THE VINTAGE PRESS IN A MODERN WORLD
In the heart of California’s Central Valley, where fertile soil gives rise to world-renowned produce, a storied culinary institution continues to set the standard for fine dining. The Vintage Press (VP) in Downtown Visalia is more than a restaurant—it is a living legacy, lovingly stewarded by the Vartanian family for nearly 60 years. With its timeless sophistication, seasonal innovation, and hallmark hospitality, The Vintage Press stands as one of California’s most treasured gastronomic destinations. Today, that legacy is thoughtfully preserved—and boldly reimagined—by founder John Vartanian’s sons, Greg and David Vartanian.
“We started out in the saloon business,” Greg recalls of the family’s early roots in Hanford. His father, John, opened the original restaurant there in 1964 before constructing the now-iconic Visalia location, which opened its doors in 1966. At a time when the Central Valley was better known for agriculture than epicurean experiences, The Vintage Press elevated the region’s culinary landscape. John’s devotion to quality, attention to detail, and gracious service laid the foundation for a multigenerational pursuit of excellence.
The Vartanians are a restaurant family through and through—John and his brothers once operated The Sportsman’s Club in Hanford and The Pastime in Lemoore. Greg and David later ran The Depot and Jack & Charlie’s, located just down the street from The Vintage Press, until the pandemic led to their closure. John remained actively involved in VP alongside his sons, two of his eleven children (eight boys and three girls), until his passing in 2022. “There was a time when there were eight of us working here,” David notes. Greg adds, “All the girls put themselves through college by working here.”
Today, Greg and David’s leadership fuses reverence for tradition with a forward-looking vision. Greg, who helmed the kitchen for over three decades, now leads front-of-house operations with the kind of intuitive grace honed over a lifetime in hospitality. In the kitchen, David now brings a refined, ingredient-driven approach to the menu, celebrating the Central Valley’s bounty. Their shared culinary philosophy, rooted in seasonality and classical technique, results in dishes that are elegant yet approachable—such as the beloved Roasted Whole Baby Pumpkin, a whimsical and refined signature that captures the essence of the Vartanian ethos.
Equally lauded is The Vintage Press’s world-class wine program, curated with care and passion. Repeatedly recognized by Wine Spectator as among the finest globally, the wine list offers a sophisticated journey through California’s top vineyards and esteemed international regions. In fact, the name “Vintage Press” originally inspired the interior aesthetic as well. “It had old wine presses at the front and this room here had plastic grapes hanging from the ceiling,” David recalls fondly of what is now called the Main Room.
Originally just the two northern dining rooms, The Vintage Press expanded in the early 1980s when the family acquired the adjacent property—a former gas station—to add a larger bar, another dining room, a garden patio, and parking. Whether enjoying wine alfresco in the European-style garden or dining in one of four ornately appointed rooms, guests are immersed in an atmosphere where old-world charm meets modern luxury. The Rose Room features the historic Brunswick Bar. The Garden Room sits between the Savoy Room and the entrance. The Main Room, with mirrored walls and hand-painted frescos by local artist Louis Knutson, invites guests into timeless tradition.
Yet what truly sets The Vintage Press apart in the modern era is its ability to evolve while staying anchored in its founding values. One shining example of this is the VP’s Recipe Club, conceived by Greg in the 1990s as a way to enliven slow days at the restaurant. Today, David leads two events each month (except December) that provide guests with an immersive culinary experience. The Dinner Club meets on the last Tuesday of each month, while the Lunch Club gathers the Saturday before. “The lunch one is a little more serious, and the dinner one is a little more festive,” Greg distinguishes.
Far more than a collection of recipes, the club offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of one of California’s most respected kitchens. Conceived before cooking shows became a cultural phenomenon, it provides guests with something that can’t be streamed or scrolled—a front-row seat to the creative process, guided by a renowned chef whose work reflects decades of expertise in a stunning setting. Participants receive exclusive access to recipes, live demonstrations, behind-the-scenes stories, and seasonal recommendations. Whether recreating a family dessert or mastering a signature entrée, home cooks are welcomed into the Vartanians’ culinary world.
What Greg and David continue to uphold is something deeply personal and increasingly rare. “You take the family out of it, there’s nothing left,” Greg says. And their commitment is unwavering. “We’ve been here 60 years and we have no plans to not do this,” he adds. “How it’s going to continue? We’re not quite sure, but we want it to continue and we plan to always—as long as we’re alive, we’re going to be involved for the most part.”
As The Vintage Press approaches its sixth decade, it stands as a beacon of authenticity in an ever-changing world. It is a place where time slows, where excellence is tangible, and where every detail tells a story. Every immaculate place setting, every curated playlist, every precisely plated dish reflects an unwavering dedication to tradition and hospitality. The Vartanians don’t just serve meals—they serve memories.
Ultimately, The Vintage Press is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of craft, culture, and continuity. It bridges generations, inspires creativity, and reminds us that great food has the power to bring people together, whether at a restaurant table or a home kitchen island. It honors the past while embracing the present, creating moments that linger in memory. In every dish and every detail, the Vartanian family’s legacy lives on—refined, relevant, and rooted in love.
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photographer Don Dizon
