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Coming Soon: Cork, a New Place to Taste Zin and Pinot in the Castro

Photo: J. Barmann/Grub Street

The Castro is about to get a little more wine-drunk at yet another new wine bar called Cork, across the street from Blackbird. Today, owner Maarten Bon went before Planning and scored his permit to convert the space from what was the former Alliance Title Company at 2111 Market Street (remember when mortgages and title companies were big business?) into a cozy, adult wine haven with a small food menu. In contrast to the just opened Heart wine bar in the Mission with its Euro-centric list, and CAV down the street with its international focus, Cork will feature only California wines with an emphasis on boutique wineries in Napa and Sonoma.

Bon says he has acquaintances in the local wine industry and wants to do more to promote small-production, high-quality wines from the region. With no possibility of a full kitchen on the premises, the food menu will likely feature only cheeses, cured meats, and pantry items that pair well with the vino.

Cork will be open five days a week, from 11 a.m. to midnight, but sadly for all neighborhood wine-lovers, you’ll have to wait until June for the grand opening.

Along with the openings of Barbacco, Red & White in Glen Park (678 Chenery Street), the aforementioned Heart, Swirl and Blush Wine Bar already on Castro Street, not to mention the upcoming Georges in the Financial District and all the rest that have been around a few years, this city is officially stupid with wine bars.

Coming Soon: Cork, a New Place to Taste Zin and Pinot in the Castro