By Kathy Chouteau
Windchaser Wine Co. was riding the wave Friday, Sept. 6, on the scene of its most recent “Friday Nights Out” event in Richmond.
The urban winery is located in an industrial chic neighborhood across the freeway from the Panhandle Annex that’s on the rise as a hidden slice of Richmond worthy of discovery. Every first Friday of the month, Windchaser brings in local business pop-ups to add to the mix.
On this reporter’s recent visit Friday, the array of pop-ups on the winery’s informal front “patio” included Pickles N’ Smoke BBQ; Mr. Dim Sum; The Factory Bar; Origin Brewer; Elevation 66 Brewing; Big Top Sweet Shop; Faby-lous Plants; Kultured Kottage; and Golden Grove Goods.
It wouldn’t be a party without some music, so Phosphorus performed its special blend of R&B, folk and funk for Windchaser’s crowd.
Windchaser is owned by the Gifford family, and is named for son Dave’s penchant for windsurfing and surfing. The family runs the urban winery and tasting room and makes small lots of wine stemming from various California wine regions. According to its website, Windchaser tends to have a little more punk rock/DIY attitude than a typical winery.
The winery is gaining attention locally. In the Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 “Best of Richmond” competition, Windchaser took the gold in the best winery/wine bar category. Likewise, in the East Bay Express’ 2024 Best of the East Bay contest, the winery took home top honors for Best Local Winery.
Find Windchaser Wine Co. at 1352 S. 49th St. in Richmond. It’s open Fridays from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays from 1-6 p.m. Contact Dave Gifford, winemaker/proprietor at [email protected] or (415) 806-7480.
