February 9, 2009

New hot spot opens in Campbell

Tessora’s Barradi Vino associates Lisa Santana, Garreth Owens, owner Carol Pouya, Nikki Snyder and Jenny Snyder have brought the taste and sights of Napa Valley wine country to Campbell. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

Tessora’s Barra di Vino celebrated their grand opening amidst friends, family and lovers of the grape in their Napa wine country inspired location at the Pruneyard on Jan. 16.

“This always was my passion,” said Tessora’s owner Carol Pouya. “I’m a people person and I want our customers to enjoy good wine, sit, relax and have a good time.”

And wine they will enjoy from an ever changing list—sparkling Naveran Brut Reserva from Penedes Spain or Napa Valley’s White Oak Sauvignon Blane or Robert Konig Spatburgunger Pinot Noir. Tessora’s menu will be constantly evolving from their discoveries and customers’ requests bringing wines from around the world to Campbell.

“Tessora’s had wine tastings from great winemakers and some great treats too,” said Patricia Appelquist who was one of many who attended the grand opening of Tessora’s. “Family, friends, and good music equal a great new hot spot.”

Tessora’s Barradi Vino associate Garreth Owens explains wine complexities of the over 80 vintages offered to a customer.

Tessora’s features wine tastings, flights, serves by the glass and bottles for purchase whether individually, by the case or in a gift basket. Domestic and international beers are also available. An assortment of palate pleasers—cheeses and antipastos, bruschettas, stuffed mushrooms with an emphasis on seasonal products. Sweets such as chocolate almond crisp and brittle and white chocolate and cherry bread pudding can be ordered as well with a dessert pour of Blandy’s Malmsey 15-year Madeira or Chateau Gravas Sauterne among others.

And the name Tessora [my treasure] is named after Pouya’s “love of her life” black Labrador retriever with even a shrine of the canine featured at the wine bar. In fact, the creation of Tessora’s was a family affair and Pouya is quick to give thanks to relatives and friends who believed in her vision and helped build the store from the ground up featuring ceramic tiles, wood bar and wine cellar and all the accruements for an enjoyable wine tasting.

“Who needs a wine tasting tour of Napa?” said Shannon Creager. “At Tessora’s you feel like your there.”