Made in SF with ❤️
Despite all the talk about wine’s decline in popularity with Millennials and Gen Z-ers, San Francisco’s wine scene seems to be flourishing. Maybe it’s because of the proximity to Napa/Sonoma wine country or that it’s easier to get a permit for in San Francisco? But what are the lesser-known, hidden gem wine bars in SF? I have you covered! I think these places perfectly combine expertly curated selections with unique atmospheres, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night out. Whether you’re a seasoned wino just looking to unwind after a long day, these hidden gems are sure to impress. Here are my top picks for wine bars in San Francisco that deserve a spot on your must-visit list.
Binu Bonu: Bringing that La Ciccia magic
Located in the somewhat sleepy West Portal neighborhood, Binu Bonu is the latest to shake things up after Elena’s rolled in. I fell in love on my first visit after chatting with owners, Lorrella and Massimilano, the charming duo behind Binu Bonu.
Bringing their passion and knowledge after leaving La Ciccia (their previous Sardinian restaurant project that changed owners and I think is still one of the best restaurants in SF) and recharging, they make any experience here delightful. Within minutes, I felt like they were old friends of mine, chatting about favorite sushi spots in the city, the quirky eccentricities of winemakers, or the nuances of what determines if a wine is “natural”. And let’s not forget the food — despite not having a commercial kitchen, Lorrella and Massimilano still have small bites like their scrumptious octopus salad with a small dusting of spicy chocolate. I hadn’t realized that they offered food during my previous visit, but am intrigued to come back and try some more of their food offerings!
I quickly passed over my own decision making to Lorrella and Massimilano, ask them to help me figure out what other wines I should try out. All of them were amazing! Side note: you can purchase bottles for home at a discount if you would like to. Their warm, inviting space is also a perfect backdrop for an evening of discovery, where every glass feels like a journey to a different corner of the world. I can’t wait to return again.
Tala Wine: Bringing the Cool Kids to Excelsior
Tala Wine is nestled in the very underrated neighborhood of Excelsior, which has a wealth of amazing restaurants and used to be the stomping grounds of Jerry Garcia from the Grateful Dead. Until I moved to Ingleside, I had never heard of or been to Excelsior. My guess is that I’m not alone. Tala, who created the aptly-named Tala Wine, is trying to change that. She has even created an Apple Maps hyperlocal guide to help others find some Excelsior spots!
The wine bar itself is chic with a unique decor that blends the ornate and modern. Tala keeps it interesting, often rotating her menu to feature wines from different countries. She also makes a point of offering beer, sake, or tea and other non-alcoholic options if wine is not your jam. I quite like the artisanal cheese plate that has recently become a permanent addition to the menu. She also has live music and offers fun special events like High Tea.
Ungrafted: Not So Serious Wine Tasting
Located in Dogpatch, Ungrafted is more than just a wine bar—it’s a community hub for wine lovers. Owned by a husband-and-wife sommelier duo, Ungrafted offers a diverse wine list that spans the globe, with a focus on quality and accessibility. The space is warm and welcoming, with communal tables that encourage conversation and connection.
Whether you’re popping in for a casual glass or attending one of their expertly led wine tastings or classes, Ungrafted is a place where everyone feels at home. I really enjoyed doing a Thursday blind wine tasting of 6 wines with friends, which we all scored very low on but we were still beyond delighted when we got a few correct! While this blind wine tasting is geared towards folks trying to practice for wine exams, it’s totally fine to do it for fun as well. I just started taking a wine class at CCSF, and I just might have to go do some practicing at Ungrafted. Their food menu is actually a standout, which includes a must-try fried chicken sandwich, is the perfect complement to their exceptional wine offerings.
Indie Wines and Beer Bar: The Perfect Outdoor Hangout
Tucked into a corner of Telegraph Hill that is rather quiet, Indie Wines has a cozy interior despite technically being in a SF Wine Center storage center, but I actually really like their outdoor patio for when it’s a gorgeous day in San Francisco. There are heat lamps and blankets for you if the weather takes a turn, and plenty of seating. You might be surprised, but there are surprisingly very few outdoor wine bars in San Francisco. This unassuming spot is a favorite among locals for its laid-back vibe and thoughtfully curated wine list, featuring small-batch producers. They have an extensive food menu that is all quite tasty.
To me, the highlight of coming to Indie Wines beyond the lovely outdoor seating, is that you can curate your own flights of wines (offered as 3 or 6) or ask the staff to help curate for you. You can just keep tasting if you’d really like to. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to recommend something new or chat about the latest additions to their menu. With its cozy interior and welcoming atmosphere, Indie Wines is the perfect place to unwind with a flight (or two).
Millay: Wine and Sake
Located just off Market Street in the vibrant Castro District, Millay is a charming wine and sake shop that stands out with its crisp, modern design and eye-catching neon signage. The ambiance here strikes a perfect balance between cozy and contemporary, making it an inviting space for both casual drop-ins and more dedicated wine and sake enthusiasts.
However, the true highlight to me of Millay is its extensive sake collection. With over 50 different sakes available, ranging from crisp, light options to more complex and robust varieties, Millay is a dream destination for those eager to explore beyond traditional wine offerings. The staff’s deep knowledge and passion for sake is quite helpful in my exploration of sake, since I enjoy the beverage but don’t feel like I’m that knowledgable. I recently attended one of Millay’s events that brought in the sake maker of locally-made Den Sake, which is a personal favorite.
Millay also doubles as a retail shop, where you can purchase any of the wines or sakes you’ve enjoyed on-site to take home. For those looking to make their love of Millay a regular part of their routine, the shop offers a membership club that provides exclusive discounts, special tastings, and early access to new arrivals. Whether you’re looking to expand your palate, find the perfect gift, or simply enjoy a quiet evening in the Castro, Millay offers a unique and enriching experience that goes beyond the ordinary wine bar visit.
Palm City Wines: Philadelphia love
Okay, fine. Maybe this one shouldn’t be in my “hidden gem wine bars in SF” article, but I just had to mention it! Outer Sunset is the new cool kid neighborhood of the westerly parts of San Francisco, and Palm City just created a newer sophomore spot with Bar Jambroni.
Bar Jambroni is perfectly wonderful and has super fun vibes and great bites. However, Palm City is still my favorite. I really enjoy the laid-back feel of this spot. The owners, who hail from Philadelphia, I think captured a perfect combo by offering amazing hoagies with vino alongside the beachy backdrop of Ocean Beach. They have an eclectic selection of natural and traditional wines, and a very solid beer section with many cans from my not-so-secret favorite brewery, Cellarmaker.
I usually have trouble deciding between the Roast Pork and the Au Poivre hoagie, but the Cauliflower one was a surprise favorite from our group. Definitely give it a try, even if you aren’t vegetarian. I’m not! Don’t sleep on their other menu items in addition to the hoagies, like the Gabagool. I actually really enjoy going to Palm City during the evening, as it is much quieter and easier to get a seat, but it’s also wonderful for grabbing a quick bite on your way to stroll the Great Highway / Golden Gate Park. If you are going with a group, I’d recommend going right before opening.
We made sure to take my parents-in-law to Palm City when they were last in town visiting, since they are originally from Philadelphia, and it was a huge hit! What’s more, the owner must have overheard my mother-in-law talking, and ran up to her to give her a fist-bump, shouting “Go Birds!”
Honorable Mentions: Hidden Wine Bars in SF
- Arlequin Wine Merchant is really a wine shop, but I quite like that they allow you to purchase their wines and for a small corkage fee, you can sit out back in their cute patio and enjoy the wine there. Every fourth Thursday, they do wine tastings as well.
- William Cross Wine Merchant and Wine Bar has a similar story to Arlequin. It’s primarily a wine shop, but you can also sit at their mini bar or back patio in the back and taste wines for a small corkage fee as well. I think it’s a perfect way to get wine with a small group without breaking the bank.
- Buddy is actually pretty popular, so it’s maybe not quite right to call it one of the hidden wine bars in SF. Located next to a wacky red church in the Mission, Buddy is actually a place I particularly like coming to not just for their predominately natural wine and low-ABV beverages, but for their rotating cast of pop-up chefs. They seem to pick really good ones that go on to become rather popular! I actually had the opportunity to try Four Kings at Buddy before they secured their ever-busy new restaurant in Chinatown. The space itself is also very nicely decorated and would be perfect for a date night.
- Restoration Hardware is technically not a wine bar, it’s a furniture store! However, you can get some wine at their gorgeous Dogpatch location and hang out on the roof with a gorgeous view of San Francisco!
In Conclusion
San Francisco’s wine scene is brimming with hidden gems, each offering a unique experience that reflects the city’s diverse and eclectic spirit. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual hangout or a deep dive into the world of wine, these bars are sure to deliver. So next time you’re in the city, skip the crowded spots and discover something new—these hidden gems are waiting to be explored! Did I miss your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
