As a girl who finds wine a dining essential, it seems like a list of my favorite San Francisco Wine Bars would be something I made years ago when I first moved to San Francisco. Well, shame on me when I write about Wine it’s usually covering Wine Country and recently I realized this was a missing list I had to share with you all so please find my list of Favorite Wine Bars in San Francisco below….

As always, if I am missing anything or you disagree, feel free to email me and share any thoughts or insight. There is always a new spot or secret gem to learn about and I would love any of your suggestions or tips to help expand this list. In the meantime, happy reading and happy wine bar visiting for you wine lovers like me!

Amelie

Anyone that lives near Russian Hill, North Beach, The Marina or Pac Heights knows about Amelie as it’s one of the most beloved wine bars in the area. Not only is it super quant and charming they have a great assortment of wines and some of the most charming, engaging wine staff in town. This is perfect for a girls night out, a date, or just a get together with friends over wine, live music and or a casual setting. 1754 Polk St. San Francisco, CA

Bar Crenn

You really can not go wrong when you take the most talented female Chef in America, seriously Chef Dominique Crenn is the ONLY female Chef to receive Two Michelin Stars with some of the most spectacular wine talent in San Francisco. Voila! That is Bar Crenn plus their stunning interior design which is a mix of a cozy, chic French bar combined with a pop of animal print, fur, and all of the elements that evoke luxury, cozy and have a glass of wine and a bite and never leave… Go see for yourself but trust me this is the NEW hottest Wine Bar in San Francisco (wine bar doesn’t quite do it justice) with amazing food, service, setting and atmosphere. 3131 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Interior photos by Patricia Chang

The fabulous Chef Dominique Crenn. I love her attitude, passion, experience and the energy she brings to every project she touches.

 Team photos and food photosby Jordan Alexis Photography

Birba

Birba is one of the most charming and intimate of the wines bars on this list. It’s located in Hayes Valley on Grove Street and is perfect for a date night, catch up with friends or even a visit by yourself (A guest was enjoying a glass of wine and working on their laptop when I visited). With an extensive wine list of some wines you’ll know, such as the delicious Veuve Champagne I enjoyed and some more unique wines there is something for everyone here. And, if you’re hungry they have a great list of small bites which smelled amazing during my visit. 458 Grove St, San Francisco, CA 94102.

The delicious 2018 Veuve Cliquot Vintage Rose Champagne I enjoyed during my visit to Birba. Such a perfect wine for a night out with girl friends!

DECANTsf

Wine lovers, I have some fabulous news to share with you. DECANTsf Wine & Beer Bottle Shop & Wine bar just opened and it’s incredible.  DECANTsf is a new type of bottle shop run by two women entrepreneurs (Hell yes, I love supporting other female owned businesses). It is a wine and beer tasting bar, retail store, and interactive learning space that combines hospitality, education, and curated selections for the everyday drinker.

The moment you see the space you’ll be enticed in by the hic design by ROY, a celebrated SF-based hospitality design firm (also owned and operated by two women entrepreneurs, sisters Hannah and Emily Collins). With small details and touches that make you never want to leave DECANTsf has quickly become a new favorite wine destination of mine as soon as you visit you’ll relate and fall in love too. See more below!  1168 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103

High Treason

Another wine bar to check out is High Treason. It’s located on Clement Street and has a great wine list, food and an overall very chill hip setting.  I have been a few times and always find the laid back vibe great, the unique, hard to find wine list awesome and the owner is great. It’s another gem to try that I promise you’ll adore. 443 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Howell’s

One of the newest gems to arrive on Chestnut Street is Howell’s Wine Bar.  I recently visited and was impressed by this wine list, the delicious food and the over all lively setting. I was there on a Tuesday and by 6pm there wasn’t a seat in the bar to be had! 2373 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123.

Chef Sarah who is responsible for the delicious eats at Howells. I tried the Fondue (which was divine) and a cheese and charcuterie plate. I love that Howells has both a great wine list and great food to pair with it!

Linden & Laguna

Linden & Laguna is a new spot that I am incredibly excited about! Nestled on an adorable corner, this new Hayes Valley wine bar not only has cool vibes, but the food is tasty, comforting and healthy. Go to Linden & Laguna for a beautiful Parisian-style brunch or dinner and pair it with their fabulous selection of high-quality low-selection wines. I seriously can’t get over this spot and I know I will be back! 528 Laguna St, San Francisco

I mean, look at this cheese and charcuterie. Seriously dreaming of this right now!

Photos courtesy of Linden & Laguna 

Resolute Wine Bar

Although there are not many wine bars in The Tenderloin, I suggest heading to the area to check out Resolute Wine Bar. With a super chic, high-end luxury vibe to it (which I dig), a great wine list, and some yummy bites this is a Tenderloin wine bar you must experience. 678 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Scopo Divino

A newer addition to this list which opened a few years ago when I was living just a few blocks away is Scopo Divino. Located on California Street and Divisadero this is a great local Pac Heights gem. They have updated their menu and their chef since opening and the food is quite delicious with an extensive happy hour and list of other great items.  The wine list is on the most approachable side (nothing from regions or wineries a guest may not kn0w)…. So, for those of you non wine geeks (like me) you’ll find plenty of options you enjoy, but for the geekier, technical wino’s, this may not be the spot to taste a bunch of unique, unknown wines and talk winemaker and vineyard knowledge with your wine tasting pal or the sommelier. 2800 California St #101, San Francisco, CA 94115.

Tofino Wines

Tofino Wines is another great husband and wife spot in San Francisco located on Geary, just on the edge of Laurel Heights. They are not only a wine bar but they also sell wines during the day time as well. I’ve been a few times and love their great wine assortment and their light bites. I recommend trying the grilled cheese sandwich which is divine! Their wine list is extensive and full of options you will know, and those you may not know (a sign of a killer wine bar and a talented Sommelier). Check it out and see for yourself! 2696 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118 

The extensive wines available to purchase!

West Coast Wine Bar

 If you are looking for an incredibly charming, highly curated Wine Bar, San Francisco’s West Coast Wine Cheese is the spot for you. It is so fun to be able to see the various wines on the menu, actually touch the bottles, and see the interesting purveyors, wine labels, and winemakers at this special spot. This is a Cow Hollow Wine Bar you must try! 2165 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123

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Here I am at the fabulous West Coast Wine • Cheese during a Media & Blogger event with the lovely West and Wilder, a client of my Events Company, Emily Martin Communications & Events. We had such an amazing time at this special wine bar. Read more about the event at West Coast Wine here.