Kyle T.
Yelp
Wow! I was wandering through the food desert that downtown Oakland has become on Sundays. All of a sudden, a sandwich board strategically placed on the northeast corner of Broadway and 13th beckoned, promising wine and charcuterie trays. Having become quite hangry, it sounded intriguing so I gave it a go.
It's located in a high rise apartment building on 13th and Webster. The space is immaculate, with white counters. Immediately inviting, there's a bar, lounge area and a few tables.
Upon my entrance, I was immediately greeted by Shannon, whom I later found out to be the manager. I think she sensed my hangriness, immediately served a glass of water and invited me to sit at the bar.
The menus are accessed by QR codes. I ordered the cheese board. As she served it, Shannon explained the contents. This is not your usual cheese board! Apologies Shannon, as I can't remember the exact contents. So, I'm going to say trust me to recommend it; trust Shannon to serve and explain it. There's enough for two. However, as I hadn't eaten since breakfast, wandered through the food desert and was hangry, I ate it all.
Once served, Shannon and I discussed wines. I decided on a South African Rose, of which she first let me taste. The winery is black founded and owned. The wine and food offerings are representative of diverse communities as Shannon explained.
BTW-Coco Noir Wine Bar is owned by a Black female. Why is this important to me? Oakland is predominantly black, but historically, the black population have been seriously marginalized and comprise far too much of those in poverty.
I am the fifth generation of my family to live in Oakland. I have a stake in its success. Oakland succeeds when all of us succeed!
I was happy to see that this place seemed busy. All of Oakland is represented, across the color spectrum as well as LGBTQIA.
Coco Noir is an amazing place that is representative of Oakland's future. Though I had to leave and couldn't partake, there is live music on Sundays.
Coco Noir is truly an oasis in a food desert!