There’s another new wine spot on Main Street, Fredericksburg. Calivence Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro came to life as a blending of a love for the California wine country and all things reminiscent of Provence, France. In the small town of Los Olivos, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley of California, the mild climate, constant winds, and soils of clay and limestone create an ideal estate for Bordeaux grape varieties. In 2019, the Calivence vineyard was planted with four acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Sauvignon Blanc. Additionally, 120 olive trees, 70 fruit trees, lavender, herbs, and a French culinary garden contribute to the land’s biodiversity. The brand’s style is distinctly old-world, with a focus on regenerative farming practices and the preservation of the vineyard’s ecosystem.
Alongside the estate Bordeaux-style wines, Pinot Noir is sourced from Santa Rita Hills, and Syrah and Chenin Blanc come from Happy Canyon in Santa Barbara. Until now, there has not been a tasting room for Calivence, and all sales were through private events and direct-to-consumer shipments. For the past few months, a pop-up tasting experience has been available at Grand Central at Milam, which is where I first tasted the wines.
Today, these wines are showcased at 419 West Main Street in the two-story limestone home built in the late 1860s by Wilhelm Crenwelge. By refurbishing the structure and adding impressive landscaping, you will feel like you’re in a French country home with an impressive garden. The building is small, but there is ample outdoor seating, both in the front garden and around the side, flowing into the backyard area.
First, it is helpful to know there is plenty of parking on Main Street when you get down to the west end of downtown near this tasting room. And if you don’t snag a spot on Main, there are two side streets that offer up close parking. When you walk up to the building, the planters from France and the cute patio furniture definitely lean toward a French bistro vibe that was the goal for Calivence Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro. The soft opening phase began in late October, and the management team is eager to be fully operational with all the kinks ironed out before the end of the month.
Just inside the front door, the tasting bar on the right is sleek with a modern feel that balances the exposed limestone walls and beautiful wood floors. The room to the left houses a bottle shop stocked with Calivence wines as well as imports from France. You’ll also find handmade pottery, olive oil, and natural skin care products. Towards the back of the building is the spacious commercial kitchen that will allow for easy preparation of delicious pairings to help enhance the wines and elevate the guest experience.
Upstairs is an intimate seating space for enjoying a seated food and wine pairing or ordering from the a la carte bistro menu. While they have pinned down the plans for the seasonal menu, they are open now with just charcuterie to start. Glass and bottle service, as well as the full kitchen menu will be available in the outdoor garden areas.
There are four different flight options priced at $25, $30, $35, and $45. My personal favorites on the menu were the ’22 North Coast Sparkling Brut Rosé and the bold ’23 Los Olivos Estate Cabernet Franc. I’m making plans to stop in for a food and wine pairing experience on a beautiful fall afternoon, where I can sit in the garden and relax while I take it all in.
419 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
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