Bottoms Up

Can’t believe it’s been four years since the East Bay Vintners started  their annual Urban Wine Experience. If you haven’t hit the wine trail weaving its way through Oakland highway traffic and warehouse-strewn Berkeley, this is the best way to taste the nectar of the East Bay in one place.

Fourteen wineries will set up shop at the Meadow at Jack London Square, pouring their wines. You’ll have up to 50 bottlings to choose from. Participating wineries include: Adams Point, Andrew Lane, Aubin Cellars, Dashe Cellars, Eno Wines, Irish Monkey, JC Cellars, Periscope Cellars, Prospect 772, R&B Cellars, Rock Wall Wines, Rosenblum Cellars, Tayerle Wines, Two Mile, Urban Legend and Urbano Cellars.

The best part? Each winery has partnered up with a restaurant or food purveyor to offer pairings with their wines. Last year one of my fave’s was a simple shrimp ceviche served with JC Cellars rose. Food purveyors include: Adagia Restaurant, Angela’s Bistro, Asena Restaurant, Bellanico, Bucci, E’Era Una Volta, Culina, E-22 Café, Fabrique Délices, Levende East, Miss Pearl’s Jam House, Pappo, SavoryCook Special Event Catering, Whole Foods, Zza’s Trattoria, Enoteca & Catering.

The event runs from 2 to 5 p.m. and costs $45 in advance and $60 (ouch) on Aug. 8. Attendees will take home a signature Riedel wine glass. Live reggae music from Pan Extasy will set the mood.