Barterra Winery Expands Space to Include Art Gallery

“Wine is art. It’s culture. It’s the essence of civilization and the art of living,” wrote California winemaker Robert Mondavi in his autobiography “Harvests of Joy.”

At on Main Street in Half Moon Bay, wine is also something to appreciate in the presence of fine works of art. 

After eight years of serving aficionados from around the world and producing award-winning wines drawn from vineyards throughout Northern California, winery owners Mary and Bart Colucci recently expanded their Main Street tasting room to include an adjacent art gallery. Both spaces open into a Tuscan villa-style courtyard.

“What is more enjoyable than a fabulous glass of wine while in the presence of a great wine painting?” said Bart Colucci, who originally started the winery in honor of his grandfather, an Italian winemaker who immigrated to America in 1901 and “left no legacy, only a proud grandson who shares his name— Bartholomew Colucci.”

The refurbished gallery represents artists such as Eric Christensen, Christopher M., and Michael Flohr. The artists specialize in painting limited additions of winery and wine scenes — bringing art and wine together as an integral part of what the Coluccis offer their patrons.

The gallery space also offers an event-style setting conducive for enjoying a glass of wine and snack plates which showcase the wide variety of gourmet goodies sold in the tasting room.

In August, the Coluccis will introduce an artist’s series featuring contemporary oil painter Christopher M., known for his expressive, realist paintings of the culinary arts.

This gallery space and tasting room, coupled with the courtyard, also serves as a special events venue. The winery can host small weddings, corporate wine tastings, bridal showers, engagement parties — you name it.

Barterra's wines have origins in the Napa, Sonoma, Amador Valley and Santa Cruz areas.

Their award-winning wines include the Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (bronze medal in the San Francisco International Wine Competition), Vermentino from Amador County (double gold at the California State Fair last year) and Chardonnay from the Carneros region of Sonoma (bronze medal, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition).

Over the years Barterra Winery has become widely known for the quality and unique character of its wines.

“We’re putting Barterra on the map for visitors from around the world,” said Mary Corcoran, Director of Marketing for Barterra. “With our increased business, we’re doing more marketing to expand our customer base.”

So far, it seems to be working. Lucy and Martin Cranston, visiting from Southern California, heard about the winery from friends who live out of state and are members of the Barterra Winery Wine Club, which includes a free membership, 15 percent discount on all bottle purchases and an additional 20 percent discount on all case purchases.

“We’re going to check it out and taste something different, maybe buy something to have tonight,” said the couple as they strolled inside the courtyard.

The winery also ships orders placed in the tasting room or off their website.

“Business is growing much faster than anticipated,” said Colucci. “Our customer base is growing and we’re finding an influx in tourism as Half Moon Bay grows as a travel destination."

According to Colucci, membership in the wine club has tripled over the last six months.

To meet those needs, the Coluccis recently added more packaged gourmet foods to complement their wines and olive oils such as biscotti and crusting from La Biscotteria in Redwood City, an expanded collection of artisanal chocolates from Portland-based Moonstruck Chocolates and more imported packaged foods from Italy like farro, white truffle oil, and top-end balsamic vinegar.

They are also planning to add new wines to their Barterra Winery line, including a Syrah October 2011, 2007 Primativo July 2011 (“our customer's favorite wine,” said Corcoran), 2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon August 2011, and Tawny Port August 2011.

“Our expansion and transformation into a go-to destination for special events, wine tasting, light snacks and specialty food items is a work in progress,” said Corcoran. “Our food, wine and art additions will continue as our business continues to grow.”

Barterra Winery is located at 643 Main St., Half Moon Bay, with tasting room hours Thursday through Monday, 12:30 to 6 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information or to join the wine club and place online orders, go to www.barterrawines.com.