Here at Fiorello’s, we’re all about community. In our new Foodie-rello’s blog series, we’re taking the opportunity to highlight some of our favorite local businesses, and introduce the Fiorello’s eatership to whom we consider the “Best of the Bay Area.” Living in such a culturally rich locale, with no shortage of fantastic fine dining and family-owned markets to source nutritious food, we think it’s only right.
This week we’re taking a ride over the Golden Gate Bridge to downtown San Francisco to visit Gratta Market and Winery.
Gratta Wines was founded by Barbara Gratta in 2006,in Bayview, SF, nearly a decade after a co-worker’s wife challenged her to craft her own wine. Clearly, Barbara was up to the task. In 2015, she opened the Wine Tasting Bar which quickly became a popular community hub. Most recently Gratta expanded by opening a specialty market, providing both local goods as well as imported Italian items, right next to the wine bar (two locations, two doors apart!)
Gratta primarily produces Reds from Dry Creek Region/Sonoma. Beyond their wine selection, Gratta Market specialties in homestyle Italian dishes (try Mama Rose’s Meatballs or the Eggplant Parm). Their shelves are stocked with local Bayview products including fresh pastas, pupusas, ravioli, sauces…and of course, Fiorello’s Gelato!
“We were looking for a local Italian ice cream to add to our offerings in the market and the bar, We loved their story and beginnings. It paralleled ours as a local maker. Then it was confirmed upon tasting this amazing product, and a thumbs up from our rep at Ital Foods. Our customers LOVE this gelato!"
It’s also great to have the single serves which have become popular in the bar as well as a quick snack from the market. Our favorites are the Valrhona Chocolate and Lemon Sorbet, paired with an amaretti cookie!”
Barbara and her business partner Cathy virtually run this family-style operation themselves, with help from one additional employee. Inspired to bring family recipes and Italian food basics to their neighborhood, they strive to provide the community with different food options. Aside from the delicious food and wine they surround themselves with, customer satisfaction is the most rewarding aspect of working at Gratta Market and Winery.
“When we first opened our wine bar people were reluctant to try it out, thinking it was out of their realm; same for the market. Both of these businesses are different for our neighborhood. We take pride in the fact that people feel welcomed, and that tasting and learning about food and wine does not have to be intimidating. We live and work in this community.”
If you haven’t yet tried Gratta Wines, or visited their Market for a meal, take our word for it and pay them a visit! A glass of red paired with Mama Rose’s Meatballs will leave you feeling satisfied, yet craving more (or a scoop of your favorite Fiorello’s Artisan Gelato flavor 🙂
Special thanks to Barbara and Cathy for everything they do. Until next time!
2022 Lane ST, 5299 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94124 | TUES – THUR 11 AM – 7 PM and FRI – SAT 11 AM – 11 PM | +1 415-872-9791 | grattawines.com
