The East Bay offers spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay Area as well as plenty of activities and restaurants. If you’re a wine lover, there are also some amazing spots to sip, taste, and savor; it’s time to raise a glass and check out our picks for the five best wine bars in the East Bay area!
Bay Grape
Bay Grape located in Oakland, is certainly not your typical wine bar. It’s actually a wine shop that allows you to buy a bottle in the store, open it and enjoy a glass while learning a bit about its origin. Take advantage of the local artisanal food that’s also available. Open up your snacks and share them picnic style at the communal table or counter area. Bay Grape also offers wine tastings throughout the week as well as wine classes.
Residual Sugar Wine Bar
Situated in the middle of beautiful Walnut Creek, at Residual Sugar Wine Bar, you can enjoy a favorite glass of wine from various countries as well as a variety of cheese and charcuterie. Residual Sugar Wine Bar has one of the most eclectic wine lists around, as well as being home to an expansive conserva program; the conserva program is made up of seafood that is caught, pressed and packed without interruption. Enjoy some of the freshest seafood from Portugal, Spain, and Washington to go along with your favorite glass of vino.
The Punchdown
When you stop down to The Punchdown in Oakland you can enjoy a glass of “natural wine”. While there is no standard definition, at The Punchdown “natural wine” consists of wine that comes from vineyards where no chemicals were used. The vines where the wine originates are also organic and sustainable. While you’re sipping a glass of your favorite wine, pair it with a cheese board or salad. The Punchdown also offers a Wine Club with discounted wines monthly.
Ordinaire
Oakland is also home to Ordinaire, a wine bar and shop that also serves natural wines. Here, you can sit at the wine bar and order a flight or a glass of wine or you can choose to buy a bottle from the shop and enjoy it in house as well. Whichever, Ordinaire also serves up a variety of cheeses to go with your favorite vintage as well as sardines imported from Portugal. If you want to experience a variety of wines, Ordinaire also has a Wine Club.
Vine+Grain
Located in the streets of Brentwood, Vine+Grain offers a unique rustic setting to sip your favorite vintage.Enjoy more than 50 varieties of wine as well as a changing seasonal menu outside by a fire pit. Bruschetta, cheese plates, and even cheesecake bars are available, so there’s something for every palate. You can also enjoy live music every Wednesday from 6-9p.m.Don’t forget happy hour every day from 1-7p.m.!
The next time you’re looking for a unique wine bar, check out one of these five spots in the East Bay for some fun and relaxation.
