Historic Urban Winery Features Zinfandel, History & Cool Events

For Zinfandel devotees, visiting the island city of Alameda is part pilgrimage, part party. The historic town on the San Francisco Bay is home to the unique urban winery, Rosenblum Cellars, and offers activities from bike riding, to bird watching, to beach hiking, all of which attract travelers seeking a great weekend getaway.

Any time is a good time to visit the winery and its beloved – and recently remodeled – tasting room. The winery hosts ongoing special events and celebrations for holidays including July 4th, Mardi Gras and Halloween. Summer in Alameda offers sunshine at the beach, breezy passenger ferry rides and a well-regarded flea market. Here’s more to check out in Alameda:

RIDE

• The Alameda / Oakland Ferry departs from San Francisco’s famed Ferry Building Marketplace, a combination transit hub and upscale food market that’s perfect for your Alameda picnic supplies.
• Roll into Alameda via the Bay Farm Island Bicycle Bridge, the nation’s only pedestrian and bicycle drawbridge. East Bay Winery Bicycle Tours can customize a two-wheel tour that includes a stop at Rosenblum Cellars.
• Intrepid wine lovers have been known to paddle kayaks up to the Alameda ferry dock for a visit.

VODKA & VINTAGE

• Sample vodka at neighboring distiller St. George Spirits, which offers onsite tastings of its artisanal spirits and popular Hangar One brand of vodkas.
• On the first Sunday of the month, the Alameda Point Antiques Faire beckons with 800 to 900 vendors of everything from toys, telephones and tools, to vintage fashion and jewels.

STROLL

• Crown Memorial State Beach, 2.5 miles of wide, sandy beach, a 2-mile beachside walking path, tide pools, dunes and, at the eastern end, the Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary.
• The USS Hornet Museum, a World War II aircraft carrier, which includes a large exhibit documenting the ship’s role in the Apollo 11 and 12 moon missions and splashdowns.
• The Alameda Farmers’ Market to taste the freshest seasonal produce from California’s acclaimed farmers. The market is open year round from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Tuesday and Saturday at the corner of Haight Avenue and Webster Street.
• Alameda’s leafy streets with charming antique stores, art galleries, coffee shops and well-preserved Victorian homes.
• The Oakland Aviation Museum at 8252 Earhart Road, which retraces Amelia Earhart’s historic flights from Oakland and displays vintage aircraft, including the Solent “flying boat.”

As many travelers agree, a visit to Alameda isn’t complete without partaking of the fine wines – and the playful attitude — at Rosenblum Cellars. Visit www.rosenblumcellars.com for more information and a calendar of events.

About Rosenblum Cellars
Founded in 1978, Rosenblum Cellars grew from a home-winemaking operation into today’s internationally recognized, and locally revered, enological enterprise. Devoted to Zinfandel and Rhone varietals, and dedicated to making wine lots of fun, Rosenblum Cellars has developed a large and loyal following. Wine club members attend the club’ s many events – wine tastings, cruises and open houses that feature 40 wines, food, live music – and even seminars on wine-friendly cooking. Rosenblum Cellars is part of Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines. For more information call (323) 852-0772.