San Francisco and its surrounding areas are a paradise for wine lovers. With over 1,700 wineries in the North Bay alone, the region is a premier destination for wine enthusiasts looking to explore the rich flavors and unique experiences that California’s wine country has to offer. From historic estates to innovative, modern wineries, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list of 7 premier wineries in the San Francisco area that you should consider visiting.
1. Shadowbrook Winery
Located just a short drive from San Francisco, Shadowbrook Winery in Walnut Creek is celebrated for its exceptional wines and beautiful setting. Offering customizable wine tastings and a luxury feel, it’s a must-visit for those looking to enjoy seasonal salads, charcuterie boards, and artisan flatbreads alongside their wine.
2. Brooklyn West Winery
Situated in the oldest warehouse in the Jack London Square Warehouse District, Brooklyn West Winery stands out for its atmospheric tasting room and a diverse collection of wines. This urban winery is known for balancing the flavors of California by sourcing grapes from various regions, making it a unique spot for wine lovers.
3. CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar
As a Black Owned and Women Owned business in Oakland, CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar offers a multilevel experience that includes wine tasting, wine retail, private events, and small tapas bites. It’s located in the Black Art’s Business Movement District, providing a unique cultural and tasting experience.
4. Building 43 Winery
This Latina and Veteran-Owned winery is located on the former Alameda Naval Air Station. Building 43 Winery specializes in small-batch varietals from the Sierra Foothills and offers a unique tasting room experience adorned with custom metal works and military memorabilia.
5. Riggers Loft
Riggers Loft in Richmond serves as a collective tasting room and wine bar for R&B Cellars and several other wineries and cideries. It’s a great place to enjoy wine tastings with live music and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.
6. Balestrieri Family Farm
Discover the charm of Balestrieri Family Farm in Briones, where you can enjoy exceptional wines in their tasting room. The farm boasts 15 acres of vineyards and 5 acres of olive trees, offering a serene and picturesque setting for wine tasting.
7. Dashe Cellars
After 15 years in Oakland’s Jack London Square district, Dashe Cellars has moved to Spirits Alley in Alameda. This family-owned artisan winery is dedicated to producing outstanding, single-vineyard wines using traditional and natural winemaking techniques. It’s a great spot for those interested in the authentic terroir of their vineyards.
Exploring these wineries offers a glimpse into the diverse wine culture of the San Francisco area. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to wine tasting, these premier wineries provide a range of experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences.
