Thanks to a mild climate and rich soil, San Diego has earned a reputation as a top wine destination. It’s easy for wine enthusiasts to experience everything Southern California’s wine-growing regions have to offer. San Diegans can journey to Temecula where more than 50 different wine varietals can be savored, or travel to Ramona’s rural area which is home to over 80 commercial vineyards and 2o bonded wineries. However, on a casual Friday evening or Sunday afternoon, visiting some of the best wine bars in San Diego seems like an easier and more inviting option.
1. Village Vino
Not only is Village Vino an inviting wine bar, but it also organizes wine tastings and private events. Village Vino operates based on a mission to support small, family-owned wineries worldwide and provide a selection of wines that represent tradition. Choose between the white wine and red wine cheese board for the perfect pairing with your next glass of wine at Village Vino. If you consider yourself to be a grape novice, why not sign up for one of the wine clubs?
📍 4095 Adams Ave
2. Little Thief
Make your way to North Park to experience the good vibes and natural wine at Little Thief. Nuvo Magazine tells readers that this charming wine bar in San Diego offers “a smart wine list that complements the innovative, high-quality food, and friendly, informed service that delivers the wine in perfect shape.” Call Little Thief your new local wine spot and savor farm-to-table cuisine alongside wine produced through a low-intervention process from global vintners.
📍 3017 University Ave
3. Vin De Syrah
Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, one of San Diego’s vibrant nightlife neighborhoods, Vin De Syrah is a sensory experience fashioning a quirky interior and boasting an impressive wine list. Transport yourself to New York’s “meatpacking district” in this eclectic lounge at one of Vin De Syrah’s wine tasting events guided by an in-house sommelier or book your place at paint and sip on Wednesday. Between burlesque shows and live music on Sundays, testing your credibility as a wine connoisseur is a one-of-a-kind experience at Vin De Syrah.
📍 901 5th Avenue
4. Vino Carta
When it comes to seeking out some of the best wine bars in San Diego, it comes as a huge bonus when the bar also boasts a wine store. Vino Carta is a popular wine shop and bar offering quality bistrot cuisine. Browse around the store and discover great bottles made through sustainable and organic farming practices. With two locations in San Diego, Vino Carta is constantly hosting events such as a summer series featuring music, and wine of course, and a pizza pop up at their Solana Beach location every Monday and Wednesday.
📍 2161 India St 📍437 Hwy 101 Suite 107, Solana Beach
5. The Rose Wine Bar
The Rose Wine Bar, and bottle shop, is an welcoming space decorated with mixed wood and modern finishes. You’ll feel at home in this cosy wine bar in San Diego serving pickled vegetables, fresh oysters, empanadas, marinated olives and more. Find your seat in The Rose Wine Bar and enjoy an aromatic glass of Dr. Lippold Riesling or French Cabernet.
📍 2219 30th St
6. Le Charcuterie Bar
Although Le Charcuterie Bar is technically an artisanal cheese and charcuterie shop, its rotating list of 25 wines allows customers to sample gourmet fromage and bougie bites while tasting an exceptional bottle or glass wine. This “cheese shop with benefits” provides the perfect option for a dinner party or romantic picnic as you can both eat in store or pick up one of Le Charcuterie Bar’s boards to go. Fall into the heavenly grip of the grape while appreciating domestic and imported cheese served with olives, jams, almonds, and cornichons.
📍 499 Tenth Ave
7. Négociant Winery
Négociant Winery is serving craft wines sourced from unfinished wines from small vineyards. Spend an afternoon trying wine at this urban winery in Hillcrest’s Uptown District. The airy and bright space hosts fantastic live jazz nights on Thursdays making for the perfect plan with a significant other or friends.
📍 1263 University Ave
8. Juan Jasper Kitchen & Wine
Juan Jasper is a charming wine bar in San Diego that constantly updates its wine list featuring global classic fares. One evening you might be able to try a garnacha-syrah blend and the next, an accessible Cabernet Franc, The kitchen is small but mighty dishing out plates such as an octopus salad with fennel, orange, roasted potatoes, and jalapeno vinaigrette, and pappardelle with a rich short rib bolognese. You can be wined and dined at Juan Jasper or take a bottle of vino to go.
📍 1216 28th St