Tahoe Wine Collective offers a distinctive experience.
Wine bar, wine store, or tasting room? Tahoe Wine Collective, located in The Boatworks Mall in Tahoe City, is all that and a whole lot more. Owner Allison Yonto satisfies all those functions, while adding some unique twists that have challenged usual expectations in a fun, and sometimes offbeat, way. Offering games, crafts, and comedy shows is a different approach for sure. But Yonto may have just hit upon a winning formula. This novel wine bar was named the 2023 Best New Business by the North Tahoe Community Alliance.
The Vino
It all starts with a niche selection of wines. Yonto, who received training in the University of California, Davis’ winemaking program, chose to create a specialized space that features primarily locally sourced, sustainably grown, Sierra Foothills wines from small, limited-production wineries.
“There are so many little wineries down the hill who are making lovely wines that are only sold in their own tasting rooms,” Yonto says. “I thought it was a shame you couldn’t find any of these wines at Tahoe, so I approached some of the wineries. They liked the idea.”
The limited production of these wines makes them a rare treat. Also, many are not the usual varietals you would find elsewhere. Most customers prefer to start with a flight, Yonto says, so they have a chance to taste several different wines before buying a glass or bottle.
A limited menu of small bites, such as plated cheeses, charcuterie, olives, and almonds, is a delectable option to accompany your tasting. Happy hour specials, offered from 5 – 6 p.m. daily, include wines and small cheese plate combos. Not a wine drinker? No problem. A variety of local beers, hard kombuchas, and non-alcoholic beers and wines also are available.
The Venue
With the help of friends and staff, Yonto has created a welcoming interior space. Walls are decorated with works by local artists; old, refurbished ski lift chairs serve as novel tableside seating; and a handcrafted wine rack, bar top, and antique bar base lend charm and character.
“Each piece adds a bit of our community and our history,” Yonto says.
To take advantage of lovely fall days, there also is outdoor seating on the front walkway and a back deck in an adjacent grassy area, providing views of the lake. Both are child- and dog-friendly.
The Ventures
There’s more to TWC than wine and food. Assorted board and card games always are available here, and live music is offered at certain times, mostly Saturdays. Yonto also hosts workshops where you can learn to make various objects, such as terrariums, candles, and bracelets, and you can drink while you craft. Yonto also hosts comedy shows (no joke), and she has partnered with local businesses to hold events, such as Workout and Wine Wednesdays with Tahoe Fit, or Paint and Sip with Belladonna Tattoo Co. & Art Collective (creating paintings, not tattoos). All are popular.
“I want people to meet friends here, form new friendships, create new stories, have a good time, and enjoy a little splash of wine,” Yonto says.
Tahoe Wine Collective
The Boatworks Mall, 760 N. Lake Blvd., Ste. 1, Tahoe City
412-498-5216 • Tahoewinecollective.com
