A Central Coast winery that already has a wine-tasting room in San Diego is getting ready to open its first full-service restaurant called Cellar Hand in Hillcrest at 1440 University Ave.
Pali Wine Company is getting ready to open a 63-seat restaurant in the former home of Oscar Wilde’s Irish Pub sometime next month, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The company obtained the 2000-square-foot space featuring a same-size patio early last year and began remodeling in hopes of opening earlier this year, but have faced delays. Now that owners are closer to opening, more details have been revealed. Architects Tecscape Design will replicate the vibe of Central Coast wine country.
When the new restaurant opens next month, possibly in December, it will offer Mediterranean fare, including house-baked pita, fresh seafood, and the full spectrum of Pali’s cellars. When the news of the venture first broke, it was reported that Pali Wine Co’s executive chef, Travis Clifford, would be in charge of introducing a more comprehensive menu to Callar Hand, but the chef has since left the company to pursue a new role with TRUST restaurant group. A representative from the company tells What Now San Diego that Logan Kendall will serve as executive chef.
While the Santa Barbara County-based company has six tasting locations, it made its area debut in 2016 with a two-story site in Little Italy. Since then, San Diegans have enjoyed the company’s premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, sourced from the company’s own Santa Rita Hills and Sonoma vineyards. For anyone wanting to bring these delicious wines home, Callar Hand will also sell Pali Wines to its customers from the storefront, similar to its Little Italy branch.
