Wine Company Teneral Cellars Plans Tasting Room in Midtown’s MARRS Building

Changes in the wine industry helped bring the operators of Teneral Cellars to Midtown Sacramento.

The local wine company will soon open a tasting room in Midtown’s MARRS building, filling a spot previously occupied by The Midnight Gallery tattoo studio, said Teneral Cellars CEO Jill Osur. The tasting room will be at 1050 20th St., Suite 110.

“We know we can reach more people by being in Midtown,” Osur said.

With its planned opening in Midtown, Teneral Cellars will move out of its Amador County tasting room, Osur said. The company will retain a production presence in the Sierra Foothills, however.

The wine industry has faced recent challenges including flat sales and a glut of product, the Business Journal has reported. It’s possible some people have also become less inclined to travel far to taste wine, Osur suggested.

“Our strategy is to bring the wine region to them,” she said.

Located on 20th Street between J and K streets, Midtown’s MARRS building includes other businesses such as LowBrau, Peet’s Coffee and Kin Thai Street Eatery. The Teneral Cellars tasting room could open in mid-November, Osur said. It will be more than 2,000 square feet.

The Midtown Sacramento business will offer wine tastings and small bites, plus a focus on experiences — which could be key to fighting industry challenges.

Teneral Cellars launched in 2020, with a goal of expanding the role of women in the wine industry. Osur operates the business with her partner, Lisa Orrell, who is Teneral Cellars’ chief marketing officer.

Teneral Cellars’ website lists wine varieties such as a barbera, zinfandel and “Gratitude Red Blend.” Its wine bottles feature conversation starters. According to its website, Teneral Cellars donates 10% of its profits “to organizations that empower women and promote gender and racial equality.”

Teneral Cellars is women- and LGBTQ+-owned, but is also “a brand for everyone,” Osur said.

Michael Heller of Heller Pacific, co-managing partner in charge of leasing at the MARRS building, thinks the new tenant will have a following.

“I was unsure about another wine operation at MARRS at first and then I met Jill and Lisa from Teneral Cellars,” Heller wrote in an email to the Business Journal. “I was so impressed with their business savvy, professionalism and of course passion for wine that I quickly got on board. I think they have a great opportunity to succeed in Midtown and MARRS is an ideal location for them.”

Teneral Cellars is eyeing growth beyond its upcoming tasting room in Midtown.

“We’re really focusing on building our wholesale brand,” Osur said, adding the brand has been approved to have its wine sold in Safeway and Costco stores.

Teneral Cellars’ wine is offered at local businesses such as The Jacquelyn and Clubhouse 56, in addition to sites elsewhere in California, Osur said. Its wine is also distributed in Virginia and Maryland, she said.