Since it opened in 1881, Oakville Grocery has been not just one of California’s oldest grocery stores but a beloved institution — the place to stock up for wine country picnics and other adventures.Much of the town of Oakville burned down in 1893, but the store was rebuilt and transformed from a mercantile into a grocery store that became more gourmet as its customer base did. At one point in the 1980s, the market offered more than 40 kinds of mustard, Dinsmore says.
Over the last 20 years or so, Dinsmore says, the market’s customer base, both locals and visitors, has become increasingly knowledgeable about food and culinary culture, and the market staff have responded accordingly. For instance, the market now offers different cheese plates for pairing with red wine versus white, something that no one much cared about a decade ago, let alone 20, he says.
“If you’re not staying up with what’s happening out there, then you’re not as relevant, so we make sure we’ve got a great selection,” he says.