The Wine Thief: It May Just Steal You Away!

The challenge for any small, boutique producer is how to get their wine tasted by the most important people – the buying public. The cost of overhead for a tasting room for a growing portfolio is daunting. Brick and mortar invested in a building is costly. Hiring tasting room associates is another big expense. The best resolve could be sharing overhead with others. This is how a “collective” is born. Bring many small, budding winemakers together and voila! What you have is a resource for all.

The Wine Thief is just that and more. It is the newest kid on the block in Napa, California located just across from the Oxbow Market. Oxbow Market is a destination by itself, and the convenience for wine lovers with the Wine Thief right next door is excellent. To simply walk across the street to enjoy several wines from many talented winemakers is a real plus. The Wine Thief setting is hip and has a cool vibe. The design is that of clean lines as you step up to the bar and are greeted and hosted by professionals who know their business. In fact, some of the folks pouring the tastings are the winemakers themselves. Not often do you get the chance to taste and chat with the person who makes the wine. No appointment necessary.

One of the principles is Andy Renda. Some of you may recall him from his days at Vintner’s Collective. He knows the wine business, and this venture is the real opportunity to showcase his winemaking skills as well. His Pinot Noir – Solamente – was a real winner. The wine presented with bright acidity and lush fruit that swept across the palate. He and his partner Jarred Pearce make a great cab (AJ Pearce) which was really plush with fruit and great tannic structure. I was taken by both of the wines.

There are several winemakers who are a part of this collective. Garrett Ahnfelt, whose label is G Wine Cellars, is another strong partner in the business. His wines are expressive and well balanced. I had the pleasure many years ago to meet Garrett and taste his wine.

Another standout from the line up is Kale Wines. Kale Anderson is the winemaker for Pahlmeyer and has his own label. His passion and love for Rhone varietals is very expressive in his wines, and you will hear more about this individual in an upcoming blog.

Am I going on and on? Yes I am — and for good reason. The Wine Thief is a great place to explore new and interesting wines that are well made from boutique winemakers. The “spirit” is lively and hip (no pun intended), and the people are solid – folks I respect and like. This is a must stop when in downtown Napa to discover new wines!

Enjoy!