Hospitals & Northern Italy

I know that hospitals and Northern Italy may sound an odd pairing, however I spent yesterday morning and evening at Alta Bates Hospital for my wife's seven hour spinal surgery - which is my feeble excuse for not sending this out on Friday as is usual.

In fact I'm back at Alta Bates right now writing this. The whole experience brought to mind a customer's comments about being in the hospital in Padova which is in Northern Italy - home to our wine's in today's tasting.

Barbara, a delightful customer (who I hope reads this) is retired and spends half her time in Padova, sent a message out a few years ago about the excellent care she received when in the hospital. The staff was attentive, professional and caring. The facility was good and although the experience wasn't desired or recommended by Barbara there was a bonus -

The food and, wait for it, the local glass of wine at each meal were excellent and truly enjoyed!

Although the facility and staff here are excellent and the food seems completely fine, the meals won't lead anybody to tell their friends (and U.S. wine merchant) about how good it was. Also, although I'm not sure my wife asked for it, I'm fairly certain there is no wine to be had with the meal here. Even if there is I can virtually guarantee that it shouldn't be ordered!

So, if you wish to sample some good Vino from Northern Italy in a less stressful environment than a medical facility, please come join us today from 2-4:30 and sample the following:

The Wines we poured on 3/8/25

~ 2021 Goriska Brda Sauvignonasse: We're cheating a bit hers. This is from Kletbrda, Slovenia.

In older days this Slovenian wine might have been labeled Friulano or Friuli Tocai, but as borders shift and trends change the locals have decided to cut through and celebrate it's unique minerally aromatic character with its unique name, feeling right at home next to its Italian neighbors

~ 2022 Barbera Passamante from Ricossa winery

This Barbera is made with grapes which are dried while fermenting in temperature controlled rooms, intensifying the fruit and resulting in lush smooth and weighty wine, all while keeping the acid and darker notes of Barbera intact.

~ 2018 Valpolicella Ripasso from @acinumwine

Dried grape skins from Amarone wines are added to fresh Valopolicella red wine, inducing a second fermentation and adding complexity and intense fruit to the unique and famous style.

~ 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo from Ricossa again

This Nebbiolo is fresh and delicious, an elegant expression of Piemonte's favorite fruit. Fresh strawberry and raspberry mix with light spices and for a bright and complex lighter red. 

Come and taste with us for just $2, anytime from 2:00-4:30pm, or find something else for your tastes from our selection of hundreds of spectacular and affordable wines, all at the Wine Mine, 5427 Telegraph Ave in Oakland, CA

Come and taste with us for just $2, and browse our selection of hundreds of exellent, affordable wines from across the world, all at

The Wine Mine, 5427 Telegraph Ave in Oakland, CA