Grass Valley Wine Co: Four wineries come together

THE HISTORIC UNION BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN Grass Valley, which once housed a newspaper, has been restored to an inviting setting for tasting wine, sampling hors d’oeuvres and listening to music.

At the new Grass Valley Wine Co., you can drink wine from four local wineries—Bent Metal, Montoliva, Pilot Peak and Solune (learn about them on pages 28-29).

The venture is helping to define Grass Valley as the premier wine-tasting destination in the foothills, bringing more visibility to Nevada County’s award-winning wines.

“We are four great wineries that have come together to provide the best tasting experience around,” says Pilot Peak co-owner Jacque Wilson. “We offer an environment that is relaxing and contemporary, with a view of historic Grass Valley.”

You can taste wine by the flight, glass or bottle and relax in a modern “loft style” setting, surrounded by murals and other original artwork. A wine flight offers a chance to sample the individuality of each winery, a unique tasting experience.

Sit at the handsome mahogany bar, facing barrels from each winery, or retreat to more intimate seating areas — all in a spacious room with brick walls and tastefully chosen furniture.

At 151 Mill St.—in the heart of downtown—the Grass Valley Wine Co. is centrally located and has easy parking in a lot off South Auburn St. There are two entrances— from the sidewalk on Mill St. and the lot on South Auburn St.

Locals hope the venture will provide an added, sophisticated dimension to downtown, whose history is based on gold mining.

The wineries are excited too. “The Northern sierra foothills offer wines that reflect the individuality of inspired, talented winemakers,” says Montoliva owner Mark Henry. “With the opening of the Grass Valley Wine Co, we are much easier to find.”

A typical journey for a visitor would involve a walk around downtown, dropping by the Grass alley Wine Co. to try some of the wine, followed by winery visits later in the day or the weekend, says Jacques Mercier of Solune Winery.

“Nevada County wine is a perfect little secret,” says Bent Metal owner Scott Brown. “This venture is an opportunity to showcase the perfect secret.”

At the Grass Valley Wine Co., wine club members from one of the wineries receive a 20 percent discount on bottles from all four wineries, says Jacque.

The open, flexible space is also available to rent for private events, according to tasting room manager and event coordinator Rich Fuxjager. Rich has connections to the area’s best caterers, and he will work with customers to select the one that best suits their needs.

“Grass Valley Wine Co. is the perfect setting, place and people to enjoy fine wines,” says Brown.

Grass Valley Wine Co.
151 Mill Street, Grass Valley 530-205-9513