never go wrong with any of the shipments. Great location and if you make a day of it, you can take the ferry to the city since it is down the street from the ferry terminal. What's even better, if you are not done drinking wine, you can go down the street to the old navy base and hit up St. George Spirits/Hangar One. Now that is some GOOD vodka tasting right there!
All I have to say is just go with some friends and have a good time!
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My friends and I went here on Saturday for their March Madness Open House and "Madness" was the perfect description! The event is located right next to the ferry stop, which is perfect for those who want to go wine tasting and not worry about driving home. Within 200 steps of the boat is their tasting room. The event was VERY crowded, but the Rosenblum staff was orderly and calm. They had tasty munchies, but the Zinfandel chocolate chip ice cream really won me over! Plus, there really is over 50 wines for you to taste and you're bound to find something to interest you. My only complaint: the event was too, too crowded.
Great California winery. The tasting room in a lot of fun. The pourers are friendly and informative. The location is near the ferry and offers peek a bow views of the city. They are dog friendly so feel free to bring Rover too.
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Now I don't need to drive all the way to Napa to wine taste. This place a fantastic place and the most fun in location. All the wine is superb with many very excellent blind flavored reds and whites. Wines will range from under $18.00 to under $36.00. Also Check the specials, pick up some bargains ($5.00 - 15.00), and certainly take some home. One of the very last places that still offer free tasting (Hear that Napa, listen to that Central Valley?) so that the tasting is objective. I am certainly making this place a new tasting home.
While you are there, certainly taste and visit Hanger One (Vodka) and go visit the Hornet Aircraft Carrier.
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I attended the Meals on Wheels event at Rosenblum Cellars Winery last Summer. I remember a vast expanse of space inside, and barrels and barrels of wine outside. It was bliss. Later, I won a case of sweet dessert wine at auction. Yum!
Many Alameda restaurants serve Rosenblum, most notably, Angela's in Marina Village. Rosenblum offers many different varieties of wine, along with an excellent newsletter of special events, wine tastings and a wine club!
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Bring over something different for a change! The Desiree Chocolate Desert Wine - which I like to refer to as the chocolate port, is only $18 bucks and gosh darn delicious! Sure to impress...
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Could this place be any cooler?
Hip HIP HOORAY for COMPLIMENTARY tastings. I heart these people. I would like to marry them and have their children. Anyone who continues to provide this public service is ALRIGHT by me. And you know, it makes me want to BUY-BUY-BUY many of their outstanding red wines.
Here's a few pointers on how to maximize this decadent tasting experience: Skip the whites (except the $6 rose, which at this reduced price is almost required purchasing), and head straight to Zinfandel-land. This is where Rosenblum shines. Their zinfandels are all jammy, fruity and earthy, each fine examples of the particular region from which the grapes are sourced (hot dry climes in Southern CA, wetter, cooler regions near the Pacific Ocean to the North). And there is a damn fine Zinfandel for only $25 (in these parts that's like getting an ice cream cone for a quarter). The prices climb on up to around $45 (at least this was where I ended up hovering), and it's all good, good stuff, but you can walk away with an exceptionally crafted CA Zinfandel for $25.
[N.B. on the wine tasting issue: Was informed by my sis, who just read this, that we got a deluxe complimentary tasting b/c she is a wine club member. So if you are not, your complimentary tasting, while still the good old-fashioned free kind, will include merely 4-5 wines.]
Also, to answer the opening rhetorical question: yes, this place is even cooler. They allow dogs! Dr. Rosenblum is a vet, apparently, which explains a whole line of dog-kitschy wines and donations to pet-friendly causes. And, a huge, huge bowl of water, a birdbath, really, awaits any visiting doggies (I'm sure tastings are free for them, too, because this place is just that cool.)
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Rosenblum Cellars Winery is awesome! I love this place! You'd never in a million years expect there to be a winery on Alameda island, but yet.. there it is.
I've come to this winery numerous times for different tastings and events. Truly a great experience and not simply because I'm totally biased. It's not my fault that my brother runs the tasting room, is it?
In all honesty, even if my older bro didn't work here, the review would be the same. The staff are ridiculously friendly, the owner frequently will stop by and say hello, their tasting events are fabulous with a very tall pour, and at one point after striking up a conversation with one of the makers I was taken way in the back to watch him make wine... he didn't even know I was related to an employee. Pretty dang cool.
So the next time you're in the SF area you now have a winery close by to check out. It's a small gem in a city that I love. Go by and have a tasting, say hi to Sean for me, and tell him that Dave sent ya... you'll be glad you did. The wine is fantastic.
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Baccus would be proud.....
Rosenblum's Open Houses keep us coming back & stocking up on cases upon cases of wine.....enjoy the sunny day while gazing out towards the best city on Earth, sipping fantastic wine & replenishing your depleted stock
While famous for their Zins (which result in a case, every visit), Rosenblum also offers wickedly-delish dessert wines....we can highly recommend them ALL (having taken the trouble to taste them all for you!)
Late Harvest Zin, Voignier, Vanilla Port, & Chocolate Port are absolutely scruuuuuumptious! (Case, case, case, case)
Best part.....this winery is right beside the Alameda Ferry port so no need to get that DUI......just pour yourself on the Ferry when you're ready to head back to SF
And if their Open House doesn't get you tripping all over yourself, head on over to ST GEORGE SPIRITS for their Pear Brandy, Cognac & all kinds of wacky-good aperitifs!
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Rosenblum Cellars serves them up big and fruity- the way I like 'em!
The tasting is free- unless you continue on to their reserve tasting, which you will inevitably do because once you start drinking (wine) you can't stop.
Er...maybe that's just me?
Perhaps that's a sign of a larger problem, but it doesn't hurt to go all the way when wine tasting. Everyone's a winner.
The reserve tasting is $5 and the helpful, heavy handed pouring, wine swigging staff may just forget to charge you for it by the time you're done so basically you tasted about 10 wines for free. They also may throw in a couple tastes of dessert wines!
What's not to love?
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Come on! Best Zins and Petite Syrahs unless you want to schlep up to Napa and even then this is still on par or better than most. I am wine club member and also love their quarterly Open Houses - if you can go to them, I definitely recommend it. Great wines for tasting, nice, relaxed environments, good finger food.
Recommended: Quarterly Open House - worth every penny and a great way to spend a Saturday and/or Sunday afternoon.
I arranged for our group of 21 to have a private tasting and tour. What a beautiful way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon! We tasted 6 wines plus their best-selling dessert wine, the chocolate port. Sean, the tasting room manager, is helpful and accommodating.
Just be sure to wear closed-toe shoes if you want a full tour.
Or, there is also the tasting "room" for walk-ins, which is more like a bar upstairs in the loft area.
For those from SF, the winery is a 2-minute walk from the Alameda Ferry Terminal, which is a short ferry ride from the SF Ferry Building.
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I found the wine to be OK. It's definitely a worthwhile place to visit if you don't feel like driving out to the wine country and want to take in some samples in Alameda. The staff are very nice.
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I always wanted to live near a winery, and now I do. I finally made it over to Rosenblum and now aspire to be a regular. The folks here are so friendly, you'd think you were in a local pub instead of a wine tasting room. We squeaked in at 5:30pm and got a full round of tasting in, including a few pours of the reserve list for free.
Most of the wines we tried were on the sweet side, which was fine with me. Stars were the zin and OMG THE CHOCOLATE PORT. Someone just lay me down and pour that stuff on me. I don't care if it's right there in the tasting room. It's that good.
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Matchmaker matchmaker make me a match...find me a wine find me a catch....
I really liked the wines here. I'm not a white drinker but I believe in equal opportunity grapes and theirs were quite tasty and refreshing.
Friendly hosts, lively atmoshpere (you're right in there with the barrels) and the patience for tasters in groups and halter tops amazed me. Most wineries couldn't tolerate obnoxious crowds, but they were right on pace and kept the tastings going without forgetting anyone else at the bar.
The location is strange, kind of out there, but with great views of the city from afar. The complimentary tasting is above par for a free one and the reserve tasting for $5 was well worth it. Their late harvest and dessert wines are deeeelicious.
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Just attended their Holiday Open House. It cost $32 online. Tickets @ the door are $40. It's less if you're a ZAP member and a Rosenblum wine club member.
I just joined the wine club and next time I attend this event it will cost me $22 online.
Let's get back to the event... It was a phenomenal day in the Bay Area! And it is so late in the season, one can't call it Indian Summer anymore. At this point, It has to be called Indian Fall...
The mistake Rosenblum made is having an outside tent. An outside tent wasn't needed on this fabulous day on the Bay. It made the event too crowded. I felt claustrophobic when I entered the makeshift tent. When I attended the Summer event, I relished staying outside. This time, I mostly stayed inside the main winery.
Okay, some of the high points of this event:
The Zinfandel ice cream from Tuckers in Alameda is simply incredible! Perhaps the best ice cream I've ever had!
I really enjoy the meatballs they serve @ the event. Then again, they could be frozen from Costco... They are better than the swedish meatballs from Ikea. And I really like Ikea meatballs.
The wine is always great!
Joining the wine club was a good move. Not only did I get a free cap which I gave to the best looking female broadcaster in the Bay Area, but I got $10 off of my wine purchase, plus another 20 percent. I bought two decent bottles of Zin for a grand total of $20.45.
Let me tell you- once you make your wine purchase, you need to walk about a quarter mile to the back of the winery to pick up your wine. For me, it gave me a chance to sober up...
Living in the City, taking the Ferry from the City to Alameda was the only way to go... On the way home, I shared a bottle of the Zin with two young ladies who were kind enough to share their ferry schedule with me. Without the schedule, I probably would have missed the Ferry and cabbed it to Oaktown and taken BART back to the City.
Rosenblum is a gem in Alameda, only minutes away from the City...
One added note: the bathroom situation. I saw too many people(mostly women) waiting inside the main building for the bathroom. People don't realize that Rosenblum (during events)
has those fancy porta-toilets just outside the main building. These aren't the kind that are horrible, but the kind that have running water where you can wash your hands and I believe they also flush. Plus, the building parallel to the main building has regular bathrooms.
An update. When I picked up my wine club purchases, I donated some canned food and Rosenblum gave me a golf shirt. It was nice to taste wines and I enjoyed talking to one of the employees named Kenny G- no not the smooth jazz artist from Seattle. And it is always nice to take the ferry to Alameda from the City...
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such a friendly winery, with outstanding Zins, particularly from their Estate tastings. Excellent view of the Bay and the City, bettered only by that from Hangar One, our next stop that day. It was busy but not hurried on a Sunday at about 2pm.
It is in a strange little location - a warehouse that looks pretty rough on the outside but is a gem inside, with local flavor and history everywhere. I expected Hangar One to be warehousy, but wasn't sure what to expect out of Rosenblum. Anyway, wonderful experience - must be tried, along with Hangar One, on a little trip to Alameda! Take the ferry from SF if you're feeling like a little inner bay outing, it's close by.
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UPDATE: March Madness...so went here last sunday for their big deal tasting situation and it was dreamy! Met some friends and took the fairy from the Ferry building right to alameda- so perfect! Got there and this place was packed....so many wines to try....food tables everywhere...so great! One in the group was a regular to this event and is in love with these events and the rest of us can't wait to do it again!
who knew wine tasting existed and can occur in Alameda!? I do now! went here over the weekend with a few friends and was pleasantly pleased! Great wine, decent prices, great atmosphere, nice staff- left with smile and a bottle of wine! My friend-boy is a wine club member so we got the special treatment and were able to taste the reserves and some! Complimentary tasting, yummy wine- you could not ask for anything more! would definately go again or shall I say, can't wait to go again!
Much easier to access then Napa, Rosunblum Cellars offers a variety of wine tasting at no cost at thier Alameda tasting room. No vineyard tours here, but try reserve wines for a few bucks and don't miss the dessert Raspberry liquir with a chocolate. For an added alcohal afternoon hit up Hanger One just down the street for some vodka tasting.
This is a local family run place. The warehouse has a large cellar of barrels. The tasting room is on the upper level of the warehouse. There is a pretty good selection of whites and reds. The tastings are free and there is also a small selection for $5 of Reserve wines.
They have pretty reasonable prices.
Tasting: Free...I think...I was starting to get a buzz.
Famous for: Zinfandel
Worth another visit: Yes.
As I approached the building where Rosenblum's tasting room is located, I kept thinking that the hero in action flicks always gets into trouble as they stupidly meet the bad guys in a dock side warehouse like the one I was entering. Inside, I found a mob of people sniffing and tasting ...wine.
Rosenblum carried various varietals, including Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, etc. While some were pretty good, I noticed that most of their wines had high alcohol content, which I am not a big fan of (common for California wine). I did enjoy their 2004 Holbrook Mitchell Trip Meritage, Napa Valley, which you might like if you are a fan of Bordeaux-style blend.
***Review of Oakland/Alameda Wineries***
If you don't have the time to visit Napa/Sonoma/Livermore wineries, visit the 4 wineries in East Bay. All 4 places has a tasting room and they cross promote each other, so don't feel shy to ask for directions.
Oakland/Alameda Wineries:
Dashe Cellars (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
JC Cellars (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
Rosenblum Cellars (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
Lost Canyon (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
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I've held off writing a review here cause I didn't have much to say about it ... I also always knew that I'd visit again. Came here this past Sunday (after drinking 2 $1.95 mimosa's at lunch) with a few rawdy friends and I enjoyed the tastings a lot more then the prior visit.
I ended up signing up for the wine club and buying 2 bottles of the 2 whites. I would have preferred that the whites they poured be a bit more chilled, but from the tasting, I knew it had potential. The people at the counter were all very helpful and friendly so I look forward to my future visits. I will be back at least 1x a month to pick up my wine club goodies.
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I've been twice. The first time, it was super good. Also tho, the dude who was pouring hooked us up with hella extra tastes.
The second time I went was preceded by vodka tasting at Hangar One. I have a feeling my mouth was numb from all the mediocre "spirits." Any way you look at it, the wine was not good this time. Well, that's not necessarily true, it wasn't bad either. It just didn't taste like much of anything. They were nice, but not overly friendly and made no effort to converse with us. Granted, we didn't buy the Reserve Tasting and we didn't purchase any of their average tasting wine.
I'll def go back cause maybe it was just a bad year for their wines and like Hangar One, it's about 25 minutes from my house and basically free.
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I work in the Alcohol Industry and since Ive been there I have come to really enjoy a nice glass of good wine and everytime I feel like drinking some free Zinfindales I come to this Jewel located on Main Street... The Wine Tasting room is open daily from 11 to 6... My friends Kenny and Farley are usually the ones pouring the wine.. They are very friendly and are always ready to answer any questions for all you Novice wine drinkers out there.. Every Quarter Rosenblum Cellars hosts an Open House Party where they have new releases and barrel samples.. I have been to these events several times and trust me its always a good time.. All you drink white wine, red wine, dessert wine...All you can eat Cheese, Bread, Steak, Gnocchi ,and Meatballs..And Zinfindale Ice Cream!!! Unfortunatly, this event isnt free... Who cares.. Fork over 40 bucks and get wasted.. This event would be perfect for a Yelp Party...
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I love ZINs. Especially in the summer time with all those bbqs....
This is the place for ZIN-tastic wine tasting! They have other wines, but I'm there for the ZINs. (ok and the chocolate port- excellent for Christmas gifts)
Get on their mailing list to be notified of Open Houses where you will have the ability (but not the stamina) to taste from 60-100 wines. Here's to the generous pours that help so much when dealing with the hellacious crowds at these things! These events are not free but there is music and finger food along with the wine so if you stay for an hour, you will eat and drink more than your money's worth.
We have been going to the Open Houses for years and I agree with a fellow yelper that you need to go early and have a gameplan of what you want to taste. Otherwise you could waste a whole day kissing frogs when you could be discovering your Prince (or Princess) of a wine.
I do the spirit tasting next door on a separate trip....To me, it's not the perfect end of a day of wine tasting. (ie-I'm a wuss when it comes to mixing)
Kent Rosenblum & the rest of the winery staff are the greatest. Ok, ok, the wine is wonderful too! (-: If you've never been be sure to stop in at the Alameda or Healdsburg tasting room & sample some of the finest zins and other wines available. Hey, where's my free case of Rockpile for writing this? A guy can try, can't he? Kidding aside, Rosenblum is a real gem. Great wine in Alameda? You bet. Be sure to come to one of t heir quarterly Open Houses. Save money by purchasing your tickets online. Eat, drink & be merry.
And buy at least a few bottles if not a case or three.
Some of the best red wine to ever cross my lips has come out of a Rosenblum bottle.
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Who knew a winery existed here? It's literally in the middle of nowhere. I spent a beautiful Sunday here with some friends, a few old, and a few new. The guy giving us the tasting, Sean, was so knowledgeable and friendly. Their zins are definitely fantastic, but I was taken with their whites too, especially their viogner (am I spelling this right or mangling it?) Chocolate port was also great. I bought enough wine to satisfy my late night drinking binges. :) Thanks to my friend Jennifer who always discovers the most fabulous places!
I found out about this place from my parents. My first experience was their quarterly open house. It has changed over the years, but you get to try over 50 wines (they specialize in Zins and Syrahs, but also have a few whites and dessert wines). They have food everywhere and even a local icecream man that makes zinfandel chocolate chip icecream...it's TO DIE FOR!
They always have live music, and I am a member of their Reds Only club. I get a shipment every so often and have a nice variety at home always!!
I love that Ken Rosenblum is so involved in animal activism. Recently, he sold the place for 107 million so I'm hoping that it doesn't change much!! If it does, they will lose a loyal and happy customer!
The parties are usually 20 bucks for members and 40 for non members. It's worth every penny, but make sure you have a DD cause I usually fall asleep on the ride home from one of these events!
Date No. 2:
Okay, for those of us who live in SF, I know what you are thinking - Alameda is so far away. It is really not that far. May I recommend a date of old naval base wine tasting. Take the ferry across the Bay (bring sweaters) and find wine tasting delight right next to the Ferry building in a beautiful setting (aka Imperial Walkers, view of SF skyline, and really nice Zin). Then (if you plan this for the first weekend of the month), go to the Alameda Flea Market and buying everything from a stuffed astro-turf donkey to more sweaters for the Ferry ride home, for under two dollars. As hunger strikes, I recommend hitting up Liam, the kid with the mobile "Tofu-di-Beast in a Bun" tofu dog cart (get extra mustard) and the lady selling flowers to round out a truly excellent date.
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