It was the late 1980s… Christopher Massie was just beginning his career in the wine business working in one of the most upscale dining establishments in the Dallas area – Riviera. Christopher Massie found himself under the wing of owner Franco Bertolasi, and by the end of one short year he had encountered tastings that included 1982 First Growth Bordeaux, multiple vintages of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and verticals of Ramonet White Burgundies. Yes, the 1980s were a great time to be in the wine business and Christopher was indeed in a great place to cut his professional teeth. Later that decade, Christopher attended one of the most important tastings of his career. This one tasting would shape his palate and guide his path more than any other he had yet been a part of. The wines being poured were all imported by Kermit Lynch and the speaker was the national sales manager at that time for this famous French Import Company. To listen to Christopher talk about that tasting – even today – will convince you of his dedication to artisanal, hand-crafted, estate bottled, naturally produced French wines.
In 1999, Christopher Massie opened his own retail shop, Christopher’s Wine Warehouse, which operated successfully in the Houston market for more than ten years. Christopher’s evolved over time from a “stack ‘em high and let ‘em fly” philosophy to a more focused, email and web-driven sales model. These ten years as a sole proprietor, tasting each and every selection personally before purchase, further refined Christopher’s palate and allowed him to develop a deep understanding and appreciation for Biodynamic and naturally produced wine. Christopher has dedicated many hours to blogging about Biodynamic wine, which has resulted in special recognition from Demeter-USA for his contributions to the Biodynamic® wine movement.
Heeding the proverbial call to “head West young man”, Christopher and family now call the Bay Area of sunny California home, having relocated to Alameda in 2011. Embarking on his latest venture, Christopher is incorporating 35+ years’ experience in the fine wine trade – combining every aspect of his past adventures, from shop owner to buyer, and from importer to tradesman – to open a brand new retail shop: Park Street Wine Cellars. This all new and exciting adventure promises the eager wine lovers of Alameda and beyond the most unique values in the world of wine. Moreover, with the added pleasure of working on a more direct basis with the estates and domains so treasured by wine lovers, Christopher has the ability to offer not only great wines, but likewise a value to the consumer unmatched in the industry. And so, as we embark on this new chapter in our vinous experiences, let us never forget our promise to YOU, our beloved community:
“Park Street Wine Cellars is dedicated to the discovery and enjoyment of the world’s most unique and affordable biodynamic, organic, environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly wines, all brought to you in an unpretentious, user friendly and exciting environment, where you may taste before you buy and the client has the ultimate last word.”
“Park Street Wine Cellars is dedicated to the discovery and enjoyment of the world’s most unique and affordable biodynamic, organic, environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly wines, all brought to you in an unpretentious, user friendly and exciting environment, where you may taste before you buy and the client has the ultimate last word.”