Bringing a California wine concept to the heart of Fredericksburg is no small undertaking. Alex and Kameron Radovanovic, however, have never been afraid to venture beyond the expected. Their passion for wine and farming led them from California's Santa Ynez Valley to a historic limestone home at 419 W. Main Street, where they opened CALIVENCE Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro.
The couple's love affair with wine and farming began more than 25 years ago. Their passion brought them to Los Olivos in California's Santa Ynez Valley, where the cool climate, winds, clay and limestone soils provided an ideal setting for growing Bordeaux varietals. In 2019, they planted four acres of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, petit verdot, malbec, and sauvignon blanc.
Their approach to the vineyard goes beyond the grapes. Regenerative farming practices, olive trees, fruit trees, lavender, French herbs, and a French culinary garden help create a biodiverse growing environment. That connection between land, food and wine is central to CALIVENCE.
While exploring opportunities for a Texas tasting room, the couple quickly fell for Fredericksburg's charm. They eventually built a home here and found the perfect location for their Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro.
The land was acquired by Wilhelm Crenwelge in 1865, and he built the limestone home in the late 1860s as a rental property. The house remained in the Crenwelge family for nearly a century and is a preserved example of Fredericksburg's early German heritage.
Today, its original character remains, while the wine tasting bar and bistro bring a fresh design that reflects CALIVENCE's Old World-New World approach.
The bistro menu is designed to complement the estate wines, featuring fresh oysters, sashimi-grade fish, and local Angus steaks. One of the best ways to understand that philosophy is through their Get Uncorked experience, CALIVENCE's 5-course culinary and wine pairing adventure.
Offered Thursday through Sunday, Get Uncorked features multiple courses built around what is fresh and in season. Each dish is plated individually and paired with a thoughtfully selected CALIVENCE estate wine. The menu changes with the ingredients, letting guests experience the season at its freshest.
There is something satisfying about knowing where your food comes from and enjoying it at its best. Get Uncorked embraces that connection, turning a meal into an opportunity to slow down and pay attention. It’s an educational experience that invites guests to discover how flavors, textures, and aromas change from one pairing to the next.
Whether you're stopping in for a glass, settling in for dinner, or reserving a seat for Get Uncorked, CALIVENCE offers a distinctive West Main experience. California estate wines, fresh food, seasonal inspiration and the character of a historic Fredericksburg home come together in a setting that encourages you to linger a little longer and savor what's in front of you. If you're ready to bet on a new food and wine favorite in Fredericksburg, we'd say, “All in, please,” and make your way to CALIVENCE.