By Claudio Ponte

It was almost exactly 9 years ago that we opened the doors of Ponte Winery. It seems fitting that we would celebrate our winery’s birthday and the opening of the hotel at a fun place: The Cellar Lounge, the newest addition to Ponte Vineyard Inn.

Those of you who have traveled to Europe have probably enjoyed a nightcap, or dinner and live music, underground. Europeans like to “drink down” and “eat up”, and some of the coolest nightspots in the continent are in the basements of old buildings.

Our Cellar Lounge was inspired by Café Luso, a Fado bar in Lisbon (Fado is the melancholy music beloved by the Portuguese, sung to the music of a mandolin, bass and guitar).

The dining room and stage at Café Luso

Marco Rodriguez, Fado star

Café Luso is located within the old cellars and stables of the Palace Brito Freire, a 17th Century manor house that endured the devastating earthquake of 1755. The rooms arched vaults offer unique acoustics.

From Left: Yola Dinis, Claudio, Marco Rofriguez and Leah at Café Luso

Although we cannot easily offer the music of the fabulous Yola Dinis or Marco Rodriguez, we will feature live music on weekends, wine country inspired drinks, and friendly ambiance.

The immortal Yola Dinis

See you at the Cellar Lounge and as always, thanks for your support.

Claudio