Grape Smuggler
2820 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station
This Liberty Public Market shop sources bottles from all over the globe, with a heavy emphasis on lesser-known regions, such as the Canary Islands. Sippers can opt from 500 selections and pair charcuterie with their newfound favorites. Vino classes are taught by notable sommelier Greg Majors.
Privateer Marketplace & Wine Bar
1704 South Coast Highway, Oceanside
Oceanside’s unpretentious wine hub rules with its sleek modern design, in-house charcuterie, gourmet sandwiches on Prager Brothers bread, homemade gelato, and a friendly vino team that supports the local winemaking scene.
Relm
2917 State Street, Carlsbad
Carlsbad’s laid-back wine bar is a cozy spot for cheese boards, Cali vinos, and live music.
The Rose Wine Bar and Bottle Shop
2219 30th Street, South Park
This airy, bright gem in South Park favors the adventurous and experimental, showcasing interesting bottles from Eastern Europe, Spain, France, and local new-wavers. Order the handmade empanadas with kale and four cheeses and ask about the glou glou.
Vino Carta
2161 India Street, Little Italy
Brian Jensen of Bottlecraft fame goes grape with this hip little neighborhood wine shop and tasting room that focuses on small, family-run producers and natural wines made with organic and sustainable farming practices. In-house advanced sommelier Evan Vallee holds a wealth of knowledge for interested oenophiles and neophytes alike.
Village Vino
4095 Adams Avenue, Kensington
This Kensington wine bar is blessed with a smartly curated lineup of global wines and the best of California. A devoted following of wine lovers frequent this haunt for its top-notch tastings, winemaker dinners, and grape-centric events.
Vinavanti Urban Winery
1477 University Avenue, Hillcrest
These new-wave winemakers are pushing boundaries with their all-natural, low-intervention wines made with local fruit. Sour beer fans should try their Los Pilares LaDona, a sparkling muscat and prime example of San Diego’s pét-nat movement.
Wet Stone
1927 Fourth Avenue, Bankers Hill
Wet Stone is a portal to South America with its Peruvian ceviche, churrasco, sangrias, and samba soundtrack. Its rotating list offers interesting sippers like an Argentinian sparkling malbec.
8 San Diego Wine Bars We Love
Rosé at Grape Smuggler
