Bubbles Wine Bar & Bistro gets a gold star from locals and out-of-towners alike . Proprietor David Dindak and his wife Kerry had no restaurant or winery experience when they purchased Bubbles in 2014 from Rich and Rosy Bergin , but they certainly have an instinct for the business .
Recently gmhTODAY had the pleasure of visiting Bubbles to discover the secret behind the success of this little gem located in downtown Morgan Hill .
“ I was looking for a small business that I would enjoy after I retire ,” David said . Currently , he operates a private investigation firm and his wife works in high tech . “ I appreciate good wine and love to cook , so Bubbles seemed like a tailor-made opportunity .”
Secrets of Success
An informal poll of Bubbles patrons said it all . Three things topped everyone ’ s list . First off , they like having the opportunity to learn about and sip fine local wines and vintages from around the world . Care to try a luscious Malbec from Argentina or a Sparkling Rose from Tasmania ? The Bubbles Wine Club is a best-kept-secret that deserves to be shared for its value and wealth of choices that span more than 125 wines . The wine library is constantly updated , with several local wines to choose from .
“ We also appeal to folks who enjoy a mug of ale , or a sparkling cocktail ,” David said . With beverage selections like Dragon ’ s Milk Stout and Peach Bellini , we ’ ve no doubt he ’ s right .
Second , they agreed the menu is fun and the food mouthwateringly delicious . Among their favorites . . . flatbread stuffed with fig , prosciutto and goat cheese ; popular pulled pork sliders ( say that five times fast ); the Ahi Tower , tuna layered with fresh mango and avocado ; and mascarpone mocha cream layer cake for dessert . . . tasty enough to whet any appetite .
Third , patrons applauded the welcoming vibe that makes Bubbles a great place to socialize with family , friends and business colleagues . According to the locals , Bubbles is an ideal venue for celebrating life ’ s occasions , from graduations to bridal showers to anniversary and retirement parties . Bubbles offers creative options for semi-private or private parties up to 75 people .
Bubbles has an interesting history , including several previous lives as a bank , a juice bar , and a champagne bar . Today it ’ s a well-rounded establishment that attracts wine aficionados and foodies too . The seating and lighting are contemporary and the walls are adorned with the work of local artists like Sherry Chakamian of the Valle de Sur Art Guild .
What Bubbles Patrons Say
According to Philip Bogosian , a local business owner , “ I ’ m into the Bubbles experience . David takes great care in making his establishment an inviting place with beautifully prepared entrees served by an attentive staff . My wife and I enjoy going there with our 11-year-old , or with friends . The flatbread pizzas are excellent , as are the specialty beers from Belgium . I sip them like wine . It ’ s a welcome change of pace after a hectic week .”
Bernadette Simmonds said she and her husband enjoy date nights at Bubbles . “ We come for happy hour and sit in the outdoor patio area so we can bring our dog . They even have a doggie menu ! As wine club members , we attend the free monthly wine tastings where flights of wine are paired with food . This year I celebrated my birthday there with twenty-five friends from around the Bay Area . We pre-ordered everything and got VIP treatment . Now they all want to come back for their birthdays .”
Morgan Hill Realtor and community volunteer Marian Tankersley said she likes the atmosphere as well as the wine and food . “ David ’ s personality is perfectly-suited to the hospitality business . He takes a moment to sit down with customers to get to know them , or if they ’ re regulars , to ask how things are going . I bring clients to Bubbles , I meet other realtors there , and I have committee meetings there . As a gluten-free and dairyfree person , I can always find things I like on their menu . It ’ s fun to explore the wine vault . Bubbles Manager Lindsey Buford keeps track of what customers like , and recommends great wine and cheese pairings . David ’ s culinary team often invites us to sample new recipes .”
Go and Get Happy
Happy hour from 4 until 6 pm features $ 6 sparkling , white or red wines by the glass . Artisanal plates , also just $ 6 , include Warm Brie Crostini , Mediterranean Hummus , assorted gourmet meat and cheese platters , and more . Wine club members receive a 25 percent discount on wine orders .
When you go to Bubbles , if David stops by your table , ask him about his work as a P . I ., or what it ’ s like to fly his Piper Cherokee over the Bay Area , or his experience as a volunteer in our community . He ’ s a gregarious fellow with an interesting story to share .
BUBBLES WINE BAR
17105 Monterey Road • Morgan Hill 408.779.8800 bubblesmorganhill . com
Lindsey Buford , Bubbles Manager
Bubbles is an Associate Member of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Association .
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 gmhtoday . com
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