Vintage Berkeley — Restaurant in Berkeley

Stores like this didn't even really exist until the past 20 years, it being a combination of relaxed, casual atmosphere, and experienced Sommelier culture. It also highlights just how far a lot of California wines have come in terms of depth, complexity, and richness. It's one of the reasons this state turned the wine world on its head. Another one of the reasons, is because establishments like this place, offer some of the finest wines in the world, free of pretense, and within reach of those on very limited budgets. Budgets. For people who want a really special bottle of wine for under $30, this place represents the wine culture and our city excellently.

Hopefully my long winded intro did not give you the impression that I'm some kind of wine expert. I am the opposite. I have stumbled onto every bottle that I have enjoyed, and the truly great wine experiences I have had, were all from me asking suggestions of other people.

I walked in and asked for a great bottle of wine for under $100, (I was splurging. It was my daughter's birthday), and the kind lady who worked there recommended the 2019 Enfield Haynes Vineyard Syrah, with the advice that I let it breathe before drinking. As a test (I bought two bottles ) I gave it a quick sip and it was delicious, but it was sharp with the tannins being very pronounced. Then, after allowing it to breathe for about 10 minutes, it was an astonishingly rich and deep wine with what I thought were hints of Berry and cassis, And it was the perfect accompaniment with the red meat we were eating that night.

For people just getting into the wine game like me, I cannot recommend this place highly enough, great, friendly staff, great prices, and an amazing wine selection, that I'm certain to never experience the totality of, unless I happen to live another hundred years. Thumbs up for this place if you want a bottle of wine for you and a loved one, and you want to impress, but don't have a...

I stumbled upon this place literally the first day I was in the East Bay. After a day of apartment viewing we needed a bottle of wine pronto. We happened upon Vintage Berkeley and stayed an hour. They gave us wine to taste, they told us about the wine makers in the region, I learned about the staff member's graduate thesis. It was like showing up to your friend's house (as long as your friend knows a ton about wine). We also were able to find a $14 bottle of high-quality local wine. There are definitely bottles worth $100 or more, but they have selections for the little guys too. If you like to drink...

Wonderful wine shop with a HUGE selection of reasonably priced wines, as well as a few $$$. The proprietor and staff are knowledgeable and helpful. I ducked in to grab a bottle and asked for a French in the $30-50 range was was pleasantly surprised when they recommended a $32 bottle instead of a $48 bottle. Way to make a sale and get a fan for life! They also do tastings, at least on the Friday I was there. I can't wait to go back and explore their...