Updated 11/4/23, original post published 1/30/18

 

Whenever I hear about someone closing their business, it always makes me a little sad. Such was the case when I saw the following post on Instagram from Ginger at Small Town Food and Wine, formerly Small Town Wine Bar.

The last few years have been tough for many businesses. Some were closed down for months and never reopened and recovered. Those who have been lucky enough to reopen have struggled with lack of help (people don’t want to work!), fewer customers and rising prices.

These challenges have forced many business owners to reevaluate what is important. Ginger came to the decision that she no longer has “the desire to fight to stay open.” The good thing to come of this, I guess, is that she will be able to devote more time to her family.

I’ve been gone from northern California for nearly five years now and so much has changed. Some of my other favorite places have also closed but new chapters have begun for the owners. I wish Ginger and her family all the best!

Click for larger images

When I learned that another eating and drinking establishment was opening in Amador City, I have to admit, I was a little jealous. They already had the Imperial Hotel and Jamison’s Ale House, two of my favorite places to eat in the county. They had Andrae’s Bakery, which puts out some awesome bread and pastries. Now they were going to have Small Town Wine Bar, too.

 

 

Small Town Wine Bar in Amador City

Small Town Wine Bar owner, Ginger Budrick Carter, has been in the hospitality industry all her life. She started working in her parents restaurant in Sutter Creek at the age of 13 where she worked her way up through all the positions. She learned to pay close attention to every job in the restaurant since she was working at a place she cared about and loved.

 

 

After working for others for years, she decided she wanted a place of her own. She took her favorite parts of all the places she worked and combined them to create Small Town Wine Bar.

 

 

 

The Inspiration and Concept

Ginger told me, “I couldn’t find the perfect place to get a drink and an appetizer, because that’s one of my favorite ways to eat. Just something small while you are enjoying a glass of wine with your friends. That’s what inspired the idea.”

 

 

The fixed menu is small bites with a few sandwiches and a soup or two. There are occasional evening specials which are often posted on Facebook. You might also see some gorgeous food on Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

Ginger thought about calling her place Small Town Cafe and Wine Bar but decided that was too wordy. She hopes people will be surprised when they discover how good the food is because they weren’t expecting the bar to be so food oriented.

 

I want you to feel like I am cooking and pouring wine for you in my home. ~Ginger Budrick Share on X

 

Ginger comes from a family of chefs and great cooks. Her mom was one of the chefs at the family restaurant in Sutter Creek. She told Ginger that she did not want to work in the kitchen at Small Town Wine Bar, but Ginger said, “She just couldn’t help herself.”

 

 

Explore the World of Wine at Small Town Wine Bar

Small Town Wine Bar has both local and imported wines so you can explore the world of wine. Try a varietal you’ve never heard of — there are so many! Enjoy a single wine or create your own flight. You can do things like try a local wine then compare it to an imported version of the same varietal. The wines change and selection fluctuates but there’s always lots of interesting choices. Ginger is happy to talk to you about wine!

 

 

The hours are not set in stone yet as they are still seeing what works. For the time being, they are open Thursday through Sunday 11:30 to 8 and Monday 11:30 to 3. They are looking at shortening Sunday hours so be sure to check before you go on a Sunday.

 

 

What’s in store for Small Town Wine Bar? Ginger has lots of plans so be on the lookout for flight night, theme night, and even guest chef night.

So, why am I jealous? Because none of these great places in Amador City are in my hometown! Do you have a fun, local hangout?

 

Pint It and Save for Later

 

 

Until next time…