As seen in Sonoma Magazine by Dana Rebmann
Amid reports of struggling sales, growing competition and an ever-evolving wine consumption landscape, the family behind Dry Creek Valley’s Comstock Wines is thinking outside the box and doing what some might consider unthinkable — opening a second tasting room.
“We’ve always been a little crazy,” joked general manager Kelly Comstock.
In a matter of weeks, Comstock Wines will unveil its new tasting room at Bacchus Landing, a collective of boutique wineries in Healdsburg. Settling into the space once occupied by the market, there’s been a flurry of activity as the family preps to open its second location less than three miles from the winery that launched the brand into the spotlight nearly a decade ago.
“This property affords us the opportunity to do so much more and connect with guests in a different way, that it doesn’t feel like we’re robbing Peter to pay Paul, because they are completely different experiences,” said Comstock.
Viewing the new location as an investment in the brand, Comstock hopes to attract a different group of guests that may not typically venture further out into Dry Creek Valley, or those who simply like the convenience of tasting various labels in one location.
Unlike Comstock’s winery location, the Bacchus Landing tasting room will offer bottle service, a nod to those seeking a more casual experience, or perhaps a group envisioning an afternoon spent sipping alongside one of the property’s bocce ball courts.
Guests familiar with the original Dry Creek Road winery location might experience a sense of familiarity when stepping into the space at Bacchus Landing. There’s a fresh take on the label’s eye-catching red wall, a tasting bar that’s arguably a bit more polished, as well as plenty of indoor and outdoor space.
Comstock’s goal is to get folks talking — to winery staff and each other. Expect a collection of classic board games, including Monopoly, Scrabble and Battleship. If Comstock has her way, the striking long table most would assume is for wine tasting, will do double duty as a group gaming space.
“Wine tasting and play some Battleship or Scrabble. Lo-fi it back down,” said Comstock. “Get people off their phones and back communicating again.”
A grand opening celebration is planned for Aug. 22 at Bacchus Landing. The date coincides with the ninth anniversary of the opening of the family’s original winery, founded by Kelly’s parents, Bob and Sandy Comstock. Depending on permits, the tasting room could be welcoming guests even sooner as part of a soft opening.
“I’m just really excited about all of it. I’m really excited about connecting with in guests in a different way than we can on the estate,” said Comstock. “And I’m excited actually for all of my neighbors. It’s going to be really nice to have some neighbors where we get to say, ‘Hey, go right over there and see them.’ They’re phenomenal and know that [guests are] going to be incredibly taken care of.”
Open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bonus perks include a large parking lot and several electric vehicle charging stations.
Comstock Wines, 14210 Bacchus Landing, Healdsburg, 707-723-3011, comstockwines.com, bacchuslanding.com
