In terms of the local wine scene, the view from Rail Bridge Cellars tasting room is tough to beat. It's situated 13 floors above J street in the Elks Tower's penthouse, which overlooks the entire city and beyond.
The space was used for private events and wine tasting during the better part of 2011, but has now been licensed to operate as the official tasting room for Rail Bridge Cellars, the urban Sacramento winery which opened in 2007.
The space, now called "Rail Bridge Cellars Penthouse Lounge at Elks Tower," has plenty of history behind it. Back in the 1940s and 1950s, it was known as Top of the Town, a private nightclub that was favored by local politicians and media folks. These 13th and 14th floors of the Elks Tower, located on 11th and J streets, were also once home to KZAP radio and the original offices of Sactown magazine.
"There's a lot of history to this building," said Michael Gelber, managing partner for Rail Bridge Cellars. "It's a well used spot. The mayor and the Kings have done events here, and we already have 20 events booked for the next three months."
Tastings are by appointment only and cost $10 per person, or $15 with cheese and crackers. New offerings to sample from Rail Bridge include a 2010 pinot noir with grapes from San Luis Obispo.
For more information: 916-492-2530, railbridgecellars.net.
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