Join me in Uncorking a Dream — and let’s raise a glass to legacy, love, and new beginnings. 🍷

Uncorking A Dream

Hi, I’m Ron Ramsubhag, and welcome to Uncorking a Dream — my journey to turn passion, science, and mentorship into wine.

I fell in love with wine while pursuing my PhD in organic chemistry — reading research papers in bars, fascinated by the chemistry of fermentation.

In 2021, my mentor tragically passed away. He was the first professor to believe in me, and I later learned he had his own vineyard. That discovery inspired me to stop dreaming and start doing.

Since then, I’ve intentionally ingrained myself in San Francisco’s wine culture. I have worked at wine bars to refine my palate, research history, practice, and envelop wine education. Through this venture I produced a silver medal–winning Mourvèdre.

After saving my favorite SF wine bar, Hotel Biron, from closing, I’m now ready to return to my dream: making my own wine in honor of my mentor.

I’m raising $20,000 to create small-batch wines using organic grapes from Bokisch Vineyards and craft them with Kristie from Tessier Winery. Every bottle will celebrate passion, community, and the people who help make dreams real.

Join me in Uncorking a Dream — and let’s raise a glass to legacy, love, and new beginnings. 🍷

Any contributions are greatly appreciated! We offer fun perks starting at $100!

Tier 1

$100

Date night for 2

flight of wine for 2; charcuterie and cheese board under candlelight.

Tier 2

$250

Bottle of Wine from Our Campaign & Tier 1

A bottle of wine from production and Tier 1

Tier 3

$500

2 btls of Wine from Campaign & Tiers 1, 2

A different bottle of wine from campaign, a favorite wine from the bar and Tiers 1, 2

Tier 4

$1000

Buyout of the Bar & Tiers 1, 2, & 3

Buyout of the bar for 10-20 people, will include 5 bottles of wine & small bites and Tiers 1, 2, & 3

Contribute Here!

Meet Our Team of Volunteers!

  • Ron Ramsubhag, PhD

    FOUNDER - By day he’s an organic chemist; by night, a bar owner. After growing up on the East Coast and teaching at Harvard, he moved to San Francisco to study diseases including melanoma and Parkinson’s. He currently conducts research at UCSF, teaches at UC Berkeley, and runs Hôtel Biron Wine Bar & Art Gallery, where he blends his passions for wine and science. “ I want to make wine fusing chemistry with art and sharing it with the people I love.”

  • Ben Cook

    Ben grew up on a small exotic animal ranch in northern California, on the edge of the Shasta Valley. In his 20s, he spent most of his time abroad: studying marine biology in Tasmania, working at a Scottish fishery, commercial fishing in Alaska, and weathering the winters of Minnesota as a lumberjack. Before making it back to California, he spent a decade as a Wildland Firefighter based in Boulder, Colorado. “I enjoy tough jobs. A lot of hard work goes into that glass of wine we all enjoy, I’m happy to be a part of the process.” 

  • Laurie Caird

    Oakland-based artist and designer.

  • Looking to volunteer?

    We are always looking for volunteers! Barrel tasting and topping of wine. Email @ hotelbironkj@gmail.com