Boasting stunning views of the San Francisco skyline from its matchless location of a converted 40,000-square-foot airport hangar, Rock Wall Wine Company offers an exciting way to discover distinctive wines from a variety of California wine regions.
Rock Wall Wine Company was founded in 2008 by the Rosenblum family, whose namesake winery, Rosenblum Cellars, became a Zinfandel empire over the past 30 years. Kent Rosenblum’s daughter Shauna is Rock Wall’s winemaker and Kent is director of operations. They draw their grapes from more than 30 vineyards from the Santa Lucia Highlands to Mendocino. Shauna works closely with the growers, visiting the vineyards frequently. At harvest, the grapes are transported back to the Rock Wall production facility, located in two old Navy hangars on the former Alameda Naval Air Base.
One giant hangar is dedicated to umpteen tanks and barrels, providing endless possibilities for winemaking. In fact, the urban winery is now making 36 different wines. Still keeping with the family tradition of Old Vine Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from around the state, Shauna also has a flare for the exotic. She makes such varietals as Tannat, Teroldego, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Mourvèdre, a dry Muscat Canelli, and a Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, that earned her the Best Sparkling Wine by a Woman Winemaker award at the 2011 International Women’s Wine Competition.
Rock Wall is a vibrant place, offering many scheduled art exhibits, winemaker dinners, vintage release parties, and charity events. The winery’s café and catering kitchen, Bistro Zafari, is adjacent to the tasting room and open during tasting hours. The unique facility also makes a marvelous place for events of all kinds, with a dramatic dome for small events, the expansive tasting room, and a massive airport hangar.
Rock Wall Wine Company truly represents a new chapter in the East Bay winemaking scene, offering exceptional wines, fun experiences, and a splendid view.