California Wines & Wineries

Tipsy Frog Wine Bar Closing! One Door Closing and Another Door Opening

Posted on August 18, 2024

Tipsy Frog Wine Bar is closing the end of August after 10 years. Last evening an appreciation of her effort was shared with her friends at their home. Donna poured so much energy into the wine bar but alas all good things come to an end. So many in the community appreciated her steadfastness and sharing her wine knowledge with customers and friends.

Her new adventure will be booking exciting trips and travel working with Karl. The company is called Cruise Planners and their website is www.captainsclubtravel.com or https://donna.sunandsails.com/ .

This is a reprint of the story I did back in May, 2016 when we first moved to Copperopolis.

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

I normally don’t write about wine bars, but this is really a standout gem located in the Town Square of Copperopolis. Donna Iaquinto and Karl Dahlin have combined to offer a unique experience to the community and those passing by. While the underlying intent may be to showcase wines from Calaveras County, they offer wines from “around the world”. On the day I was there, besides the Calaveras wines like Prospect 772, Lavender Ridge, they offered wines from Argentina (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon) and Sonoma (Cabernet Sauvignon). They also sell what is being tasted, be it local, Sonoma, Napa, Argentina, Australia, France, etc.

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

Their basic varietals for white are: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Chardonnay. Their reds include Grenache, GSM, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Primitivo, Barbera, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. In addition, they do have some “off dry/sweet wines” like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Port, etc., along with Sparkling wines. With such a variety of wines in one location, you are sure to find a delicious glass to make a memorable experience.

Another solid marketing plan is to hold “fun events” like pizza night, exotic cheeses and the like to get folks to stop by. While I was there a person booked a large private party for Thursday (today) for their pizza night.

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

Donna and Karl are also providing educational events like “Introduction to the Wines of France” to be held June 10th 5:30 – 8 pm. Lindsay Gwin, Sommelier based in Murphy’s, will be conducting the class. Key for Donna is offering food pairings to go with the wines served.

And finally who could not like their mascot/logo, indigenous to the draw of Calaveras County by Mark Twain.

Sláinte,

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

http://www.tipsyfrogwinebar.com/

www.captainsclubtravel.com or https://donna.sunandsails.com/