The Cuisine
Our chefs, Courtney and Eric, describe the food as “refined New American using French techniques influenced by flavors from around the world.” They are loathe to pigeon hole Carpe Vino as French or Mediterranean because they want to be free to employ unique flavors where ever they find them. So, at any give time, our seasonally and frequently changing menu might feature Moroccan-spiced lamb tenderloins or scallop ceviche, ahi tuna tartare or a classic American dish such as fried green tomatoes.
The food at Carpe Vino is made from the best and freshest core items, from meat to fish to vegetables and fruit. This means buying PlacerGrown - you’ll see our chefs virtually every Saturday morning at the farmers market, hand-selecting the raw materials for our dinner service.
The Wine
With more than 500 different labels from which to choose—with many hard-to-find and limited-production vintages—there is something to please every palate in any price range. Any bottle opened at the table is priced at our everyday retail charge, plus $5, representing a significant value over typical restaurant wine markups.
At any given moment, Carpe Vino also offers 40+ wines by the glass, and we provide a menu of these offerings (which change frequently), all of which are connected to an argon gas system to protect open bottles from the ravages of contact with oxygen. We offer both three- and six-ounce pours, and customers are welcome to choose from house flights, or you can design your own. Our staff is, of course, very knowledgeable about wine, and we’re delighted to make recommendations.
The Place
Original to Old Town Auburn, the main structure housing our wine bar was built in 1855 and for years, it was home to the Union Saloon, a true Western bar that quenched the thirst of gold miners, Union soldiers, gamblers, railroad builders and all manner of frontiersmen seeking their fortunes. This place has history, texture, and a soul that oozes from the original brick walls and Douglas fir ceiling beams.
We've worked hard to maintain the look and feel of this historic building, right down to the bar—the original having been purchased by movie actress Mary Pickford in 1931. At the same time, we’ve sought to create an intimate, adult space where our guests can relax in comfort to enjoy fine wine and fine dining in a venue seating just 32. To enhance the experience, guests must be 21 to dine with us.
The walls of Carpe Vino are lined with more than 500 labels, leading one guest to comment that he felt like he was being "hugged by the wine." The walls are adorned with the art and photography of both nationally known and local artists, and it is all available for purchase. It’s the kind of place that makes you just feel good and at home.