The Best Boutique Wine Bars in the Sacramento Area

The greater Sacramento area has no shortage of great wineries. In fact, the city is surrounded by family-owned vineyards and intimate tasting rooms. And while you can certainly spend a day at one of the many great wineries near Sacramento, sometimes you want to sample several wines from different producers.

Sure, you can order a glass of red or white from any bar or restaurant, but for the true oenophile, a wine bar is the place to be. You can sample wines from different regions or counties, enjoy flights, and even take advantage of food pairings. Some wine bars even have workshops and courses where you can learn more about wine. So, whether you prefer Albariño or Primitivo, Malbec or Sancerre, following are some of the best wine bars in the greater Sacramento area.

Betty Wine Bar | Downtown

Photo courtesy Betty Wine Bar

This boutique wine bar and shop in downtown Sacramento doesn’t have a huge menu, but it has everything you need for a lovely wine-centric night out. Wines include selections from California and across the world, including Hungary, South Africa, Austria and more. You can have a glass alongside a light meal or purchase bottles to go.

Platinum Wine Lounge | Roseville

This elevated wine bar in Roseville features an extensive list, much of it focusing on California wines. They offer unique flights focusing on sparkling wine, rosé, and “fun reds,” as well as a build-your-own flight. They also have a wine club so you can experience a wide range of bottles at home. Special events include wine pairings, trivia and live music.

Davis Wine Bar | Davis

This relaxing spot in downtown Davis is a great place to kick back after a long day and unwind with a glass of wine. They offer more than three dozen wines, beers and ciders by the glass, as well as flights and bottles to go. They also offer unique selections such as digestifs, aperitifs, and dessert wines. If you need something to nibble on, you can order a cheese plate or house-roasted nuts.

Good News Wine Co. | Midtown

Photo courtesy Good News Wine

This wine bar and shop in midtown Sacramento shakes the stuffy reputations many wine bars have and instead has a laid-back, come-as-you-are vibe. They feature a global selection of natural wines, as well as flights and bites. Special events include trivia nights and live music, plus food specials such as pizza and hot dogs.

Tap & Vine | Auburn

Located in a historic building in downtown Auburn, this wine-centric restaurant offers bubbles, blends and varietals, much of them from California. The food menu includes roasted meats, seasonal veggies and basics like burgers and wings. They also offer a wine club (complete with wine storage), featuring a curated monthly selection and dining discounts. On weekends, local musicians perform on the outside patio.

Franquette | West Sacramento

Photo courtesy Franquette

If French wine is your passion, this modern wine bar in West Sacramento is a great option. They offer a range of wines from well-known growing regions, including the Rhone and Loire valleys, as well as lesser-known regions of France. You can pair your wine with French-inspired dishes such as beef tartare or duck confit or take advantage of happy hour specials Tuesday-Saturday afternoons.

The Nook Wine Bar + Bistro | East Sac

This wine bar and bistro dubs itself as a cozy and intimate experience, offering wine and chef-created snacks. They focus on California and Spanish wines (plus some non-alcoholic drinks and beer options for the non-wine-lovers out there).

Kork | Fair Oaks

This intimate wine bar in Fair Oaks offers regional wines as well as wines from around the globe. You can order red or white flights, or enjoy glasses from El Dorado County, Yolo County, Amador County, Napa or the Central Coast. They also have a large selection of French and Italian Wines. If you need a bite to eat while sipping, they also offer flatbreads, charcuterie and other wine-friendly snacks.

The Vine | El Dorado Hills & Folsom

Photo courtesy The Vine Wine Bar

With locations in El Dorado Hills and Folsom, this neighborhood wine bar has an approachable wine list with selections from El Dorado County, California and across the world. Best of all, every wine is available by the glass, so you don’t have to buy the whole bottle. Tapas-style cuisine is on the menu, much of it with an international flair. They feature live music on weekends and brunch on Sunday mornings.

TAP Wine Lounge | Sacramento

TAP Wine Lounge on Del Paso Blvd. near the Woodlake neighborhood is the Sacramento area’s first wine bar focusing on black-owned wineries. The menu features wines from California, Oregon, and beyond. Not only can you can build your own flight, you can build your own charcuterie board too! They also host special events such as live music, chef takeovers, and sip & paint nights.

House of Oliver | Roseville

This upscale wine lounge in Roseville is known not only for its great selection of wine, but also for its live music. In addition to its selection of mostly California wines, they also have a robust wine club with various levels. Come hungry — they have a large food menu with hearty shared plates, sandwiches and full-sized entrees.

Cloud Bar | El Dorado Hills

Photo courtesy Cloud Wine

Those looking for a modern, sophisticated wine tasting experience will find it at this upscale wine bar in El Dorado Hills. On Tuesday nights, they have winemaker-hosted tastings, either in-person or virtually. They have more than 125 wines available as well as flights and wine-friendly bites such as charcuterie and panini.

The Wine Smith | Placerville

If you’re looking for a friendly, laid-back spot to enjoy a glass of wine in downtown Placerville, this intimate wine bar is a good bet. They offer a rotating selection of wines by the glass and host regular tastings featuring area wineries. They also feature live music and have a quaint outdoor seating area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of wine is California known for? Nearly half of the hundreds of thousands of acres dedicated to California’s wineries are the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay varietals. Of course, Zinfandel has gained popularity in the state, as well.

What are the most popular wine regions in California? Napa Valley, Paso Robles,  and, of course – El Dorado, are all top wine counties in California. We really have the climate for it, as most of the state produces world-class wine! And luckily, Sacramento sits in the middle of various award-winning wine regions, so we have direct access to the best wineries!

What’s the best wine for fall? The classic white Chardonnay has flavors similar to vanilla, toast, and nutmeg – they all evoke that oaky taste that we associate with fall. For a red wine variety, Pinot Noir provides that warm red color mixed with the oak-aged flavors of raspberry, cherry, and vanilla.