Whats the history of NBI?
North Berkeley began in 1979 as a small, neighborhood wine shop, just down the block from Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse in Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto. Some years later, David Hinkle and Gregor Dixon, two former colleagues with extensive experience as both retailers and importers of artisanal and European wines, decided on a grander vision for the business. They started importing wines from France, with a special emphasis in Burgundy. Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate in 1996 named North Berkeley its Importer of the Year, an important moment in our historyit solidified our resolve that our unique way of selecting and importing was resonating with people who truly appreciate and seek out fine wine. In 1999, a mutual friend introduced Billy Weiss to David Hinkle during a fishing trip on the Henry’s Fork River in Idaho. Sharing similar passions and goals, these two hit it off instantly. Just a few months later, Weiss arranged to purchase North Berkeley Imports from the original owner. Combined
