Very chill environment, owners are lovely. Wonderful wines to choose from. I think the energy there is very relaxed. A great place to stop in for a beverage and a light Charcuterie board for a nibble while out walking or shopping. Its a nice place.
I don't know why it took me so long to discover and enjoy this local wine bar. i'm just very glad that now I have! David is a wonderful, knowledgeable wine host. No snobbery here, just good wine, food and stimulating conversation! A gem to revisit!
Local Color Galore! Had a fun evening getting to know the owner, David. He has a vibrant personality, entertaining, and beyond knowledgeable. David pick wine for us based off our usually preferences...our pours were spot on and generous. The local regulars we met were friendly and fun. This is a definite MUST for tourist and locals alike!
Owner David, is very knowledgeable, welcoming and has curated a wonderfully eclectic collection of wines. The shop is set up nicely with a bar and a cozy, relaxed area of cushion laden benches to hang out with friends and enjoy conversation along with the good wine. Definitely worth a walk or a car trip to downtown Atascadero. Check it out!
My two friends and I attended Taco Day on Traffic Way on November 16. We had tacos, then we went in search of a Margarita and stumbled upon The Grape Empourium. Thinking it was just a wine bar, we almost left until David enticed us with his wine Margarita concoction. It was a refreshing blend of white wine, lemonade, limes and Triple Sec. It was really tasty. David was friendly and fun. He gave some gave tips on imported wines. He explained about the wine club and how it wasn’t just any wine club. In the end, I joined, and I’m looking forward to the first pick up event.
Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, easy and relaxed atmosphere. Wide variety of wines. A nice little "gem" in Atascadero. Henry will be there to greet you.
We had an amazing night meeting great people and having interesting conversations in a wonderful atmosphere. A great place to explore and taste the local wine culture!
I had a great time. Learned a lot about wine. The wines were all fantastic. Joined the wine club too. Thank you David and Annie for a wonderful evening.
A delightful wine bar and wine just steps from the historic Carlton Hotel, Grape Encounters offers a charming patio, indoor bar area, and gift shop.
We enjoyed a flight of red outside -- four wines including two Tuscans, a Malbec and a Syrah. For $16 it provided enough for the three of us to enjoy about a half glass each. (We had more wine waiting at home.)
To accompany our red, for about $20 we purchased cheese, ham and gluten-free crackers inside. The hostess cheerfully plated the assortment for us. When we couldn't eat it all, she wrapped it for us to take home.
David, the owner who also has three local and nationally syndicated podcast/radio shows, came out to chat with us.
The location is only a block off the 101, and there is ample parking in the street, as well as behind the building. No business sign, so look for the pretty courtyard entrance.
Remember Cheers? Well this is my "Cheers" where everyone knows your name. Annie and David Wilson, the owners, are true gems. They invite you in and make you "family". The patio and bar areas are also very inviting. I am new to the area, so this is my place to meet the locals. As a lone female, I feel very comfortable going here by myself. David and Annie know their wines, and will make great recommendations for you! They also have wine flights, which change frequently so you can pick your favorites. Whether you are new to the area or have lived in Atascadero for years, Grape Encounters EmPOURium will become your new favorite local place to meet friend, old and new. They also have a new limited menu and great cheese, cracker, meat, olive selections to pair with your wine...oh...I must not forget the chocolates too!
