Valley Wine

Really interesting selection of wines, very knowledgeable owner. Finding wine is a bit of a treasure hunt (it’s not the most organized shop in the world!), and there are treasures to find.

Today was my first experience as I walked over after a movie. The street facing door, which says open, is locked. I peeked in and was no nonse pointed to the parking lot door which was open. 3 people were inside. There were boxes strewn everywhere and I had to navigate them to get to the wine. There didn’t seem to be any organization, or if there was, I wasn’t told it. As I walked in I told them I was new to town. I was pointedly ignored. The man behind the counter was having a conversation with what seemed to be a wine broker. I took a look at a few bottles and looked up at the woman (who pointed me in) and the man behind the corner and was still ignored although it was clear I was looking for assistance. I walked out. Won’t go back. I felt embarrassed to be there.
Addendum: I have never given a 1 star review before this.

I found this wine store in Davis while killing time waiting for my car to be washed down the street. What a find. However don’t let the messy appearance when you walk in give you the wrong impression. You won’t find your typical brands which I really enjoyed. The wines recommended to me are fabalous especially for the prices. Have gone back again and bought a case. There are also price sensative. Give them your price range and they will choose some great wines for you.

I love RIchard and John. They are very helpful with my (too frequent) wine selections, and they are always really nice to my kids (who, sometimes, wait politely by the front door NOT TOUCHING ANYTHING). :). Anyway, they are nice gentlemen who grew up here, and know Davis and the environs backward and forward. They have given me lots of good tips about sausage makers in Sacramento etc.; they know the area. And they know wine. I am rarely let down by the wine they recommend, and their prices are really reasonable. In fact, their Bogle Zin is probably priced more cheaply than Nugget or Cost Plus or Safeway.
If you are looking for a place where everyone knows your name– this is it.

I just opened up a bottle of Italian (Brunello di Montalcino) wine that I purchased from VWC awhile back for dinner tonight and an old adage came to mind — ‘I like what I like’. I am usually not impressed by high priced wine with some special provenance. Part of it has to do with high expectations I suppose. This purchase from VWC was a rare miss for me. When I was in town, I’d visit them every other week for some bottles of wine and craft beer.
I liked to patronize them mostly because of their interesting selection and the proprietors. In one word, the owners are quirky. I heard from a wine rep that when plied with free samples, the twins prefer to take them by the glass, not the bottle. They’d have the reps pour a glass and the owners would then cover it with cello to try at home later. To me the all stars of their inventory are the sparkling wine and spirits sections. They’re compact but nicely varied by type and price points. They’re also the only place in Davis that I’ve seen with Everclear.
I’ll be back in Davis soon. I am sure that I’ll relive the old days and stop in for some drink but the occasion with call for copious amounts of beer, not wine.

If the world of hard liquor intrigues you, this is the place you must make pilgrimage to (in Davis, of course). Well, Valley Wine doesn’t really have much in the way of competition, there is Fast and Easy (‘Nuff Said), Aggie liquor (not a bad selection, but pretty limited) and Valley Wine.
The place is a mess, boxes everywhere, and only a hint of organization present, vague categories are lumped together, (Scotch in the corner, next to Tequilla, next to Mescal, next to bourbon) but beyond that, you’re on your own. The staff isn’t of too much help either, unless you have a very specific question that needs to be addressed. ‘Can you recommend a good scotch?’ Will be met with disdain, but ‘Can you recommend an Islay, with the same rich peat flavour as Lagavulin’ will get you an answer (sadly, that answer is ‘no such scotch exists’).
Once you find what your looking for, the prices are very reasonable, expect to pay $ 25 dollars less than at the Nugget for many things, and of course, the selection is far and away better.
Once you know how Valley Wine works, it’s a great place to get all manor of potent potables, but the laissez fare attitude of the employees can make it somewhat intimidating.

Richard and John run this store (2 brothers from Davis) and they know their wine. Don’t go there for fancy digs and schmaltzy service, but if you’re a wine person with an inkling of what you want, this is the place. I’ve been going here for 6 years and constantly recommend them. No, you can’t buy chips, filet mignon and paper towels there, but you can learn about some really great wine and get a bargain for it. Try stopping in, saying hello, and describing what your price range is and what you like (or better yet) what you don’t like, in wines, and they will fix you up!

Ugh. Went in today to look for a nice California port and items from craft distillers. There was a tall, bald man ringing out a customer. I perused but he ignored my entrance and searching after the customer left. When I asked him, he pointed out ONE bottle then the other half of the store. He sat at a desk, ignoring me further except for helpful comments like «the one standing up 4 feet ahead.» You know, the one. He didn’t look up or say anything as I walked out.
I wouldn’t shop here unless you’re looking to spend a 10% premium for bad service. My inkling is that I was treated differently for being 25. Try the Nugget, the Co-​op, or BevMo (in Natomas).