POV
My connection to wine has always been and will continue to be about the food.
– Chef Leilani
As a chef, my point of view on wine is deeply rooted in the same philosophy that guides my approach to food—balance, intention, and a respect for craftsmanship. The wines we carry in the tasting room aren’t just beverages; they’re an extension of the culinary experience, chosen for their ability to complement, elevate, and sometimes even challenge the dishes we create. Each bottle tells a story—of soil, climate, and the hands that made it—and when paired thoughtfully, that story merges seamlessly with the flavors on the plate. To me, wine is not an afterthought but an essential ingredient in hospitality. It completes the dialogue between chef, farmer, vintner, and guest—bringing harmony to the table and transforming a meal into an experience.
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I know some of you are asking the obvious question…”Why would you put a bookstore in a wine lounge?”
Some of you know me as a chef. Some of you know me from Vin. But another piece of my heart lives inside the bookstore at Vin.
I opened this bookstore because I believe spaces matter. Stories matter. Representation matters. And in a place like Napa, creating a space where we can see ourselves — our voices, our culture, our histories, our joy — is intentional work.
This little bookstore was built with purpose. A place where people can slow down, discover something new, sit with a story, and feel like they belong in the room. It was meant to be a space where we can show up fully as ourselves without fear of judgment or repercussion.
I didn’t open the bookstore because it would be easy. I opened it because it was necessary.
I continue to fight for this space because community deserves places that reflect them, hold them, and protect them. Places where our stories are not just allowed — they’re centered.
So when you step into the bookstore at Vin, know that it’s more than shelves and books.
It’s intention.
It’s resistance.
It’s joy.
It’s community.
And we’re not going anywhere.
I’ve always loved to read. Even as a child, books were my escape—I remember setting a goal in elementary school to read every book in the children’s section at the Oakland Main Library. That love for stories never left me.
Years later, I noticed book clubs popping up everywhere, and it made me think about my own evenings. More often than not, you could find me with a book in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, enjoying that quiet moment to unwind and get lost in a story.
At some point it clicked: I couldn’t be the only person who loved that combination. Since we already had a wine lounge, creating a book club there felt like the perfect idea—bringing people together to read, sip wine, and share great conversations. That’s how Bottles and Books was born.
So – join us for our next read. Have a sip, a seat and some good conversation!