VIP preview of Vinavanti Urban Winery in Hillcrest

Vinavanti Urban Winery in Hillcrest held a VIP reception on Monday, Nov. 30, as a preview to its grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 5.

The winery recently moved its wine-tasting room from North County to 1477 University Ave. on the east end of Hillcrest.

girlsweb — Megan Gamwell of Hillcrest Business Association, Adriana Martinez of Councilmember Todd Gloria’s office, and Marisa Romero of the HBA (Photo by Vince Meehan)

Clara Brinkmeier, Vinavanti director and co-owner, cutting the ribbon with Eric Van Drunen (Photo by Vince Meehan)

“We’re providing a San Diego winery experience in an urban setting — something most people aren’t familiar with. And it’s not just the wine! We have food, beer, and cocktails too! There’s something for everyone,” Eric Van Drunen, Vinavanti’s winemaker and president, said in a statement.

Vinavanti boasts that it produces local wine at its purest and keeps things authentic, so it’s no surprise the winery for its grand opening chose to team up with a nonprofit whose focus is local agriculture. San Diego Roots Sustainable Food Project is a nonprofit whose mission is to educate, cultivate and empower sustainable food communities throughout San Diego County. Project operators offer San Diegans hands-on opportunities to grow food, get dirty, and gain skills and knowledge at their 5-acre farm, Wild Willow Farm & Education Center, in San Diego near the border with Tijuana.

“It’s the perfect partnership, their ideas with agriculture align well with our winemaking philosophies,” Van Drunen said.

The grand opening will be celebrated from 11 a.m. — 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and a portion of the wine proceeds from the day will be donated to San Diego Roots.