GRAVITY Bistro & Wine Bar
You can’t argue that a place that celebrates Les Temps Joyeux instead of Happy Hour would be on the list of places to enjoy a few French finds. Gravity’s Chef Brandon Stroud specializes in French cuisine so it’s no wonder that, although they provide wines from regions worldwide, the selection of French wines far exceeds the rest. Their popular sparkling wine flight boasts “Fizzes Are Fun & Don’t Have To Come From Champagne” and appropriately provides samples of classic sparkling wines from France’s lesser-known regions. Those more interested in cocktails can enjoy a French Martini, the French 75, or the French-American Sazerac. And for the daring: the “Terrior Martini” – an ever-changing drink inspired by the mixologists’ own creativity.
HOURS:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30am – 1:am
Friday: 11:30am – 2:00am
Saturday: 4:00pm – Midnight
LOCATION:
544 Emerson St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
TASTEVIN WINE BISTRO
The name of this bistro and wine bar refers to an ancient cup sommeliers in Burgundy used to evaluate wine way back when. Now, it perfectly describes the combination of owner and Chief Wine Officer Sue Simpson’s passions: fresh-foodie California culture and wine – specifically French wine. And to celebrate this passion, TasteVin offers an eclectic wine list featuring wines from around the world along with the most popular French varietals. To celebrate Bastille Day, the TasteVin team will be hosting a special chef’s wine dinner that will include a three course tasting menu featuring the wines, food and music of France.
HOURS
Tues-Thurs: 3:00p – 10:00p
Fri: 3:00p – 11:00p
Sat: 1:00p – 11:00p
Sun and Mon: Closed
LOCATION
890 Laurel Street
(Cross street Arroyo)
San Carlos, CA 94070
VIN VINO
French wines top the list of expertise (as well as the monthly newsletters) for this combination wine shop-tasting bar. Focusing primarily on small-scale producers, Vin Vino provides Silicon Valley community members with an opportunity to experience wines they probably wouldn’t have a chance to try unless on a European vacation. The daily tasting menu features anywhere between six to ten wines and themes range from something as broad as “French Rosés” to the very specific “Aged Côte De Nuits Red Burgundies.”
LOCATION
437 California Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94306
HOURS
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00am – 7:00pm
Friday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday: Closed
VINTAGE WINE MERCHANTS
As we mentioned in a previous post, Vintage Wine Bar is one of the top places in Silicon Valley to enjoy the world of wine al fresco. With a focus on European varietals, this Santana Row hangout includes an extensive array of French wine from regions big and small. Vintage Wine Bar is also one of the select few Silicon Valley sights hosting a Bastille Day event in which the “in-house Francophiles” will be dressed in their French best serving “celebratory Freedom Bubbles, serious Vin de Pays, and stinky cheese.”
LOCATION
368 Santana Row, Ste 1040
San Jose, CA 95128
HOURS
Monday – Wednesday: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Thursday – Saturday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
“Sometimes we open a little early. Sometimes we open a little later. Sometimes we close a little early. Sometimes we close a little later.”
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CHEZ TJ
This Mountain View Michelin Star restaurant brings the heart of contemporary French cuisine and the history of French wine to its menu. The abundant wine list provides guests with options of both New World favorites and Old World classics with a focus on the latter, incorporating everything from the well-known Champagne to the lesser-known Savoie regions. But although the list may read like a short novel – it’s a fun and friendly read. In fact, throughout the wine list are interesting facts about the different varietals and regions such as the history of Chenin Blanc, the geography of Alsace, and even explaining that the literal translation of Les Chailles de L’enfer is “the slopes of hell” (referring to the vineyard workers sweating under the sweltering sun). Even when referring to New World wines or wines that seem to be “other worldly”, these notes remind us that these grapes have their roots in French history and that France truly is a founding wine-father.
LOCATION
938 Villa Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
HOURS
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Sunday – Monday: Closed
