Written by Jamie Ferrell and Grant MacHamer
San Francisco is a wine lover’s paradise. Between our proximity to wine country and a world-renowned restaurant scene, it’s no surprise that you can find amazing vino in nearly every corner of the city. Our wine bars range from chic and sophisticated to wine-fueled dance parties and everything in between. Here are 16 wine bars you’ve got to visit, listed in no particular order.
1. Bar Part Time
Bar Part Time is located in the Mission District and specializes in natural wine, but is equally famous for its frequent DJ nights and packed dance floor on the weekends. It’s fun, irreverent, and unlike any other bar in the city.
Location: 496 14th Street
2. Sluts The Wine Bar
This provocative new natural wine bar has an impressive by the glass and bottle selection and a dark and moody interior with seating options that range from small tables, to couches and even a semi-private “makeout” room if you’re in need of a more intimate setting. There’s also a small corner stage with a full size stripper pole where they host dancers every night at 8:30pm. Dont worry, the staff is more than happy to provide you with $1 bills. Sluts is the polar opposite of most wine bars in SF, and that’s exactly how they like it.
Location: 1116 Folsom Street
3. Fool’s Errand
If you love Riesling and tinned fish, you’ll be right at home at Fool’s Errand. This NoPa district wine bar features breezy outdoor seating, as well as a moody cave-like interior. It truly shines during happy hour with cheese, charcuterie, and tinned fish to nibble on. Their rotating by-the-glass list includes a section dedicated to dry riesling, their house specialty.
Location: 639A Divisadero Street
4. Millay
This woman-owned wine and sake shop in Duboce Triangle is in a class of its own. The space feels like a neighborhood cafe in its warmth and sense of community. Their selection of delicious wines alongside over 60 sakes available by the glass makes them a must-visit for both wine devotees and the sake curious.
Location: 691 14th Street
5. Fig & Thistle
Fig & Thistle is a chic yet decidedly unstuffy wine bar in Hayes Valley with an excellent list from Califonia and around the world. They’re also home to Outta Sight Pizza, which allows you to grab a casual happy hour glass or split a pie and a bottle of Italian Pet Nat with a few friends.
Location: 429 Gough Street
6. Press Club
This sleek wine bar in Yerba Buena features great service and wine in a large space underneath Union Square’s Four Seasons. They have a wine selection from around the world accompanied by small bites such as olives, cheese plates, and pizzettas.
Location: 20 Yerba Buena Ln
7. High Treason
This wine bar in the Outer Richmond offers a classy yet casual environment to enjoy their superb wine selection with great music on vinyl. Check out their wine club, where you can pick up a curated wine box each month to enjoy at home!
Location: 443 Clement St
8. 20 Spot
Enjoy a worldly selection of red, white, and sparkling wine alongside a lovely food menu including charcuterie boards, pizzas, oysters, and more. They don’t take reservations, so be sure to get there early!
Location: 3565 20th St
9. Birba
This Hayes Valley wine bar offers dozens of wines to enjoy in their gorgeous outdoor patio garden. The food menu is simple, but doesn’t mess around – options include stuffed squids, Atlantic lobster, and impressive cheese boards.
Location: 458 Grove St
10. Ruby Wines
This wine store and bar focuses on curating an artisan living wine selection with no additives or adulterations. It’s worth checking out their wine club, which will give you 2-4 bottles each month depending on the level you choose. You’ll also get discounts in-shop!
Location: 1419 18th St
11. InoVino
The charming little hideaway in Cole Valley is known for their exceptional Italian food and extensive wine selection. It’s perfect for happy hour but equally suited for an intimate dinner featuring house-made pastas and pinsettas.
Location: 108-B Carl St
12. Arlequin Wine Merchant
This specialty wine shop in Hayes Valley boasts the “best wine shop in San Francisco,” with an excellent international wine selection and sleek, welcoming storefront. This family-owned business has been around for 20 years, so they are experts at curating a great selection, from their wine club to their in-store bottles.
Location: 384 Hayes St
13. VinoRosso
As you might guess from the name, VinoRosso showcases primarily Italian wines which are often hard to find outside of Italy. Not only is this a wonderful wine bar, but they have a great Italian food menu including pizzettas, handmade ravioli of the day, and cheese and meat plates.
Location: 629 Cortland Ave
14. Mission Bay Wine and Cheese
This wine bar is all about the cheese pairings, and their global selection of wines and artisan cheeses is available both to enjoy in-store or at home. Owners Debbie Zachareas & Peter Granoff also own Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant in the Ferry Building and Oxbow Wine & Cheese in Napa.
Location: 114 Channel St
15. William Cross
William Cross is known for their great prices, as they have an entire selection of wines for under $15. You can also explore their cult wine selection, where you’ll find hard-to-get wines from around the world.
Location: 2253 Polk St
16. Scopo Divino
Scopo Divino sees wine as something you can pair with emotion, meaning that they put great emphasis on customer service. They refer to the enormous wine selection as the “Library,” and just added a brunch menu on weekends!
Location: 2800 California St, Divisadero
