Smith Vineyard, SummerThyme’s to open in downtown GV

Smith Vineyard plans to open its tasting room on Mill Street in downtown Grass Valley on Saturday, while SummerThyme’s Bakery & Deli will open at Book Town Books a week from Friday.

Smith will open its tasting room at 142 Mill Street, where Bunce’s Place was located. The winery has renovated a building that dates back to 1871, when Ulysses Grant was president.

“We like being part of the downtown community,” said co-owner Chris Smith.

The Smith family’s winemaking tradition began in 1987 with Gary’s father, Dr. Wayne Smith, and his three sons. The family business is now three generations strong, as Gary and Chris, with their own three sons, handcraft small lots of classic varietals.

Smith becomes the fourth tasting room in Grass Valley, behind Avanguardia, Sierra Starr and Lucchesi.

Meanwhile, SummerThyme’s — a popular Grass Valley deli and bakery — is opening an outlet at Book Town Books, at 107 Bank Street, on April 23. The “baby” SummerThyme’s, as its owners like to put it, will feature art from local artists as well.

A wine tasting room featuring four wineries, called the Grass Valley Wine Company, is planned this summer. The wineries include Pilot Peak, Solune, Montoliva and Bent Metal.