Craft beer, schmaft schmeer. With our proximity to some of the world's best appellations, wine is still our drink of choice. Look elegant while getting lit at our favorite local wine bars.

A small wine bar in Russian Hill, Bacchus is a cozy date spot with views of the cable cars and a friendly, well-versed staff that will certainly be available to you at their cozy bar. Along with small snacks, they also allow for sushi delivery from next door, which pairs well with their sake selection. // 1954 Hyde St. (Russian Hill), bacchussf.com


Barrique

Adjacent to some of San Francisco’s top restaurants, Barrique’s walls are lined with the barrels from which they serve their hand-picked wines, allowing for customers to enjoy fine vintages at prices cheaper than at most places that serve by the bottle. // 461 Pacific Ave. (Jackson Square), barriquesf.com


California Wine Merchant

A small, sit-down wine bar with a friendly and knowledgeable staff right off the main drag of the Marina, this a great spot for a perfect glass of wine (or two) to top off a day of shopping. // 2113 Chestnut St. (Marina), californiawinemerchant.com


ENO Wine Bar

Don’t judge this wine bar for being right off of Union Square, it’s a perfect casual wine spot with seating for 55 and rotating cheese and chocolate pairings. ENO offers over 300 wines by the bottle and nearly 50 by the glass, so you certainly won’t miss out. // 320 Geary St. (TenderNob), enowinerooms.com


The Hidden Vine

Down a small street in the FiDi, the Hidden Vine is a cozy wine bar with exposed brick walls and a bocce court out back that parties can rent by the hour. // 408 Merchant St. (FiDi), thehiddenvine.com


Jamber Wine Pub

This spot for wine (22 options) and beer (13 on tap) sports a long wood bar and enclosed front patio, plus a lofted mezzanine in the back. // 

California vintners are the focus in this luxurious wine bar between Market and Mission. Pair cheese or small plates with tastes or a flight. // 20 Yerba Buena Ln. (SoMa), pressclubsf.com


Tank 18

This high-ceilinged, spacious urban tasting room makes for a lively, albeit elegant, party space. Even better are the friendly servers, who deliver well-priced glasses and flights. // 1345 Howard St. (SoMa), tank18.com


Tender

This somewhat surprising find of a wine bar in the Tenderloin is a welcome one, with 21 wines flowing from eye-catching brass taps, bottles of sparkling wine, three local brews from Drake’s, and charcuterie plates available, Tender is a welcome respite from the madness of downtown. // 854 Geary St. (TenderNob), tendersf.com