Lettuce celebrate

New weekday farmers market sprouts up in downtown San Antonio

Get the freshest San Antonio produce at LocalSprout's new mid-week farmers' market.

If you are like us, by the time Wednesday rolls around the pantry starts to look a little bare. Instead of making a dinner out of protein bars, ketchup, and that two-year-old box of quinoa, may we suggest something better: going to the farmers market for a quick weekday refresh.

Now, San Antonians can do that easier than ever with the introduction of LocalSprout’s indoor mid-week market, debuting April 25 at its downtown facility at 503 Chestnut St. The hydroponic growers collaborated with members of its incubator, the Food Hub, and supplier the Chop Shop Produce Co. to bring sustainable produce and artisan food to the city’s core.

The new weekly market will, of course, feature fresh fruits and vegetables, plus treats from local manufacturers. Among the delicious offerings are several Food Hub companies including beans from Pulp Coffee Roaster, fermented foods from Madge’s Food Company, gourmet chili from JD’s Chili Parlor, sauces and spices from Southern Grit Flavor, rice pudding from RiceRise, and charcuterie from Swine House.

Local favorites like Holdman Honey, Hearts and Hands baked goods, and oil and vinegar maker The Artful Olive will also be on hand.

In addition to feeding bellies, customers will also be able to feed their minds. Each week, the market will be hosting a local expert to teach a class on food production, sustainable agriculture, or other foodie topics.

Kicking things off is LocalSprout CEO Mitchell Hagney, who will be leading a discussion on low-input gardening — a type of sustainable cultivation that can create high yields for urban gardeners. The following weeks will feature introductions to charcuterie, hydroponics 101, the fundamentals of fermentation, and a class on making jellies and jams.

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A toast to wine bars

2 new wine bars pour into San Antonio 10 days apart

Loblolly Cellars, Vino Grotta, San Antonio, wine bar, winery

Loblolly Cellars / Facebook

Loblolly Cellars, a Columbus, Texas-based winery, opened a tasting room in north San Antonio in late December.

Wine fans in San Antonio have two new urban wineries in town where they can enjoy a glass or two of vino and more.

First, the owners of Loblolly Cellars hosted a December 21 grand opening party to celebrate their new tasting room at 11115 Wurzbach Rd., Ste. 600, in the north central side of town.

Loblolly Cellars is based in the Columbus area, halfway between San Antonio and Houston. The owners have a vineyard on their family ranch filled with loblolly pine trees, which inspired the name of the winery.

The crew at Loblolly Cellars have spent the past year and a half promoting the fledgling winery, offering products at pop-up events in the Columbus area and around the Hill Country. The owners often use a mobile taproom to serve up a glass of Loblolly wine or sangria at such events.

Prior to opening the San Antonio tasting room, Loblolly has also been present for local events, such as pop-ups at the Vance Jackson Road tasting room parking lot. They also have appeared at the St. Matthew’s Catholic Church fall festival, which is held just down the street from the permanent tasting room site.

The family- and pet-friendly taproom offers indoor and outdoor seating where patrons can choose from a variety of Loblolly wines, such as Riesling, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Muscat Canelli, Tempranillo, Lenoir, Blanc du Bois, Camminare Noir, and an Italian-style red blend, a mix of Sangiovese and Aglianico grapes.

Loblolly Cellars also features house sangria and charcuterie. The tasting room is open from 5-10 pm on Thursdays, 1-10 pm on Fridays, 11 am to 10 pm Saturdays, and 11 am to 7 pm Sundays.

The second new winery soft opened December 30 at 19338 Babcock Rd., Ste. 209, in far northwest San Antonio. Owner Kim Stevens describes Vino Grotta, or “wine cave," as more than a wine bar, but rather an experience that features 100-plus wines from across the nation and world. The interior has a look and feel that reflect the rustic charm of underground cellars, Stevens says.

According to Stevens, guests can complement their wine with selections from a gourmet food menu that boasts small plates, such as zucchini fries, artichoke fritters, and red pepper gouda soup. The menu also contains sandwiches and flatbreads. Additionally, patrons may choose from a small assortment of craft beers and non-alcoholic wines.

Vino Grotta hosts occasional activities, such as live music performances, wine tastings and wine education programs. The space can also be reserved for various group events, such as private parties and corporate functions. A grand opening celebration is planned for February 1. The bar is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 3-10 pm, Saturdays from noon to 11 pm, and Sundays from noon to 8.

san antonio winery vino grotta loblolly cellars wine bar