Save CoCo Noir: Support Oakland's Wine Culture

Save CoCo Noir: Keeping Oakland's Wine Culture Alive

A Dream in Jeopardy

Imagine walking into a warm, inviting space in the heart of Downtown Oakland, where the aroma of fine wines mingles with the buzz of lively conversation. This is CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar, a labor of love that I, Alicia Kidd, brought to life on December 22nd, 2022. As the only Black Woman-Owned Wine Tasting Room & Bistro in Downtown Oakland, CoCo Noir quickly became more than just a business—it became a symbol of diversity in the wine industry and a cherished community gathering spot.

The Storm We're Weathering

2023 was a year of promise and growth for us. But as 2024 dawned, Oakland found itself grappling with an unprecedented wave of crime. Car break-ins, commercial burglaries, and a general sense of unease swept through our beloved city. The media spotlight on these issues, while necessary, cast a shadow over local businesses—and CoCo Noir was no exception.

As foot traffic dwindled and sales plummeted, we found ourselves facing a heart-wrenching decision. On July 30th, 2024, we temporarily closed our doors, initially planning for a short hiatus to regroup and strategize. However, the challenges we face have extended this closure longer than we ever anticipated.

Why CoCo Noir Matters

CoCo Noir is more than just a wine shop and bar. It's a testament to the power of diversity in the wine industry. It's a space where wine enthusiasts of all backgrounds can come together, learn, and celebrate the rich tapestry of wine culture. In a world where representation matters, CoCo Noir stands as a beacon of what's possible when we embrace diversity in all aspects of life—including our wine selections.

Our Vision for the Future

Despite the hurdles we face, I firmly believe that CoCo Noir has a bright future in Oakland. We've used this time to revamp our business model, focusing on creating an even more engaging and sustainable experience for our community. But to bring this vision to life, we need your help.

How You Can Make a Difference

We're aiming to raise $100,000 to not only reopen our doors but to ensure we can weather any future storms. Your contribution, no matter the size, will go directly towards:

1. Restocking our carefully curated wine inventory

2. Supporting our dedicated staff

3. Covering essential operating costs

4. Implementing our new, more resilient business model

Join Our Journey

By supporting CoCo Noir, you're not just saving a business—you're preserving a unique cultural space in Oakland. You're supporting diversity in an industry that has historically lacked representation. You're ensuring that our community continues to have a place where wine novices and connoisseurs alike can expand their palates and their perspectives.

We're set to reopen on September 18th, but we need your support to make this a reality. Every dollar brings us closer to pouring that next glass, hosting that next tasting, and continuing to be a vital part of Oakland's vibrant community.

A Toast to You

To everyone who has been a part of the CoCo Noir family—whether you've visited us once or you're a regular—thank you. Your support, your enthusiasm, and your belief in our vision have brought us this far. And to those who are just learning about us, we can't wait to welcome you when we reopen.

Let's raise a glass to resilience, to community, and to the future of CoCo Noir. With your help, we'll be back, better than ever, ready to share our passion for wine and continue adding to the rich cultural tapestry of Oakland.

Thank you for being a part of our story. Here's to the next chapter!