
San Francisco is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance when it comes to natural wine. More and more wine bars have been featuring natural wine on their menus, and SF locals can’t seem to get enough.
Natural wine is a broad term, but it essentially refers to not adding anything artificial to the wine or grapes during the wine-making process. The result is earthy flavors that can offer more variety than your typical wine. Don’t be surprised if your wine seems a little cloudy; this is another characteristic of natural wine.
Wine connoisseurs have been drinking natural wine for years, and while for some, it may seem to be an emerging trend, it’s far from new. Natural wine is typically made using traditional wine-making methods that were around long before additives were introduced.
1. Woods Beer and Wine Co.
Woods Beer and Wine Co. has four outposts in various San Francisco neighborhoods and one on Treasure Island. The brewery makes its own natural wine and beer right in the Bay Area. Each location has its own unique vibe, but you can look forward to a warm environment with great, Bay Area-crafted drinks.
📍Woods Cervecería, 3801 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
📍Outbound, 4045 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122
📍Polk Station, 2255 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
📍Lowside, 530 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
📍Island Club, 1 Avenue of the Palms, San Francisco, CA 94130
2. Bar Part Time
A massive disco ball, colorful lights filtering through a hazy fog, and funky synth beats greet you when you walk into Bar Part Time. The bar has a large selection of natural wines, each served in small wine glasses. You can sit in a booth to enjoy wine or mingle on the dance floor.
📍 496 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
3. Arcana
The first you notice about this Mission wine bar is the plants. The bar is engulfed by large leafy plants while 20-foot ceilings soar over the modern bar and comfortable tables. Arcana serves more than just natural wine; patrons can enjoy food and catch live music at the spectacular space.
📍2512 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
4. Key Klub
This Nob Hill restaurant serves upscale bar food with an elegant twist to compliment the natural wine on the menu. The wine bar has a warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with large paper lanterns hanging over the bar. Some highlights from their menu include lamb meatballs, a burrata appetizer, and mouthwatering grilled cheese.
📍850 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108
5. Back to Back
This elegant Nob Hill wine bar features comfort food, music, and a warm atmosphere. Back to Back has a long history in Nob Hill, the owner’s family has been a part of the neighborhood for three generations. The menu features wood-fired pizza and small bites. Patrons can enjoy wine while listening to the large collection of vinyl, plus the occasional live jazz concert.
📍1257 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94108
6. Birba
This cozy Hayes Valley wine bar features a lovely outdoor patio, perfect for warm nights. The bar’s menu is packed with small bites such as hummus, deviled eggs, and smoked salmon dip. Plus, the extensive wine collection means you will always have something new to try when you return.
📍458 Grove St, San Francisco, CA 94102
7. The Laundromat
This no-reservations restaurant does it all (except for laundry): Bagels in the morning, Pizza, beer, and natural wine at night. The bar also features a wine club, where members receive three bottles each month to expand their wine collection. Plus, the charming bar is located near Balboa Theater, so you can grab some pizza and wine after a movie.
📍3725 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121