Owners and spouses Trevor and Amy Johnson launched the first Wine Girl in Scottsdale in 2020, followed by Napa Valley in 2023. The pair says they’ve looked at several locations for possible expansion, with one ironclad requirement. “We are based in Scottsdale, and all the cities that we’re looking to open are within a two-hour flight,” says Trevor, adding they prefer highly trafficked, tourist-driven areas. “All fun, tourist-based places that will appreciate Wine Girl’s vibe.”

He says the San Diego location will be slightly larger than the other two, coming in at around 2,400 square feet with a private dining room that can host up to 20 people. But it will emulate the same girly-girl vibe as the others, with plenty of merchandise, Instagrammable accents, and lots of wine. The space will also offer sharable-style plates like wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie boards, hummus plates, and other typical wine bar-type fare. 

Despite the straightforward menu, Trevor says the experience is anything but a typical wine bar. “The aesthetics and vibe are completely opposite of what the standard wine bar is [as] everybody has come to know it,” he says. “We wanted to do something that was more our vibe—kind of vacation vibes, fresh, light, bright, airy.” Wine Girl specifically caters to Millennial and Gen Z demographics, he explains, by providing a more “comfortable, approachable space where you can come and drink and enjoy wine without maybe feeling judged [in a] pretentious environment.” 

Once open, hours will probably run similarly to Scottsdale and Napa Valley, with lunch and dinner hours seven days a week and brunch on weekends. Trevor says they’ll likely have around 16 wines on tap plus bottles and a reserve list—everything they hope wine lovers will need. 

“At the end of the day, and at the heart of it, we are a wine bar,” promises Trevor. “We’re really, really excited to bring this concept to such a beautiful, big city [like] San Diego.”

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Stone Brewing Hosts Beer “Masterclass” This August

Step aside, wine. Beer is here to show the world how well it pairs with food. On Thursday, August 29, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the chefs at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station will guide guests on an interactive masterclass on how to prep and pair a few dishes with Stone’s Delicious IPA series. There will also be a brewer-led hop aroma sensory element, live music, and more surprises. Tickets are $55 and available here. 

Beth’s Bites

• Saiko Sushi ended a 10-year run in North Park this week but promised to keep the Coronado location alive and kicking. I’ll keep my eyes on what will come next to that prime University Avenue location.
• Leila, the latest from CH Projects, is just around the corner from Saiko. The Middle Eastern extravaganza officially opens July 31, but reservations are already snapped up through August. I recommend trying your luck as a walk-in at the bar (and ordering all the dips). 
• Congrats to Erick Castro-Diaz (Gilly’s House of Cocktails, Raised by Wolves) for taking home a 2024 Spirited Award for Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series from this year’s Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Spirited Awards! San Diego bartenders, we see you making your

Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].

The post New Wine Bar Coming to the Gaslamp in 2025 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Ready Party One: Legends of Fantasy

July 24 | Parq Nightclub

Don’t worry, your 80’s film-inspired cosplay outfit begging to be worn just found its ticket to a fantasy dreamland. Ready Party One: Legends of Fantasy, XLE’s signature SDCC kick-off after party, returns on July 24 at Parq Nightclub. With tickets beginning at $52, journey through classics like Labyrinth, Princess Bride, and Lord of the Rings. This is your portal to mythical adventures, dancing in enchanted forests and castle ruins, with live performances by The Flux Capacitors and DJ Elliot. VIPs get extra perks with the Villains VIP Lair. Seriously, don’t miss out on a chance to see Frodo Baggins in a nightclub. Must be 21+.

615 Broadway St, Gaslamp Quarter

Paramount+’s The Lodge

July 24 | Happy Does Bar

Ever dreamed of exploring SpongeBob Squarepants’ Bikini Bottom while sipping a drink from a Tulsa King–themed saloon? Paramount+’s The Lodge is making its comeback to the Gaslamp District for its 2024 tour stop. From July 24 to 28 at Happy Does, immerse yourself in everything unique to the world of Paramount+. Step onto a Star Trek starship, fuel up for the night at the Transformers: Rise of the Beasts energon station, and hit the Paramount+ pub. While admission is free with a reservation, a standby line is also available daily. All ages welcome; guests 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian.

340 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Fandom Party Presented by Dragon Age: The Veilguard 

July 25 | Hard Rock Hotel’s Float

Fandom is back in San Diego for its seventh annual fan-first immersive party. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Float rooftop bar, this event, sponsored by gaming publisher EA, features previews of BioWare and EA’s upcoming role-playing game and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, along with activations from Z2 Comics and Pinfinity. Enjoy food, drinks, and endless entertainment, including a themed scavenger hunt, custom photo booths, giveaways, and a Z2 graphic novel exhibition. Being a part of a fandom is not for the weak …you deserve to feel like your favorite character on a 360-degree red carpet. Must be 21+.

207 5th Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Hosnian Prom: The Bash

July 25 | Wicked West

In a galaxy far, far away (also known as Wicked West in San Diego), Hosnian Prom promises a night of ultra-galactic prom looks and otherworldly dance moves. Enjoy guests like Mesmerizing Cantina Hour Crooning by Jeremy Russell, Interstellar Beats and Cosmic Melodies by DJ RUE and more. Tickets start at $103 with proceeds benefiting the Starlight Children’s Foundation and include an open bar, gourmet bites, and swag. May the force be with you (and your galactic drinks). Must be 18+.

1735 National Ave, Barrio Logan

Anti-Hero After Party

July 25 | Parq Nightclub

If you’re looking to find the Joker to your Harley Quinn, or vice versa, the Anti-Hero After Party at Parq Nightclub might just be what you need. Inspired by Deadpool, Harley Quinn, and The Boys, the evening celebrates the unconventional with gritty music, dynamic performances, and epic cosplay. The night includes sets by For the Girls, DJ Elliot’s beats, and the exclusive Villains VIP Lair with burlesque shows. GA tickets start at $40, VIP tickets are priced at $162 and include separate entry, a Hallmark gift, a commemorative acrylic VIP badge, and access to the Villains VIP Lair. Get your face paint ready and embrace the chaos. Must be 21+.

615 Broadway St, Gaslamp Quarter

Geeki Tiki at False Idol

July 26 | False Idol

Enjoy Geeki Tiki’s annual False Idol event on Friday, July 26 this year. Channel your inner god-like spirit and sip on special WhistlePig Whiskey and Planetary Rum cocktails with three seating options: 4:30-6:30 p.m., 7-9 p.m., and 9:30-11:30 p.m. For $65, you get two drinks that double as raffle tickets, plus a swag bag worth over $50. Tickets are available via Instagram and Open Table. Must be 21+.

675 W Beech Street, Little Italy

IGN and Zenless Zone Zero Party

July 26 | Hard Rock Hotel’s Float

Ready to party like the gaming legend you are? IGN is hosting an after-party on Friday, July 26, from 7:30–11:00 p.m. at Float rooftop bar at the Hard Rock Hotel. Enjoy photo ops, live performances, and themed cocktails that will transport you to another gaming console. Title sponsor, HoYoverse, will be celebrating the launch of their action role-playing game, Zenless Zone Zero, so expect a little extra gaming magic. Tickets are limited, but you can win your way in through contests and giveaways. Gamers, this is your time to shine. Must be 21+.

207 5th Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Mosh Eisley: The Best Party in the Galaxy

July 26 | The Music Box

Oftentimes, things are better in pairs. Star Wars and early 2000’s punk rock…an extraordinary duo. Enter Mosh Eisley, where Thank the Maker Podcast merges the universe with emo nostalgia, featuring bands like Bayside and Story of the Year, to put on “The Best Party in the Galaxy.” General admission starts at $67 and doors open at 8 p.m. Must be 21+.

1337 India Street, Little Italy

Shrek Rave

July 26 | House of Blues

So, what exactly goes down at a Shrek Rave? You’re going to have to grab your ogre ears and find out. This annual dance festival, spanning across North America and the UK, has made its way to San Diego for Comic-Con weekend and aims to remix those iconic Shrek anthems with immersive visuals (Shrek possibly breathing fire?!). Tickets are selling fast, so grab them before you miss your chance to join a mosh pit with Donkey. Must be 18+.

1055 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Digital LA – Comic Cocktails

July 27 | Location TBD

Whether you’re into comics, animation, or simply just love a good party, Comic Cocktails by Digital LA is the event for exclusive networking, mingling with fellow enthusiasts, and, obviously, enjoying themed drinks. This is the time to trade notes on your top SDCC panels and connect with Hollywood industry players. The event’s location is currently top-secret but will be revealed through email to registered attendees as a secret HQ on the weekend of SDCC. Tickets are currently $13 with rumored surprise guests. Must be 21+. 

Comic-Con Bar Crawl San Diego 

July 27 | Starts at American Junkie

Nothing screams Comic-Con more than hundreds of people in capes taking over the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter. The highly anticipated Comic-Con Bar Crawl returns for its fifth year, inviting San Diegans to showcase their best cosplay with an all-access pass to 10+ bars and nightclubs. Tickets for this annual Heroes & Villains Bar Crawl start at $29 and include free welcome shots at select venues, drink discount coupons, free nightclub entry passes, and a bar crawl map that serves as a souvenir of survival. It’s essentially Halloween in July for adults—who can say no to that? Must be 21+.

538 5th Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

The post 11 Can’t Miss After-Parties During Comic-Con appeared first on San Diego Magazine.