BIRBA, a new wine bar with a back patio, is coming soon to 458 Grove (the space next to Oxenrose). We spoke to the owner, Angie Valgiusti, about her new business and vision for the space. 

"I just signed the lease and am super excited" she told us. "It's a wine bar with an awesome garden. Small and perfect. I'm fine tuning the food. I won't have a full kitchen but will still deliver the goods."

Angie describes the place as a modern take on an enoteca. "Enoteca literally translates to wine library and in Italy, typically features wines from the local region. At BIRBA, I'm excited to rotate wines daily to make 'the world of wine' feel as close as next door. BIRBA is the meeting spot, a little space with a big heart, and big personality."

The space is long and narrow and the bar will run along the entire left wall. There will be a few tables in the back, and the space will also feature a spacious back patio that's being turned into a 'wine garden'. Or as Angie puts it, a good place to go before visiting the symphony, opera, or jazz center.

You might know some of Angie's previous work even if you don't recognize her name. She consults with Bar Jules on their wine program, and she's also worked as a sommelier at the Slanted Door for 12 years. 

So what exactly is a BIRBA (pronounced beer-ba)? According to Angie, the name has three different meanings:

1. Italian for little troublemaker or rascal, rabble-rouser, trickster, and someone who gets you to smile, relax and enjoy your wine
2. Nickname given to Angie while living in Italy
   
3. A wine bar in Hayes Valley created by the birba herself, Angie Valgiusti

BIRBA expects to open in 3-6 months (depending on the permitting process) and is running a Kickstarter campaign to help raise funds. As soon as that goes live, we'll update this story so you can check it out and donate if you're interested in helping out.

UPDATE (4/9): The Kickstarter is now live and you can find it here.