El Vinedo
Local
Morning, Midday & Evening
Our Story
El Viñedo Local, translated as "the local vineyard," was developed to give our guests an opportunity to experience South American inspired small plates, wines, and coffees in a unique and relaxed setting.
Each of our dishes, wines, and coffees have been selected to enhance the experience. We also take pride in offering high quality products from reputable producers. Our coffees are 100% organic and fair trade from South American farmers. Many of our wines come from South American producers who are committed to sustainable and organic practices.
Our goal is that our guests experience our three "E's" which are the foundation of our concept:
Explore increasingly popular South American Wines and coffees.
Enjoy South American small plates.
Experience a unique, relaxed and casual environment in which guests can socialize and interact with a well trained and service oriented staff.
Each of our wines, dishes, and coffees have a story; we all have stories, we look forward sharing ours with you!
Our space is open for anyone who conducts themselves in a respectful manner whether - it be as our guest or team member.
Our Coffee
We are pleased to offer coffees from Café Campesino located in Americus, Georgia
Café Campesino is Georgia's first 100% fair trade organic specialty coffee roaster. For over 20 years, they have been delivering truly delicious, small-batch-roasted coffee to restaurants, coffee houses, cafes, sustainable grocers and individual coffee lovers throughout Georgia, the United States, and beyond. All of Café Campesino's coffees are sourced directly from these farmer-owned cooperatives and are shade grown, USDA certified organic, specialty-grade Arabica. Café Campesino is a Certified B Corp and is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and Georgia Organics. We along with Café Campesino share a strong commitment to equitable trade, environmental sustainability, and connecting customers with the farmers who grow their coffee, one extraordinary cup of coffee at a time.
Currently we are offering the following coffees:
Peru Full City - A smooth, medium-bodied coffee with a sweet, fruity aroma and flavor with chocolate notes, clear, sweet acidity, and a nice balance with a sweet aftertaste. Produced by CAC Pangoa in the Central Amazon region of Peru.
Colombia French - With flavor notes of cherry, molasses, and dark chocolate, this dark roast has medium acidity with a creamy body and smoky, sweet aftertaste. Produced by the ASOANEI cooperative from the northern mountains of Colombia's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Serrania del Perija regions.
Easygoing Espresso - Considered a Full City Roast , this espresso blend produces a rich golden crema and is smooth and full-bodied with pronounced berry notes. Easygoing Espresso is a blend of South American beans and Cafe Campesino's proprietary espresso blend.
Our Wines
Just like each of us, each of the wines we offer have an unique history and story. We have carefully selected quality wines that offer unique characteristics and that pair well with our menu of small plates.
Roughly seventy percent of our list is curated with wines from South American producers. Most of these producers pride themselves on sustainable and organic farming practices.
We encourage our guests to explore wines from regions and producers in which they may not be familiar. Who knows, you may just find a new favorite. Visit often as our wine list will change frequently.
Our Plates
South American food, not to be confused with more spicy food from Central America and Mexico, is influenced by the Incan, Spanish, and Italian cultures. South America is blessed geographically having abundant seafood from both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, as well as unique ingredients from the mountains and the Amazon.
The nuanced flavors make this cuisine ideal to pair with a range of different wines. Empanadas are a staple in nearly every South American country although preparation varies geographically. Other regional dishes include arepas, cevices, and humitas among others.
Chef Bruno believes in preserving the traditional methods of cooking to present food that is both relevant and authentic. He also works to source the freshest ingredients for each dish.
Our Tea
In 2006 Brandi Shelton decided to turn her love for tea into an Atlanta based business creating ‘Just Add Honey’.
We are elated to be able to provide our guests with such a fresh, flavorful and thoughtfully created product. What is now a family owned and operated company Just Add Honey tea company provides all natural, pure and easily recognized ingredients.
Their mission is “To bring thoughtfully blended teas to your doorstep” and we are proud to be a partner with them in that mission.
Our Team
Robert Kaster
Proprietor
Robert has made hospitality a lifelong passion.
As a small child growing up in a small town in Northern California, Robert had a unique opportunity to travel to many places within the United States. During these travels, he became fascinated with food and travel.
After graduating from high school, he traveled to Southern California where he studied Hotel and Restaurant Management at Cal Poly Pomona. Upon graduation, he started a 23 year career with Hilton Hotels which took him to such cities as Anaheim, San Francisco, Seattle, and finally Atlanta. In each of these cities he explored the food and wine culture.
In 2017, Robert left his career with Hilton and met Keith Miller. They became life partners and dedicated their time to pursue the development of El Viñedo Local.
During this period he also worked part time as a wine associate at Total Wine and More, and achieved WSET level 2 to continue developing his wine knowledge and keeping up with current changes and trends.
He has a passion to share his love of food and wine with his guests.
Bruno Vergara
Executive Chef
A native Uruguayan from the rural city of Minas, Bruno landed in Georgia at the age of seventeen. Shortly after, he began his journey as a culinarian.
He has worked with talents such as Chef Whitney Otawka (The Dish and Top Chef season 9), Chef Felipe Vera, and Hugh Acheson (owner/chef Empire State South and Five & Ten). He has also learned from culinary artists like Andy Long and John Ford.
Bruno forged his skills working at Cinco y Diez and Georges Low Country Table. He then became Sous Chef at Lapeer Seafood Market and the prestigious Greyfield Inn. Most recently he was Executive Chef at South Main Kitchen in Alpharetta.
As Executive Chef at El Vińedo Local, his roots and passion for South American food are his inspiration. He considers the native techniques and ingredients as his palette to create authentic regional cuisine.
Keith Miller
General Manager
Keith grew up in Up State New York where he enjoyed travel and spending time with my family. After graduating High School, he immediately moved to New York City where he became a bartender and waited tables during college. This was the beginning his career and appreciation for service.
Keith then started a career with large corporate financial firms in New York City initially as a consultant for contingent labor programs. He ultimately was responsible for running his own programs.
In 2015 Keith left New York to spend time with family in the Atlanta area and returned to hospitality as a server and bartender. Keith met Robert Kaster in 2017 and the became partners. As such has been heavily involved in the development of the El Viñedo Local concept. He is instrumental in developing staff training and the concept's initial spirits, tea, and non-alcoholic beverage program.