Tasting Locally: Vino Locale
The other night a friend and I went to Vino Locale in Palo Alto. I’m ashamed to say it was the first time because it appeals to me on several levels. 1) It features local wines (go figure, with that name) by producers 7 to only 70 miles away. 2) Its setting is an old Victorian house, the walls covered with the work of local artists. 3) Vino Locale is a supporter of the Slow Food Movement, focusing on fresh ingredients from nearby sources.
We had a great time sitting at the bar, ordering tastes of Viognier, Marsanne, and two different Rosés. Then we had ‘Randy’s Special,’ a fun combo of sparkling wine with a splash of Syrah, which went very nicely with the crostini sampler (my favorite topping was the spicy tapenade). The finale was a Syrah flight to go with our sandwiches–mine had elk & cranberry sausage. Out of the 4, I really enjoyed the Martin Ranch and Zayante, though I found the Hunter Hill tasting very plastic.
I definitely plan on going back again, maybe for one of the Friday night tastings. But what really tickled me was the bathroom. I could tell it was fun the minute I walked in, but when I turned the corner and saw a claw-foot tub filled with plants and corks… Let’s just say I had to go back to the bar to get my camera, feeling only a little silly. I can’t be the only person who’s wanted to take a picture.
Happy drinking.
Vino Locale, Palo Alto wine bar
….Farley Walker




April 3rd, 2007 at 11:06 am
First the vino in the tub, now plants and corks, what next??? I love it!!
April 4th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
that restaurant sounds awesome! I heart the Slow Food Movement!