Two sisters plan an ambitious waterside wine bar in Antioch

"Antioch residents shouldn't have to travel beyond the city limits to experience the charm of a wine bar."

For too long Antioch has been missing a classic wine bar experience – a place to chill with friends or network, snack on cheese and olives and sip Sonoma’s finest while taking in a grand view.

But all that’s wrapped up in a promising-looking package in The Pour Up, a wine bar from two East Bay sisters scheduled to open on the San Joaquin River in early 2024.

Monique Griffin and Angel Edwards share the same father but grew up separately. After they connected for the first time, they discovered they had a shared interest in wine. The Pour Up, they say on their website, is meant for “forging a stronger bond between us” and “serves as a bridge to overcome the years of separation and unfamiliarity.”

Customers can expect a lively wine bar right on the water with an intimate ambiance and an outdoor patio with serene views. The decor is designed to be warm and inviting, with both bar and table seating.

The beverage list will feature an array of minority and locally owned wine and beer, as the sisters wish to amplify the voices of underserved winemakers. The dining menu is still in the works, but expect a “tantalizing selection of tiny bites, with the certainty of a charcuterie board,” they say via email.

Edwards and Griffin have a definite vision of the space. “Picture this,” they say. “The backdrop of jazz music sets the tone as you enjoy wine, network and witness laughter and smiling faces. The ambiance shifts seamlessly to old-school R&B, encouraging more wine enjoyment, followed by dancing and singing. The upbeat tempo takes over, and everyone revels in a joyous atmosphere. Notably, these events are marked by responsible drinking, fostering an amazing vibe without any incidents of conflict. It’s an experience we cherish and we are excited to bring this to The Pour Up wine bar!”

And why Antioch as the launchpad for this ambitious enterprise?

“Antioch residents shouldn’t have to travel beyond the city limits to experience the charm of a wine bar,” they say. “We aspire to create a space where the community can come together, fostering connections while enjoying a diverse selection of boutique wines.”

Details: The Pour Up plans to open in early 2024 at 1 I St., Unit C, Antioch; thepourupwine.com