Why The Wine Steward in Pleasanton Deserves a Visit

A Local Wine Shop Worth Discovering

Tucked away in Downtown Pleasanton is a gem for wine lovers—The Wine Steward. I came across it while exploring the area and couldn’t resist stepping inside. From the start, it felt like a neighborhood spot with a strong sense of pride. You’ll even notice signs throughout the shop highlighting its “Best Liquor/Wine Shop in East Bay” awards, which they’ve won multiple years in a row.

Shelves on Shelves of Wine

Once inside, you’re immediately surrounded by wine. Shelves are filled from wall to wall, and themed displays (like a Rosé section) make it easy to explore something new. The shop itself has a unique, loft-like feel. Head upstairs and you’ll find a cozy wine lounge where you can enjoy wine by the glass, by the flight, or by the pour. If you’ve never had a wine “pour” before, it’s essentially a small splash (usually around $4–$5), which lets you taste something new without committing to a full glass.

Tasting Something New

The lounge offers curated wine flights that rotate regularly. When I visited, I chose a red wine flight that introduced me to varietals and regions I don’t usually reach for. It was a great way to step outside my comfort zone and still enjoy every sip.

Here’s what was in the flight I tried:

1. Zenato Alanera Rosso Veronese (Italy) – Smooth and easy-drinking, though not quite bottle-worthy for me.

2. Allendorf Spätburgunder Trocken (Germany) – A German Pinot Noir that was lighter than expected but still delicious.

3. Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins, Côtes du Rhône (France) – A pleasant surprise from a region I don’t usually gravitate toward.

4. Right Hand Man Syrah (California) – Bold, structured, and unexpectedly my favorite of the bunch. I even took a bottle home.

5. Lost Blues Good Fences (California) – A Grenache-Syrah blend that was balanced and super approachable.

What stood out the most? I liked every single wine in the flight. That almost never happens. It gave me the feeling that the person who curated the flight had a palate pretty similar to mine.

Meet the Man Behind the Wines

Jim Denham, the owner, was the one pouring the wines during my visit. He walked me through each selection and shared thoughtful notes along the way. His knowledge and passion for wine really came through in the way he talked about each pour.

When I told him about She Know Vino, he shared his approach to running the shop. He focuses on wines from smaller producers and global regions to keep things fresh and encourage exploration. His goal is to help people try wines they wouldn’t typically reach for and after my flight, I’d say he’s doing a great job.

Six Wine Clubs to Choose From

If you’re someone who loves discovering new wines regularly, The Wine Steward offers six wine clubs to suit different tastes. Whether you’re into whites, reds, a mix of both, California producers, international bottles, or more adventurous picks, there’s a club for you. Each one offers a different experience and a curated selection from Jim and his team.

Final Thoughts

The Wine Steward has all the things I love in a wine shop: a wide and thoughtful selection, a welcoming atmosphere, and people who genuinely care about what they’re pouring. Whether you’re a casual sipper or an avid collector, it’s a place that invites curiosity and connection.

If you find yourself in the East Bay, make a point to stop by and explore. You might just leave with a new favorite bottle (or five).