Famed Sommelier Launches New Wine Bar on Sonoma Coast

The Outpost Cellar will feature 1,000 wine selections and serve as the tasting room for Monte Rio Cellars.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:55am

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Patrick Cappiello, a veteran sommelier, is opening an ambitious new wine bar called The Outpost Cellar in Jenner, California, next to the popular Café Aquatica. The wine bar will feature a curated selection of 1,000 wines, highlighting local and U.S. producers as well as international wineries, and will serve as the official tasting room for Cappiello's Monte Rio Cellars winery.

Why it matters

The addition of The Outpost Cellar is expected to bring serious wine credibility and a new destination for oenophiles to the rugged Sonoma Coast region, complementing the area's existing food and hospitality offerings.

The details

The Outpost Cellar will be located inside the expanded space of Café Aquatica, a beloved Northern California café owned and operated by Cappiello's partner and soon-to-be wife, Rachel Alyn. Cappiello said he wants the wine bar to serve as the official tasting room for Monte Rio Cellars, which he operates with winemaker Pax Mahle. The wine list will feature 1,000 selections, specifying varietals, vintages, and regions, and will highlight local and U.S. producers alongside international wineries.

  • The Outpost Cellar is set to open this spring.

The players

Patrick Cappiello

A veteran sommelier who is opening The Outpost Cellar wine bar and tasting room in Jenner, California.

Rachel Alyn

Cappiello's partner and soon-to-be wife, who owns and operates the Café Aquatica in Jenner.

Pax Mahle

Winemaker who operates Monte Rio Cellars with Cappiello.

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What they’re saying

“The Outpost Cellar will anchor a new concept called Jenner Outpost.”

— Patrick Cappiello, Sommelier and owner of The Outpost Cellar

“The wine bar aims to bring serious wine credibility to the rugged coastal town.”

— Patrick Cappiello, Sommelier and owner of The Outpost Cellar

What’s next

The Outpost Cellar is set to open this spring, offering a new wine destination on the Sonoma Coast.

The takeaway

The addition of The Outpost Cellar, with its extensive wine selection and connection to the local Monte Rio Cellars winery, is expected to elevate the wine and culinary offerings in the Sonoma Coast region, attracting oenophiles and foodies alike to the rugged coastal town of Jenner.