Last month, veteran sommeliers Michael Ireland (The French Laundry, Quince) and John Vuong (Ame, Gary Danko) officially opened the doors to High Treason, the Inner Richmond's newest wine bar. The pair seeks to bring their combined experience in Michelin-starred restaurants to bear in a relaxed and inviting neighborhood environment.
The project itself has been years in the making. Ireland and Vuong first met in 2009 at a tasting group for people studying to become Master Sommeliers. Over the years, the two continued to work in high-end establishments, but each longed for an atmosphere that better fit their personalities.
"We wanted to get out of the suits," said Ireland. "It became apparent that we could offer the level of service we knew, along with our expertise in sourcing wines, in a more casual atmosphere."
"We also saw that Clement Street was an underserved community in the way of wines," added Vuong.
In fact, the name "High Treason" is itself an homage to the duo turning their backs on the exclusivity and stuffiness of the fine dining scene where they each cut their teeth.
"We're almost committing high treasons to our resumes by being so inclusive," Ireland told us. "You can come here and drink Romanee-Conti or Petrus in flip-flops, or a six dollar can of beer in a suit and tie. It's all good."
He also pointed out that many establishments offering the same wines on his current list require reservations more than two months in advance. "Here, you don't have to wait," said Ireland. "We're still drinking out of Riedel glasses, but it's casual."
High Treason offers over 50 wines by the glass, about a dozen of which you can get for under $10. Ireland and Vuong can of course also accommodate your search for something on the higher end of the price spectrum, through both their by-the-glass selections and a carefully crafted bottle list.
For now, food is limited to small plates created by chef/consultant Danny Brooks, who first met Ireland while working at Quince. Current menu items include crispy duck fat fries ($5), roasted cauliflower romesco ($7), and a charcuterie plate ($10). Over the next few months, however, they plan to ramp up their food program to include both lunch and dinner, bringing on Bob Betes (Aziza) to run the kitchen.
For folks on the go to the myriad parks and beaches nearby, High Treason also sells wine by the bottle—at retail prices—and will soon offer food to go for outdoor picnics. In the future, be on the lookout for a monthly wine club, curated by Ireland and Vuong, as well as wine classes and producer spotlights.
For Ireland, originally from the South Bay, and Vuong, a San Francisco native, the decision to open a business on Clement was very intentional. They each see the neighborhood as emblematic of San Francisco's heart and soul—the perfect place to shed the suits and create a low-key atmosphere in wto enjoy high-class beverages.
"We thought we couldn't be the only people that felt this way," said Ireland.
