Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown SB

Wine spots

Wine bars that focus on the craft of the pour rather than the pretension of the room.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Frequency Wine Company image 1
Frequency Wine Company image 2
Frequency Wine Company image 3
View all

Outdoor courtyard creates a sunny, chill vibe where families and dogs relax. Wine selection includes balanced varietals like GSM and GGM, paired with small charcuterie platters. Tastings happen on a historic patio with detailed, informative service.

Wines here offer a fantastic variety with both whites and reds like GSM and GGM. Outdoor tastings happen on a historic patio with detailed, informative service guiding the experience.

People are saying

"The wine here is top-notch and delicious."

"The outdoor seating is a very nice area."

"The vibe here is super chill, like California energy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for wine tastings, especially on weekends.

2

Frequency Wine Company is suitable for hosting private events.

3

The location is in the oldest square of Santa Barbara, providing a unique atmosphere.

02
Jamie Slone Wines image 1

Cozy, historic tasting room offers a romantic ambiance with knowledgeable hosts sharing detailed flavor profiles of local wines. Space feels inviting for casual tastings or events, blending European style charm with a relaxed atmosphere.

Wines feature detailed flavor profiles explained with passion and knowledge. The tasting room offers a cozy, historic vibe with a great selection of local wines including red and mixed flights.

People are saying

"The wine here is amazing and among the best I've had."

"This winery offered the best wine tasting experience on my trip."

"I highly recommend the cheese and chocolate pairings."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for a guaranteed tasting experience.

2

The tasting room offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

3

Prices for tastings are reasonable considering the quality of wines.

03
Au Bon Climat image 1

BoHo interior creates a relaxed, quiet vibe perfect for tasting Burgundian-style wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Outdoor patio welcomes dogs, adding to the casual, friendly atmosphere. Library wine selection pairs well with a small charcuterie board for deeper exploration.

Wines showcase Burgundian-style complexity with some unusual varieties. A library selection offers deeper exploration, paired well with a small charcuterie board.

People are saying

"The wine guides here are so knowledgeable and personable."

"The winery staff are so knowledgeable and passionate."

"The wine tasting staff are so knowledgeable and approachable."

Good to know

1

The tasting room allows dogs on the outside patio.

2

Wine tastings are well organized and informative.

3

They offer shipping to the East Coast.

04
Kunin Wines image 1

Outdoor space offers a relaxing ambience with dog-friendly access. Wine tasting features Rhône-style wines with a fantastic quality-to-price ratio. Friendly, knowledgeable hosts make the experience enjoyable.

Rhône-style wines stand out with a fantastic quality-to-price ratio. Friendly, knowledgeable hosts create a great tasting experience in a relaxing outdoor space that welcomes dogs.

People are saying

"I found the wines to be amazing and delicious."

"The wine tasting service from Jorrad was amazing."

"The Winery service was super friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Kunin Wines is dog-friendly, allowing pets inside the tasting room.

2

A local store next door offers charcuterie boards to accompany wine tastings.

3

Expect a lack of cleanliness in the tasting room, with dust and cobwebs present.

05
Grassini Family Vineyards - Downtown Santa Barbara Tasting Room image 1

Tasting room blends Spanish colonial architecture with a private courtyard for a calm, cozy vibe. Enjoy five unique wines including standout Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc from Happy Canyon AVA. Perfect for quiet chats and savoring quality wine.

Tasting offers five wines for $25, each with a unique flavor profile. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc stand out among excellent selections from Happy Canyon AVA.

People are saying

"The staff's friendly, knowledgeable service made the wine tasting amazing."

"The Winery staff was so pleasant and knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for wine tastings, especially on weekends.

2

Tasting fees are $25 per person, waived with a bottle purchase.

3

The tasting room is located in the El Paseo complex, easily accessible.

06
Riviera Bar image 1

Old woody design and tin ceiling create a cozy, dimly lit vibe. Friendly staff and lively energy make it welcoming. Wine list shines with old world wines by the glass, while classic cocktails and a limited menu fit the relaxed setting.

Riviera Bar offers a carefully cultivated selection of wine and drinks. The wine list features a great selection of old world wines by the glass.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the tallow fries and calamari."

"I enjoyed the expertly crafted cocktails here."

"They have a great, carefully cultivated wine selection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for drop-in visits.

2

The bar is open late on weekends, making it a good late-night spot.

3

Expect a limited but well-prepared menu with a focus on quality.

07
Dom’s Taverna Santa Barbara image 1

Open kitchen sets a vibrant atmosphere with a coastal Spanish ship vibe. Guests savor extraordinary flavors and innovative dishes in a warm, inviting space. The Basque wine selection perfectly complements the meal, enhancing the full bar experience.

Very cool Basque and basque-adjacent wines stand out. The wine and liqueur selection pairs well with the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, exciting, and genuinely good."

"You have to try the caviar cheesecake; it's a dream."

"They offered really cool Basque wines and liqueurs."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can fill up quickly.

2

Happy hour features a limited menu and runs from 5-7pm.

3

Expect the restaurant to get busy around 7pm, especially on weekends.

08
Kimpton Canary Hotel image 1

Building shows Spanish colonial architecture with terra-cotta tiles and wrought-iron balconies. Daily Wine Happy Hour offers free wine at 5 PM, with special bottles for birthdays. Rooftop has a heated pool and 360° views, making it a peaceful, dog-friendly retreat.

A Wine Happy Hour happens daily at 5 PM with free wine served. Staff sometimes send a bottle of wine for special occasions like birthdays.

People are saying

"The rooftop pool was inviting and stunning."

"It's so dog friendly; the staff was lovely to pets."

"I loved the complimentary wine during happy hour."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Sunday to Thursday from 4-6 pm with free snacks.

2

A daily wine social occurs at 5 pm, offering complimentary wine.

3

Valet parking costs $50 per day, which is quite steep.

09
Elsies Tavern image 1

Former motorcycle shop turned bar offers eclectic decor and a chill vibe with pool and arcade games. Enjoy a great beer and wine selection at reasonable prices in a cash-only setting. Outdoor patio adds to the casual social energy making it a hidden gem.

Offers a great beer and wine selection with reasonable prices. Operates as a cash-only bar for these drinks.

People are saying

"I considered this my favorite bar in all of Santa Barbara."

"I found the outdoor seating to be a cool, hip, and rare spot."

"I found the wine selection to be great and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

Elsies Tavern is cash only.

2

Parking on de la Guerra could be limited; consider side streets.

3

They have an ATM available for cash withdrawals.

10
The Copper image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor courtyard with a historic water fountain offers a relaxing vibe, contrasting the modern but sometimes cold interior. Wine list is strong, featuring Malvira wine that pairs well with $30 pizzas, though sparkling options by the glass are limited. Loud music can distract indoors.

An amazing wine list complements the menu well. Malvira wine pairs nicely with pizzas, which cost about $30, while a glass of wine runs around $18. The sparkling wine selection could use more by-the-glass options.

People are saying

"I've never had pizza this good; it's next level."

"The atmosphere here is perfect for a romantic date night."

"The wine list here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during busy weekend evenings.

3

Pizzas are priced around $30, and wine glasses cost about $18.

11
Petit Valentien image 1
French restaurant

Small French bistro with cozy seating and a quiet atmosphere feels like a European town. Wine list is simple but elegant, with a thoughtful glass offered by the chef. Weekends feature Ethiopian cuisine, adding unique variety to social dinners or date nights.

Wine options are simple but elegant with a good wine list. The chef offers a glass of wine as a thoughtful gesture.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

"This Ethiopian Lunch Spot is incredibly good."

"I enjoyed the wonderful wine options."

Good to know

1

Making reservations is recommended before visiting.

2

Lunch offers a great deal at $18.

3

The menu changes every 2 weeks, so check for new items.

Discover more

Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara

Area guide
Loading Map...