International Imbibing at Alameda Wine Company

Alameda is an island, but to travel the world all you need to do is step into Alameda Wine Company on Central Avenue.

A Grüner Veltliner from Austria begs you to replace that Sauvignon Blanc. Or, why not put down your Merlot and pour an Argentine Malbec? And although Rosenblum Zinfandel is wine gospel in this town, an old Carignane may open your eyes to something new but familiar.

All these adventures are possible because of the 100 wine brokers, dealers and distributors that Alameda Wine Company's Karen Ulrich talks to, all the while managing the business and serving customers at her 900-square-foot tasting bar and retail store.

Ulrich buys with Alamedans in mind, mixing her international picks with domestic Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Zinfandels, Syrahs and red blends for under $20 a bottle.

However, it isn't always easy.

"It remains a delicate balance to find wines that will appeal to lot of palates," she said. 

Before moving to Alameda, Ulrich was the manager of a high-end La Jolla grocer's wine and spirits section section and worked at San Francisco's Wine Bar & Shop. In Alameda, she adopted the San Francisco store's bar and retail store model, and opened Alameda Wine Company. 

Now customers can read Ulrich's handwritten tasting notes on bottles for sale against the wall and sample some selections in 3-ounce tastes before buying ortaking a seat to enjoy a full glass.

Ulrich believes there's room for a local wine bar, even with the proximity of so many tasting opportunities inthe area.

"I do not feel a wine bar is a substitute for a winery, but it offers consumers the chance to taste a great array of wines in an informal setting," she said.

Alameda Wine Company has also become a community supporter. "When I was hired, Karen coached me on Alameda's family feel," said Megan Satchwell, sales associate and social media director.  

Satchwell has increased Alameda Wine's Monday Mailings, a newsletter highlighting wine and community events, from 70 to 450. In July, its 2-year anniversary, the Alameda Wine Company raised $7, 535 for the Alameda Education Foundation. And last year, it held a fundraiser that split money between five non-profits, including the animal shelter and food bank.

"The best part of going to a wine bar, is people have a chance to develop their own palates, to learn what they like and do not like," Ulrich said.