The former home of Vino Spirits and Grille is now home to another vine-centered eatery: Oakhill Wine and Bistro opened its doors Wednesday. Photo by Ben Hensley

Northeast Fresno saw the reopening of a prominent spot with the debut of Oakhill Wine and Bistro on June 19. 

Formerly Vino Grille and Spirits, the restaurant, located at 1440 E. Champlain Drive, is officially open to the public for lunch and dinner, with a weekend brunch planned for the near future.

Owners Raul Gutierrez Jr. and his wife Jovanie Mauricio are experienced restaurateurs stepping into a new style of food. With a background mainly in Mexican cuisine with Papi’s Mex Grill, the couple wanted to build upon the foundation created by the previous owners. 

“We weren’t sure what the content was going to be, but the longer we were here, we really realized the beautiful space,” Gutierrez said. 

Alongside local Chef Annalisa Moreno, Oakhill plans to serve a variety of food ranging from classics like spicy chicken sandwiches to in-house ravioli, just to name a few.

If wine isn’t a person’s preference Oakhill plans to give a list of “creative” cocktails. 

Gutierrez also assured that Oakhill will offer a wine club membership with an ever-revolving selection for members. 

 

“I can’t tell you how many times every day we’re open people are asking, ‘Are you bringing back the wine club?’ Absolutely,” Gutierrez said.

This variety is a core part of what the owners believe makes Oakhill unique from similar restaurants in Fresno. Seasonal foods, rotating wine offerings and creative cocktails are all here to ensure that a visit is never the exact same. 

They already have special dinners and events planned for the future. One of the first ones is currently set for Aug. 21.

 

Gutierrez is excited to step out of his comfort zone and show a different side of Fresno’s expanding food community. 

“For us, it’s not a risk, but somewhat of an exciting adventure, to really provide this type of food outside of our norm,” Gutierrez said.

For additional information about the opening or any upcoming events, visit the Oakhill website or visit their Instagram @oakhill.fresno.