Vignette Wine Country Soda - WOW!

[Morton the Mousse]

I can't believe I'm actually posting about soda but this stuff is just that good. Produced in Berkeley, Vignette uses wine quality grapes to brew a delicious, refreshing sparkling beverage. "Soda" does not do this stuff justice.

I think the best thing to compare it to would be Navarro grape juice (though it's carbonated, of course). It's sweet but not cloying and the flavor of the grapes really stands out. It's not too fizzy although I prefer pouring it into a cup to to let a bit of the carbonation out. Of course, there are no additives, preservatives, artificial flavors or HFCS.

They currently have two flavors: chardonnay and pinot noir. I preferred the chardonnay but thought they were both excellent.

This is the perfect drink to serve at a party for guests who don't drink alcohol. Just bring a lot because the wine drinkers might get jealous. So far, the only place I've seen it is Gregoire in Berkeley and Oakland but it's only a matter of time before it starts showing up at cafes and restaurants all over the place. It's an ideal beverage if you're not in the mood for alcohol but want something fancier than water.

So keep your eyes peeled for Vignette Wine Country Soda. It's a real treat. This is coming from someone who thought he didn't like soda.

Mods: I'm posting this here because Vignette is only avaiable in the Bay Area.

www.winecountrysoda.com

[hellion7]

i liked it too. they have it at acquacotta restaurant in alameda (on webster) and at the alameda natural grocery. i'm a sucker for packaging, and they have pretty labels.

[hellion7]

the links:

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Acquacotta
1544 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501

Alameda Natural Grocery
1650 Park St, Alameda, CA

[rahir]

I tried the Pinot Noir version and loved it. Whole Foods on 4th carries it!

[Dluv]

Its allright if you like soda. Definitely more of a natural soda. Syrah in Santa Rosa has it.

[High Heels and Frijoles]

I tried Vignette soda just a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. It was crisp, refreshing, and gently sweet. It's a lovely, grown-up drink.

[hhc]

I got to try them 9/16/06 and thought the chardonnay soda was better than the pinot noir soda. $2.50 a bottle. I found them at Birley's Sandwiches in Embarcadero 4.

pics: http://flickr.com/photos/bubbletea/24...

[fine wino]

Just saw this for sale today at Birley's Sandwiches in Embarcadero 4. I didn't try it this time - at 2.50 that sends the lunch tab over 10 bucks, which I try not to do during the week - but I'm tempted to treat myself soon.

[Robert Lauriston]

Is it just carbonated varietal grape juice or are there other ingredients?

[Morton the Mousse]

Ingredients: filtered, carbonated water; chardonnay grape juice concentrate; natural flavors. Cutting the juice with water keeps it from being too sweet.

It was just released last month so current distribution is limited, but you can find it at The Pasta Shop.