San Francisco – NapaValley.com https://www.napavalley.com Explore Napa Valley Fri, 19 Jul 2024 21:12:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 Top San Francisco Wine Bars & Urban Tasting Room https://www.napavalley.com/blog/san-francisco-wine-bars-and-tasting-rooms/ Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:59:35 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?p=59911 San Francisco is home to an array of urban wine tasting rooms and trendy wine bars offering something for every wine lover. Here are the best ones to discover.

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While Napa Valley and Sonoma attract wine lovers from around the Bay—and for good reason—you don’t have to venture north of San Francisco to experience amazing wine. Known for its lively culture and culinary brilliance, San Francisco is home to an array of urban wine tasting rooms and trendy wine bars that are totally worth exploring. Come along as we uncover the coolest spots in SF to savor exquisite wines from Northern California and beyond.

Wine Bars

Get your sip on at these excellent San Francisco wine bars, where the settings are just as memorable as the beverage lists.

Ebb & Flow in Hayes Valley
Ebb & Flow in Hayes Valley, Photo courtesy of Ebb & Flow

Ebb & Flow

Hayes Valley’s Ebb & Flow is a gem for oenophiles who appreciate family-owned vineyards and small producers. With a daily happy hour until 6 pm and exciting Pizza Pop-Up Thursdays, there’s always something fun happening at this hip wine bar. Offering wines by the glass or bottle, Ebb & Flow also serves tasty snacks like cheese boards, smoked almonds, and castelvetrano olives. For those looking for non-alcoholic options, they also provide NA wine and beer, making it a welcoming spot for everyone.

High Treason

High Treason has been drawing wine enthusiasts since it first opened its doors in the Inner Richmond in 2016. This relaxed and unpretentious wine bar offers a carefully curated selection of 50 wines, as well as a variety of craft beers for those looking to switch things up. The ambiance at High Treason is laid-back and inviting, with vinyl records on constant rotation, making it the perfect spot for both casual hangouts and intimate gatherings while enjoying fine sips.

Birba
Photo courtesy of Birba

Birba

Located in Hayes Valley, Birba is the brainchild of sommelier and SF restaurant manager Angela Valgiusti. Inspired by Italian charm, Birba—meaning “little troublemaker” in Italian—boasts a beautiful outdoor space ideal for relaxing with friends. Enjoy “stuzzicini,” delectable small bites like pistachio feta dip and antipasti, while exploring their impressive selection of both new and old world wines. With options ranging from traditional to natural, Birba also features refreshing spritzes and zero-proof drinks, making it a great spot for any wine lover.

Cultivar San Francisco

Situated in the always bustling Marina District, Cultivar San Francisco is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts looking for a delightful glass and a bite. This lively spot is celebrated for its limited production wines from Napa Valley and throughout California. With a spacious outdoor patio, Cultivar offers wines by the glass, bottle, case, and even keg. Pair your selection with something from their delicious local and seasonal food menu for an unforgettable experience. Love all things Cultivar? Then don’t miss stopping into their second location at SF’s iconic Ghirardelli Square.

Waystone

Located in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood, Waystone is a hotspot for those seeking unique, small-production wines with low alcohol and high acidity. The inviting tasting room, adorned with plants and art by local artists, is the perfect backdrop for their fun weekly events, including live jazz and Wednesday wine tastings. Owner Tom Patella is passionate about “demystifying” wine, creating a welcoming, neighborhood vibe where anyone can stop by to taste wine by the glass alongside delicious small plates, like Old Bay French fries and achiote baby back ribs.

Food at Roaming Goat
Food at Roaming Goat, Photo courtesy of Roaming Goat

Roaming Goat

Tucked in the charming Cow Hollow neighborhood, Roaming Goat specializes in Mediterranean, Georgian, and Armenian wines and cuisine. This intimate spot features cozy tables inside and a spacious outdoor patio and parklet, great for relaxing with friends. Enjoy wines by the glass or bottle, paired with delightful mezze like tzatziki and muhammara spreads, or savor small and medium bites such as crispy octopus kebab, Aleppo potatoes, and red-wine aged goat cheese with figs. Their daily happy hour from 4 to 5 p.m. is an especially nice time to go.

Amelie

Located on Polk Street in SF’s Russian Hill, Amelie has been a beloved wine bar and bistro since 2006. Known for its cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, Amelie serves up delightful French tapas and an impressive selection of wines—60 wines by the glass and 100 by the bottle, to be more precise. Adding to the experience, the bar comes alive on weekends with the sounds of live music, featuring everything from jazz to local bands.

Swirl on Castro

As the name implies, Swirl on Castro is a Castro wine shop and bar focused on European and California producers, as well as artisanal spirits. Enjoy wines by the glass or bottle while indulging in delicious bites from Heroic Italian, which operates out of Swirl’s on-site kitchen. Their menu features Italian deli-style sandwiches, fresh pasta, Roman pizza, salads, and antipasti. With both indoor and outdoor seating, and a hidden garden exclusively for wine club members, Swirl on Castro is a charming and relaxed place to savor beverages alongside tasty treats.

Photos courtesy of El Chato

El Chato

El Chato brings the charm of a Spanish-style taberna to San Francisco’s Mission District. Specializing in wines from the Iberian Peninsula, this cozy, modern spot offers wines by the half glass, glass, and bottle. Indulge in authentic pintxos and tapas alongside Spanish drink specials like Estrella Galicia beer, Manzanilla sherry, and vermut. The food menu features delectable options such as charcuterie and cheese boards, Spanish tortilla, and more. El Chato is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Spain and Portugal without leaving the city.

Urban Wineries + Tasting Rooms

Whether sipping wine steps from winery production facilities or sampling varietals sourced from nearby vineyards, these urban tasting rooms offer much to love.

Urban Legend Cellars

Just a quick hop across the San Francisco Bay in Alameda, Urban Legend is a go-to urban winery for a fun and relaxed wine experience. Sip wines by the glass, bottle, or try a tasting—whether self-led on their inviting outdoor patio or guided by a wine expert indoors. They source their grapes from sustainable wineries across Northern California, including Lodi, Clarksburg, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. With walk-ins always welcome, it’s easy to drop by anytime to sample wine. Plus, food trucks roll in every Saturday and Sunday to keep the good vibes and great flavors going.

Photos courtesy of JAX Vineyards

JAX Vineyards

Located in the SoMA neighborhood, JAX Vineyards offers a great urban wine experience that keeps people coming back for more. Sourcing grapes from their family-run vineyards in Calistoga, Yountville, and other Napa AVAs, they specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon while also showcasing varietals like Chardonnay, Cab Franc, and Pinot Noir. Walk-ins are welcome to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle in their sleek indoor and outdoor lounge. And don’t miss out on their mouthwatering charcuterie and cheese boards—perfect companions to your wine tasting journey.

Treasure Island Wines

Situated on—you guessed it—Treasure Island, Treasure Island Wines is known for its small-lot bottlings made from grapes sourced from AVAs across California. Offering both tastings and wines by the bottle or glass, this casual urban winery invites people to explore a variety of well-known and lesser-known varietals, from Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel to Grenache Rosé. Whether you’re up for a tasting or just want to enjoy a glass or bottle, this casual urban winery welcomes walk-ins to dive into their diverse selection.

Winery Collective

Winery Collective is a multi winery tasting room that offers wine from boutique wineries throughout California, including San Francisco’s first urban winery, The Winery SF. With the selection of wines rotating regularly, you can always expect something new and exciting worth tasting. Located in Fisherman’s Wharf, the Winery Collective is a go-to for tourists and locals alike, particularly great for group tasting experiences.

Conclusion

San Francisco’s wine scene is a treasure, offering an array of experiences for wine lovers of all kinds. From the bustling wine bars of the Marina District to charming spots in Hayes Valley and beyond, the city’s urban wine culture is as diverse and dynamic as its residents. Cheers!

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San Francisco to Napa for the Day Trippers & Overnighters https://www.napavalley.com/blog/san-francisco-to-napa/ https://www.napavalley.com/blog/san-francisco-to-napa/#respond Fri, 24 May 2024 16:34:47 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?p=30895 Making a trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley? From world-class wineries to beautiful hotels, here are some of our favorite spots to visit along the way.

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Let’s face it—between the vineyards, wineries, world-class restaurants, and beautiful hotels, planning a trip to Napa Valley means you’re looking through a myriad of options, even if you’re coming on a quick day trip from San Francisco.

We realize all those choices can lead you to decision fatigue, which is why we’ve compiled some of our favorite places to eat, drink, and stay during a day trip from San Francisco to Napa, or during a quick overnight getaway from the city. If you’re really pressed for time or simply want to stay put in one spot, we’ve even included two all-in-one options, where the bounty of Wine Country can be savored in one deluxe lodging location.

Cuvaison
Photo Courtesy of Cuvaison

Where To Drink

Whether coming straight from SFO or you’re just needing to escape San Francisco for a half day, you can savor incredible wine (with a view!) at these top Napa Valley wineries—all without having to venture too far north into the heart of Napa Valley.

Cuvaison

Amid the undulating hills of Carneros, Cuvaison is a beautiful, sustainable winery known for its distinctive Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Committed to crafting wines that reflect their vineyard origins, Cuvaison approaches each ‘block’ as an individual vineyard, harvesting and vinifying them separately.

The architecture is modern, but not intrusive, meaning all eyes are on the stunning views. Bask in the sweeping views of the rolling hills, knowing that the wine in your glass and the scenery you enjoy are part of a sustainably managed, Napa Green certified estate.

1221 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 942-2455

Domaine Carneros

Tingle your taste buds with some bubbly from Domaine Carneros. The sight of the stunning French château, surrounded by endless vineyards, might make you feel as if you’ve been whisked away to Europe. And who doesn’t love that feeling? Domaine Carneros, the stateside counterpart to France’s Champagne Taittinger, is known for their sparkling wines ranging from the classic vintage-dated Brut Cuvee to the Blanc de Blancs (sparkling wine made entirely from white grapes).

1240 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559, (800) 716-2788

Arch & Tower | Robert Mondavi
River Views at Arch & Tower, Photo courtesy of Robert Mondavi

Arch & Tower

Downtown Napa’s gateway to Robert Mondavi wines, Arch & Tower is their new urban winery paying homage to the art of Napa Valley winemaking. Guests have the opportunity to take part in several unique experiences, from an exclusive tasting of the revered To Kalon Vineyard to the Legend Lunch, a treat for the tastebuds by way of a three-course meal paired with Estate Collection wines. Or, keep it casual with the Arch & Tower Golden Hour tasting, which features a glass of Robert Mondavi wine, expertly paired with savory bites that are perfect for opening your palate or keeping you satiated until dinner.

930 3rd Street, Napa, CA 94559, (888) 766-6328

Lithology Lounge
Photo courtesy of Lithology

Lithology, The Lounge

In the heart of downtown Napa, Lithology’s new urban tasting room and lounge offers an elegant escape for wine lovers seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. At this stylish lounge—a haven for those who appreciate the art of winemaking and the finer things in life—you can dive deep into the brand’s iconic single-vineyard wines during a seated tasting experience, or simply sip on a glass of exquisite wine before dinner.

1040 Main Street #101, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 963-6015

Photos courtesy of CIA at Copia

Where To Eat

Ready to fill your stomach with something other than wine? We’ve got you covered with a few excellent restaurant options.

The Grove at CIA Copia

Presented by The Culinary Institute of America, the CIA at Copia is a place for visitors (and food and wine lovers) to gather and participate in a variety of programs and experiences, from hands-on cooking and baking classes, to wine-tasting classes and sustainability in food discussions. When you’re done learning, definitely stay to have a bite to eat. The Grove at CIA Copia is where culinary up-and-comers showcase their skills in the massive, open kitchen. The menu is seasonal and ever-changing, but focuses on Mediterranean inspired dishes using Napa Valley ingredients.

500 First Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 967-2500

Morimoto Napa

Itching to balance out all that Napa Valley wine with some different spirits? Head to Morimoto’s, where you can enjoy a large selection of sake and Japanese whiskey. Contemporary while still paying tribute to tradition, the menu is a happy balance of top-notch sushi options, as well as more non-traditional Japanese fare. Dining omakase (chef’s choice) when at a sushi restaurant, especially at one with such a reputable chef, is always fantastic. For the a la carte eaters, you’ll have to make the tough choice yourself of which beautiful dish to order, since, at Morimoto Napa, you eat with your eyes first.

610 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 252-1600

La Toque

Consistently one of the top-rated restaurants in downtown Napa, and in all of Napa Valley for that matter, Chef Ken Frank’s La Toque has earned a Michelin Star nearly every year they have been awarded in Wine Country. La Toque takes care to have something for everyone, with three different dinner menus offered nightly. There’s the À La Carte Experience for those who want to sample just a few things, the luxe six-course Chef’s Table Tasting Menu, an experience not-to-be-missed, as well as the Vegetable Tasting Menu—an entire menu dedicated to those who want a delectable dining experience featuring only vegetables, much of which is regionally sourced.

1314 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 257-5157

Oxbow Market in downtown Napa, CA
Photo courtesy of Oxbow Public Market

Oxbow Public Market

Of course, dining in Napa Valley isn’t always about fancy restaurants or prix fixe meals… hence why Oxbow Public Market is so popular: it offers a smorgasbord of delicious casual dining options. Located in downtown Napa, Oxbow Public Market offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of local food vendors, artisan cafes, and specialty shops, all within a laid-back, marketplace atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick espresso, a gourmet cheese plate, or a full sit-down meal, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. Grab some breakfast tacos at C Casa, a juicy burger at Gott’s, or some mouthwatering oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co., then finish it off with a cupcake from Kara’s. It’s all right here.

610 & 644 First Street, Napa, California 94559, (707) 226-6529

Andaz Hotel
Book a suite at this urban chic hotel in Downtown Napa. Photo Courtesy of Andaz Napa

Where To Stay

When all that wine and food gets to you and you’d rather get cozy in a hotel than hit the road to head home, you’ve got some delightful options.

Andaz Napa

Located right in the heart of downtown Napa, Andaz might have over 91 suites to choose from, but its boutique charm is undeniably cozy. Rooms are sleek and modern in design and feature marble bathrooms, rain showers, and soaking tubs that are wonderful for relaxing after a day touring through Wine Country. Request a room on one of the top floors for striking views of Napa’s countryside—even better enjoyed if you book an option with a terrace.

1450 First Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 687-1234

Silverado Resort

The Silverado Resort is a sprawling property where you can choose which distinct “neighborhood” to stay in, each featuring its own unique experience. The Mansion Estates and Cottage Drive will be more central, while The Grove and Oak Creek East provide more privacy and seclusion. Either way, enjoy the lush gardens, pristine pools, and tennis courts, no matter which neighborhood you choose. With the regal colonial mansion amidst the California palm trees, Silverado Resort will transport you immediately to vacation.

1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa, CA 94558, (800) 532-0500

Carneros Resort and Spa
Photo Courtesy of Facebook: Carneros Resort and Spa

Where to Have it All

When you’d prefer to plant yourself in one location versus driving around to different spots, yet still have access to delicious food, wine, and luxurious amenities, these resorts have all you need for a perfect Napa Valley retreat.

Carneros Resort & Spa

For the all-in-one experience, check out the picturesque Carneros Resort & Spa. Book a Courtyard Home for the whole family, or a Cottage with a view of the vineyard. Or, if you’re traveling with several in your party, the Harvest Suite is two individual cottages with an adjoining patio, deck, and firepit. It doesn’t feel so much a hotel experience as it does a private estate stay. Treat yourself to a massage or manicure in the guest-only spa or take a dip in one of two pools, then soak in the sweeping views of this modern rustic estate. Once your stomach rumbles, no need to leave the premises to eat as there’s plenty to eat at the resort. The main restaurant, FARM Restaurant + Bar, is a delight, offering seasonal food, an inviting ambiance, and great service, while Boon Fly Cafe, the Carneros Resort’s more casual all-day restaurant, offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere for savoring mouthwatering cuisine during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 299-4950

Meritage Resort
Photo courtesy of Meritage Resort

The Meritage Resort and Spa

When we say that the Meritage Resort truly has it all, we’re not teasing. You won’t even have to step foot off the property to experience the best that Napa has to offer. Inspired by the rolling hills and golden light of Tuscany, The Meritage Resort and Spa has 322 guestrooms, suites, and luxury retreats to choose from. Vino-seekers will no doubt want to head out to Napa Valley’s acclaimed wineries—just a short distance away—but for those days when you can’t be bothered, the nine on-site tasting rooms will do just fine. Fuel up for your wine tasting endeavors at one of three restaurants, such as Olive & Hay, noted for its farm-to-table, Italian fare. But the amenities don’t stop there. Try for a strike at their bowling lanes, schedule some R&R at the underground Spa Terra, soak in the hot tub with views of the vineyards in the distance, or go on an adventure, exploring the property’s private, nine-acre vineyard with walking trails that weave through the grapes.

875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA 94558, (866) 370-6272

Conclusion

Whether you’re sipping on a glass of fine Napa Valley wine while enjoying panoramic views, indulging in a gourmet meal prepared by renowned chefs, or wandering through a vibrant market filled with local delights, these experiences encapsulate the essence of Napa Valley. It’s a place where every visit can offer something new and exciting, even if you’re only in town for 24 hours or are on a quick day trip from San Francisco. There’ll still be plenty to do on your next visit!

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