On Friday, August 16th, 2024, Chef Francis Hogan of “Sabio on Main” will open the doors of Crush’d Wine Bar + Kitchen to the Danville community. Crush’d features an impressive 24 wines on tap, a robust craft cocktail list, and a seasonally stocked kitchen with a menu designed to complement the wine experience. The inviting interior has a stool-lined wine bar, a seated dining area, and a thoughtfully curated retail space showcasing both locally sourced and international artisan goods. Crush’d aims to be unpretentious and to attract not only wine connoisseurs, but those looking to unwind with friends over a glass of something special. Crush’d announced Jame Blackmon as the General Manager and Charlotte DeBleeker as the Executive Chef.
“My partners and I opened Crush’d with a unified passion for hospitality and great food & drinks,” says Chef Francis Hogan in a statement. “With decades of experience, we’re implementing many opportunities to be better; for our staff, our local economy, our industry, and our planet.”
The intentionally selected wines on tap, 12 white and 12 red, are not only a testament to Crush’d Wine Bar + Kitchen’s commitment to sustainability, but an intricate component of their mission to challenge traditional perceptions of kegged wine. Featuring premium selections from California and Oregon, the temperature-controlled taps ensure every pour is served at its optimal temperature, maintaining the wine’s quality. By opting for kegs over traditional glass bottles, they are slashing their carbon emissions by almost 96%. Sustainability is not only a part of the brand ethos, but a key pillar in reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, all kegs are either reusable or recyclable, nothing goes to waste, and nothing ends up in the landfill. Additionally, instead of ordering the wines already on tap, the Crush’d team has called upon their longstanding relationships with local winemakers to transform their creations from bottle to tap. Some exclusive kegging and consulting partners include Exit West Wines, Free Flow Wines, Belle Glos Winery, and more.
Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef and Partner Francis Hogan, the Crush’d Wine Bar + Kitchen menu offers a range of elevated small bites like Lamb Meatballs and Hokkaido Scallop Crudo, while other diners may opt for more traditional wine pairings with locally sourced meat and cheese boards from the Charcuterie station. Tartines, salads and sustainably sourced caviar from The California Caviar company are a complement to the bar program that features a variety of selections from cocktails, beers, and wines. Crush’d also presents a weekend brunch from 11am-3pm and an Aperitivo Hour every day from 3-6 PM. This special time features euro-inspired cocktails, including white Negroni and vermouth-based concoctions, alongside affordable bar snacks and $1.50 oysters.
At Crush’d Wine Bar + Kitchen, approachability and accessibility are key to introducing all walks of life to wine on tap. The welcoming space features 60 seats in the main dining room and bar area, encompassing 2,500 square feet. Partnering with Arcsine, an Architecture and Interiors Firm, Chef Hogan’s goal was to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere complete with custom stools, chairs, vinyl banquettes, and dimensional art pieces. The focal point is an open-concept full-service bar with a quartz bar top, glossy tile backsplash, and brass shelving, which together create a light and airy feel. The end of the bar is dedicated to a charcuterie station, where guests can watch their meat and cheese boards come to life. White oak counter-height tables along the window provide seating for smaller parties, while a large communal table encourages neighborhood get-togethers. A lounge space, complete with velvet and leather couches, offers a cozy spot for guests to relax or wait for their table. This area also serves as the backdrop for a highly curated retail space, offering the best local wines, a variety of tinned fish, olive oils, cheeses, and other imported gourmet items.
“Crush’d has a chic and inviting space that beautifully leverages natural light to create an airy and welcoming atmosphere,” says Arcsine in a statement. “With a modern look and feel, the space features light wood elements paired with pastel-colored fabrics and tiles, adding a soft and refreshing touch. A variety of seating areas are thoughtfully arranged, each defined by distinctive decorative hanging light fixtures, vibrant art pieces, and playful patterned wall coverings. A main focal point is the bar, which showcases an impressive array of wines on tap, as well as display of cured meats, that are elegantly framed by brass and glass shelving. While seated guests can savor their glass while watching their charcuterie plate being artfully prepared before them.”
Crush’d is located at 312 Railroad Way, Danville, CA 94526.
Hours of Operation: 11am-10pm daily
Aperitivo Hour: 3:00pm-6:00pm daily
Weekend Brunch: 11:00am-3:00pm
