San Francisco is less than two hours away from Napa and Sonoma. We have access to some of the best wines in the world. And you can taste good wines without breaking your wallet.
SF Vintners Market
April 7 – 8
City View – Metreon, 135 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103415-369-6003
This is “farmers market for wineries,” and held twice each year in Spring and Fall. From 5 pm Saturday and 2 pm Sunday, you can “try and buy” wine on the spot from up to 150 wineries from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Russian River Valley and more… Many wineries are small, craft, family-owned wineries. Taste wines direct from the source, mainly bottles that retail for over $50. You get access to wineries’ favorites, new releases, special collections and hard-to-find vintages. The cult tasting room is reserved for wines priced at $90 a bottle and up.
The SF Vintners Market is held at the picturesque City View at Metreon and funds are raised for One Brick, a non-profit volunteer organization. All tastings are included in ticket price for the event. You can purchase discounted tickets starting at $44.
Here is a collection of our favorite wine bars in the City. You can get a flight of wines under $20.
Maritime Wine Tasting Studio
North Beach
222 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco
Tel: (415) 861-1139
Cozy loft tucked away on Columbus Ave. Great selection and knowledgeable staff. It is also home to houses Brioche Bakery and the clothing shop Urban Sidewalk. It is comfortable and warm with interesting flights.
Barrel Room
Downtown
415 Sansome Street, San Francisco
Tel: (415) 956-6900
The Barrel Room is classy. Carefully curated with regionally rotating small production wines. 2016 award of excellence from Wine Spectator. Only the best wines even make it to the cellar here, but you can get flights starting $16. Check out the speakeasy space is tucked away downstairs.
Hidden Vine
Downtown
408 Merchant Street, San Francisco
Tel: (415) 674-3567
Hidden Vine has lots accolades as one of the best wine bars in San Francisco, and perhaps even in the US. Located in a small alley in the Financial District. It is relaxing and dim lit with couches and big chairs everywhere. It has more than a selection of 140+ wines and knowledgeable staff. It is a great casual and intimate place to unwind with excellent wine and food.
Press Club
Downtown
20 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco
Tel: (415) 744-5000
Press Club is glamorous. As you walk downstairs into this expansive and sleek underground cellar, you’ll feel like you are in this over-the-top secret society. It has a massive selection: 50 wines by the glass and over 230 bottles, 18 wine flights and almost 30 beers by the glass and beer flights as well. It is a great place to impress your out-of-town guests. Good value for Happy Hour ($3 off any glass between 4-6pm) and occasional live music nights during the week with no cover. DJs on weekend nights until midnight.
Fig & Thistle
Hayes Valley
313 Ivy Street, San Francisco
Tel: (415) 589-7005
Figs and Thistle is an off-the-radar intimate and rustic neighborhood wine bar in Hayes Valley. It is a cute chilled little place on a side street. The wine list is all from California and always excellent. A fine selection of locally sourced cheeses and meats. It has special tasting nights every Wednesday.
City View – Metreon
