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Categories: Jazz & Blues, Wine Bars, Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
2048 Broadway StJoin us each Sunday 3-5pm for a themed wine tasting.…
Announced 9 days agoMy favorite wine bar in the area. The variety is fantastic. We always get the red flight which they change every few weeks. We initially were trying to schedule a visit every 3 weeks to a month just to try the new set. ;-) They pour wines from all around the country and the world, so it helps us extend our wine knowledge past just Napa.
The best thing here--besides the mellow, comfortable feel--is the staff pouring the wine. We usually go on Wednesdays and the girl that works there is awesome. She's a certified sommelier and knows so much--it's so fun just listening to her describe the wines and share her knowledge.
They have a small set of wines for sale but you're safe buying any of them because you know they are chosen by the staff. Because we trust them so much, we also signed up for their wine club were you get 2 wines a month for a reasonable price.
I wish they would have more snacks so we wouldn't have to go eat somewhere else after, but they are growing their food department and it is all about the wine.
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Loved Savvy Cellar Wine Bar/Shop!! I will make it there as much as possible now that I've had a more than one great experience. They rotate their wine selection every 2 weeks, the staff is very educated about wine and pairings, they are friendly, the atmosphere is fabulous for dates and groups and the jazz is fun on Sat. nights.
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Savvy Cellar is my kind of place - more of a tasting room than a wine bar - and they really didn't disappoint. Came here late on a Friday night and got the "full house" flight of six reds.
The gentleman pouring for us was incredibly laid back, yet very obviously knowledgeable. The wines they were pouring were really interesting and fun to taste, too.
The atmosphere was really great, and the crowd was definitely a quiet yet lively hang-out kind of crowd. It certainly matched what we had in mind. Lots of good bottles on sale, too; I've never seen a shop/bar combination work this well before.
My only complaint is about the layout: there is no back-of-house area, so the staff has nowhere to take breaks or hang out, and they all just congregate behind the bar. While their constant chatting was fine - indeed, it added to the lively atmosphere - it was a little less enjoyable to watch everybody wolfing down bits of food behind the bar in between chatting with patrons.
Also, the beautiful copper bar made my arms smell like metal for the rest of the night, which is weird.
Every pick from the wine club has been a winner! They have a taste for unusual and exotic flavors. And all of the staff are so educated about the wine! They make it fun and interesting.
And taking a few hours to do a flight and a plate of cheese...a great experience!
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This is a great place to have nice wine, a good chat with friendly sommeliers, listen to live music in a really relaxed atmosphere.
The wine flights are very reasonably priced and it is a very unpretentious place- no snitty attitudes. Can't wait to go back!
Cool place to hang out. Nice wines, reasonably priced. Staff know their wines! Neighborhood has become a "scene" too. Fun.
A wine bar that serves Robert Parker 90+ point wines that you can subsequently buy for under $39 each with live jazz on Saturday nights: what can be cooler than that!
Staff very friendly and knowledgeable which provides for for a nice education. Our waitress showed an interest in our opinion of the wines we drank just as much as she educated us. The intriguing and creatively balanced menu which changes on a regular basis makes you want to go back regularly to try a new flight. $19 for four wines with a generous 3 ounce pour for each is a great deal.
One thing I just didn't get was why we couldn't do flights at the tables, only at the counter. The explanation given didn't make a whole lot of sense at the time: something to the effect of that's just the way we do things around here. Turns out that they make a big production about it, write the names on a place mat and leave the bottles near by. Nice concept, but they could have just as easily said we could still do a flight at a table but it just wouldn't be as interesting or something.
Ironically, the NZ pinot noir and the Mendoza malbec we had retailed for $39 and $35 respectively, on the high end of their norm. They were good wines, don't get me wrong, but I've seen highly rated pinots and malbecs for considerably less. This doesn't deter me from wanting to go back again and again.
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Savvy is a pretty cool spot for anyone who enjoys decent wine and doesn't have a great knowledge of what to buy. All their stuff is over 90 points from the wine spectator and under $40 a bottle so it is hard to mess up and buy a bad bottle. Plus their sommelier (wine expert) Joel is super cool and knows his stuff. He'll break down all the wines and give the good tasting notes and make you feel like you actually know wine too.
ps- i took my granddad to savvy and he wont stop talking about how nice the bathroom is.
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A date took me here last summer then for a movie in the park afterward. I have to say the ambiance is wonderful and the staff is very knowledable about the wines. I remember they were rolling out a new appetizer and we were the first ones to try it. It was ok at best and we gave them some constructive advise on it and they gladly listened to us without attitude. Now after looking on the website again, I will go back for some of the events they are having.
Great place to fine great wines at prices that won't break the bank. The flights and tastings are very generous. The staff is very helpful as well. Joined their club as well for the additional benefits and discounts. It has become one of my favorite places to go for a glass and some conversation as well as getting exposed to wines I can afford to buy frequently.
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A wine bar ? In Redwood City ? That's decent ?!
Do not be fooled - this is not an illusion.
I first went to Savvy about a year ago on a Sat. night to enjoy their live jazz group. We ordered a couple of food items which weren't horrible but weren't too impressive either - hence the 4 as opposed to 5 stars.
I went back there last week with my bf on Valentine's to enjoy a glass before dinner. They were planning an indie film on a projection screen which I thought was really cool - wine and a movie.
My bf ordered their Tempranillo, which he enjoyed but I still can't figure out why some people give me an odd look when I ask if it's slightly chilled since that is the way it's traditionally served.
I ordered the Malbec and it was AMAZING. I don't usually enjoy wines that are this sweet, and while it wasn't nearly as rich as a port, it enveloped my palette perfectly. Wonderful flavor, excellent balance, and then the best surprise of all - a bottle is only $19 there ! (glass is $7) It's a def. try if you love Zins and Cabs but want something a little different.
The ambience is great - wine bar without feeling high maintenence. The staff is all very friendley and the prices are wonderfully reasonable.
I'm so close to giving it 5 stars it just hurts but I wish they would offer a slightly more varied food selection, but then again I understand that they ARE in the wine business.
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I really enjoy this going here for a glass of wine after work. It's a great little wine bar with tasty hors d'oeuvres. The live music is usually great and they have a very good selection of wines under $40. The only problem is the price cap. You will always find a great bottle to bring to a party but nothing you'd give as a special gift.
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Very quiet when we went in on a week-night...almost TOO quiet. But I loved the wine and our pourer was knowledgeable and mindful of our taste. Entertained my fiancee and myself when we wanted to be (without being nosy or pushy). I've heard the All-you-can-drink tasting nights are epic.
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I first found the Savvy Cellar through a food and wine pairing class and have been going there since -- just over 2 years! I love that I can go in for a glass of wine, smoked salmon with creme fraiche and capers and walk out with a bottle or two of wine to lay in for dinner or the weekend. Their focus is spot on: all wines over 90 points yet under $40!
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My BFF feted me here for my birthday. Very nice venue in the renovated Redwood City downtown.
We had the Sunday afternoon wine flight...ABC (Anything But Cabernet). They change up their flight compositions for their Sunday tastings. So, you don't really know what they're going to serve until you get there.
This last Sunday, there were 5 or 6 wines on the flight list. Most were very good, one I didn't like particularly well. All the wines are $30 or under per bottle.
We had the artichoke dip and some almonds to accompany the wines. I highly recommend tasting the wine with food to find out how the flavor of the wine changes with food.
It's a place worth checking out! They've a nice selection of wines from all over the world.
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Unlike other wine bar/shop - this place feels very cozy and unpretentious. Very good and interesting selection of wine - nothing over $39 with a score of 90+ and it's ever changing.
Good pricing for flights, good food menu - can actually make it a dinner date. Two semi-private booths - perfert for small group or a date.
Went in for a glass of bubbles before meeting friends for dinner - instead of pouring me what's left of a bottle and topping it off with a new bottle, the girl did the right thing - a glass of freshly popped bottle.
This is a little gem...looking forward to returning again soon.
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The Mrs. and I had a sitter for the kiddos on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, and I was looking for a place to take her for a quick bite before heading to the movies. I went to Yelp (duh) and was about to browse my list of places I've bookmarked on Yelp, when I happened to notice that a wine bar, previously unknown to me, based in MY HOMETOWN was tops for nightlife in my area. Game on.
We landed at Savvy Cellar just about an hour before closing time (it was a Sunday), and bellied up to the bar and promptly ordered a white wine flight, a red wine flights and a couple of appetizers which were meant to do double duty as dinner.
The 10 or so bar seats were full once we sat down, and there was a friendly vibe amongst the patrons who were eagerly and enthusiastically ordering wine by the glass or tasting from their own flights. The server was pleasant and informative, and took plenty of time to describe the origin and nuances of each of the wines as she meticulously poured out our eight (yes 8) glasses of wine.
The whites were comparatively unremarkable relative to the reds which blew us away one after the other. Particular standouts were the Spanish Rioja (admittedly I have a ton to learn about wine from Spain), and the Argentinian Melbec which was simply insane.
I would absolutely come back again. My recommendation is to be sure to sit at the bar so as to get the attention of the server, rather than settle for one of the adjacent tables.
Go Redwood City. Go Yelp.
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We stop in for wine and appetizers at this Redwood City wine bar a few times a month. The venue continues to improve as it becomes more established. The wine list changes frequently and I feel that the selections have gotten stronger in past months.
Recent changes to the appetizer menu included the addition of some lovely warm flatbreads and caprese salad. The crowd is friendly and the staff highly knowledgeable. The decor could use a little softening (we'd love a comfy couch or two), but the space is somewhat limited by the fact that it doubles as a wine store.
Overall, we enjoy coming here for a glass or a flight now and again. They fill up on weekend evenings- if you have a small group I'd recommend calling in a reservation. Live music on Saturday nights also adds some pizzazz. We're delighted by the success of Redwood City's first wine bar.
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This is a wonderful little find in downtown Redwood City where, sadly, there isn't that much to be found. I'm happy to say that Savvy is certainly worth the trip.
Unlike some wine bars in the bay area, Savvy really captures the atmosphere. It is personal and charming, but not overbearing. The staff is wonderfully knowledgeable about their very interesting wine selection. The wine selection is quirky enough to be interesting, but not so 'out there' that it is weird. They seem to maintain an excellent rotation balance, so that wines stay just long enough so that you can go back and buy more, but not so long that the selection is stale.
The wines are well-priced and if if you join their wine club then you get 10% off everything you buy in addition to HALF off the very nice Sunday afternoon wine tasting flight.
My only desire? As someone else stated, it would be nice if the food selection were a bit more varied, but I do understand they are into wine. It would also be nice to have a few bottles of slightly more expensive wines so that one could get a special bottle that has been selected with the same care they do their other bottles.
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LOVE THIS PLACE. Very friendly staff, which is why we keep going back.
Love the theme 90 point wine under $39. Great way to find new wine at a moderate price. Switch tasting menu every 2 weeks and do fun theme tastings on Sunday.
By far the best wine bar in the area we have found.
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We had an afterwork event in honor of nurses day at Savvy Wine Cellar on Wednesday March 26th. Jennifer arranged a wonderful assortment of 5 different "bubblies" for us. Each was from a different country and had very different qualities, they were all fabulous! She gave us excellent explanations of each, very educational as well as delicious.
We also had an amazing cheese platter, which was so much more than just cheese, perfectly paired with the champagnes, one of the nicest assortments I've ever had.
Oh, and did I mention they were the most generous tasting servings I have seen. We will definately go back!
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I have to give this place five stars no matter what pretty much just for existing in Redwood City. Of course, it mostly deserves it...they have awesome wine, a really friendly staff (mad props to our fave, Sharon!) who know a lot about the wine they are serving, the food is pretty good and they even have live music on Saturday nights.
My bf and I came here for the first time on our second date. I knew they were having live jazz and it was a Saturday night, and I was afraid it would be noisy and crowded and I wouldn't enjoy it. How wrong I was! We've been there several times on a Saturday, and while it seems to be the busiest night of the week, there have always been a few tables and maybe even a few seats at the bar open. The jazz is nice and not too loud. The owner used to sing sometimes, but she was very pregnant and then seemed to just disappear one day. The people that sit right by the musicians usually look VERY SERIOUS as they watch and listen. I'd try and sit far away from them if I were you, as they're likely to get annoyed if you talk and laugh too much.
The food is nothing fancy...it's not like they have a kitchen or anything. I especially like the cheese plate, which has blue cheese drizzled with honey. It did take the magic out of it a bit when they were talking about running to Safeway to get more baguettes.
It's really fun to get the red wine flight there, perhaps more than at another wine bar because they aren't really snobby or pretentious here. It's too bad you have to sit at the bar to get it, because if the bar is full you are just S.O.L.
One thing you shouldn't overlook is that you can choose any of the wines that they sell and have them serve you THAT. Even if you only drink part of it, you can just take the rest home with you. This is especially nice since the menu changes all the time (every week I think?) and if a wine you liked isn't on the menu any more, there is a good chance it will still be for sale by the bottle.
The one thing I don't like about Savvy Cellar is their hours. They are closed on Mondays (I think they usually have classes those nights) open rather limited hours on Sunday (we were practically sitting around outside waiting for them to open one time after mistakenly eating brunch someplace that didn't even serve mimosas) close at 9pm on Tues & Wed (why? Because it's a school night? Why, why, why???) and ah....well, they are open until 11pm on Thursdays when they have their champagne flight special...I'm so going back for that...yiiippppeeeee!!!!
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Thank you, Yelpers! All the great reviews piqued my interest and, um, the Erotic Foods class convinced me to check it out. Taught by Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis, the class offered up everything from bubbly to Viognier to Pinot to Syrah to Madeira, with little bites like small toasts drizzled in chile or truffle oil, Red Hawk cheese with honey, pistachios and roasted almonds, a dense chocolate truffle, and words of wisdom from Catherine on reveling in sensuality. A down-to-earth pearl of advice: Serve what your lover likes, not what you like or what you think they should like. Even if it is a buttery, oaky Chard.
The discreet signage makes it easy to breeze by, but one step inside and the warm colors and lighting and art give such a welcoming feel, not to mention the seating--at the bar, at high cafe tables and chairs, at regular two-seat tables, and in cozy, semi-enclosed rooms with couches and jewel-tone throw pillows. Definitely plan to keep coming back; the overall vibe just seems to make it a cool place to come with friends or dates.
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This is a gem on the sparsely visited nighttime streets of downtown Redwood City.
I have been to wine bars in Palo Alto and San Mateo that made me feel outclassed and afraid to ask questions. Savvy Cellars seems to really go out of their way to provide exactly the opposite experience. The staff are young, knowledgeable and unpretentious - I'm never afraid to ask questions or wager a guess about what I'm drinking. Of course the wines are excellent (90 points and above & all under $40) and they're always bringing in new ones. Their sommeliers have introduced to more than a couple wines that are now personal favorites.
They're usually opened pretty late which makes it a great place to go after dinner. I would suggest going with friends on a Saturday night when the place is packed and live jazz is being played. Also go on a Thursday evening for their regular sparkling wine tastings.
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after reading through other yelpers entries, i decided that this would be the place to celebrate after the CA bar exam.
i was a bit nervous. most lawyers are.
my brother and i arrived late, like a good south asian american woman. although, to my delight, my friends arrived on time. i stepped in to this crowded wine bar and felt at home. we sat next to a beautiful piano. thankfully no one was playing or we would not have been able to talk.
the wine, the friendly service, the company was amazing. i would definitely come back to this place.
it satisfied my needs in honor of taking the bar exam!
on saturday, they have a live jazz band play. how new york!
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Decent wine bar, very knowledgeable staff. I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more if I was around 45 years old, which appeared to be the median age of the patrons here on a Saturday night. Live jazz provided a nice atmosphere. I got the red wine flight for $18 and personally only cared for one wine of the bunch. This would be a nice place for after dinner drinks if you're in the downtown RWC area or if you want to learn more about the backgrounds of different wines; otherwise, I'd probably head up to 750ml in San Mateo where I could try out more wines for the price.
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Wowza! A friend of mine and I went to this place on a Friday night and I left thinking it was an interesting place. The atmosphere at the bar felt like you were sitting in someone's kitchen which was cool. The wines that were recommended were not great but what made up for it was the friendly pourers. The only downside to the night was that the customers sitting next to us were a little intense which made the experience a little uncomfortable. I would try it out again, most likely on a Saturday night, when the Jazz band plays.
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A wonderful place for a drink with friends. I love the ever changing wine selections and the folks pouring the wine are nice, knowledgeable, and low key. I'm a pretty serious wine freak and i'm picky. I don't always love all of the wines in the flights, but it's a nice way to try some new blends from some new places.
The food is pretty good for snacks. The cheese plate is the way to go. I wish the quality of the bread was better and the deserts could be a bit more adventurous, but they don't have a kitchen or much storage room. Love the 1/2 off appetizers on fridays from 4-7pm. A nice way to kick off the weekend (and a good place to meet before the summer concerts in downtown RWC on Friday nights)
The most disappointing thing is the hours. mid week, you can't visit post dinner unless you go out to dinner at 5pm (and if you are eating at 5, you probably have kids with you, kids are not allowed--it's a bar)
I wish they had wi fi, then I would be there instead of down the road when i go to blog. ; )
---UPDATE---
Savvy Cellar DOES have wifi! you just need to ask someone who works there. HOORAY!
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What a great concept! Get a lot of great wine, ditch the snobbery and set up a place where you can learn from wine experts and not spend a fortune.
All the wines here are 90 point+ wines. I had a few glasses of red and then went for the champagne flight. The cab I had was full bodied and velvety, I really enjoyed it and I enjoyed it even more when I could take a bottle of it home for $19.
I am still learning wine, wine-newbie. So it was really nice to have the staff walk me through their wine list and make recommendations.
The space itself is really nice as well. Cozy and comfortable.
A woman names Krista who works there really knows her wines, if she is there when you visit you are in luck! There was a man named Winston there but for some reason I got the name Marvin stuck in my head - sorry Winston... He was excellent and informative as well. My friend and I stayed there for about 2 hours and we will definitely be back. I highly recommend the Savvy Cellar for a place to spend a few hours catching up with friends and learning about wine.
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I just went here for the first time tonite and the sommelier was awesome. Very knowledgable and friendly. The music was great and we sat in back and had a great time. If you're in the area I suggest going here. I'll definately make the drive back to take some classes with my friend who lives near there. She goes to the classes, tastings, and pairings and loves them. Shes a wine club member and suggests it so I'm sure I'll be a member soon too.
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A few months ago, I came to this wine bar and had a very good experience.
Staff was friendly; it was clean, nice in general. I would have given them a 5 Star.
Unfortunately, yesterday I decided to go back to that "wonderful bar"
I was, am, disappointed of how dirty, messy and unfriendly became within
The last 3 months!
There were glasses everywhere and the counter was disgusting and
Not too friendly staff.
I will never go back nor recommend it to any of my friends.
Robert
A rare find down in the Peninsula, but Urban sprawl will likely increase the number of wine bars, bistros, and other trendy hang-outs in due time.
They have a wonderful selection of wines, a pleasant decor, and it is a good date spot.
You can taste interesting wines, and my waiter was relatively knowledgeable. His suggestions turned into a wonderful tasting and a few purchases!
There are French, Italian, and new world wines as well, in all price ranges.
Located in the main "downtown" area of Redwood city (I had to use quotes, as the area hardly qualifies as downtown anything, lol)
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My fiance and I are locals and have the joy of being able to walk downtown and one of our favorite spots is by far Savvy Cellar. Jennifer and Brent have done a wonderful job with this space. We are not wine aficionados by any stretch of the imagination, but in our many visits since they opened, we have learned quite a bit. The wine is obviously delicious and reasonably priced. The appetizers and desserts are delicious and are the perfect accompaniment to the wine. We've even taken a Sunday wine and cheese pairing class that was wonderful! The Saturday night jazz music makes this a great place to hang out and relax after dinner or a movie downtown.
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I found the staff to be very knowledgeable and friendly. I allowed the bartender to pick my wine flight and she was right for most. I did not care for only one wine. Not to say anything was wrong with it, but it was not for me.
The bar is warm an inviting. There were a few privet booths where you could gather with a few friends and have a bit more privacy. You are not separated from the room, but still set back.
When I was here it was Jazz night and the music was quite good. This would be a great place for a couple glasses of wine after dinner. The crowd on a Saturday was a bit older, but still diverse.
This is a great place to go if you are looking to learn about wine and try some very reasonably priced wines.
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I've been here a few times. Tasting menu is limited to 12-15 wines.
Decent selections, and all the wines are good. The wines are also not middle of the road, and are tasting a ;ittle different palette, which is a good thing. I would like more than 1 varietal to choose from some of the wines.
Cheese plate was great.
Very friendly staff. Great addition to downtown RWC. I would definitely come back.
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My husband and I just completed our first class at Savvy Cellars. We are wine newbies. We felt at ease and very informed. We are now proud members of the wine club and are patiently waiting for our first bottles of wine! A++ for sure!
Edit:
We have made a weekly habit of coming to Savvy. We love enjoying our wine and talking to Krista and Brian.
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It'll do, pig, it'll do.
I've had anywhere from so-so to great service here, but it's the only game in downtown RWC, so I keep going back. It seems to be improving with age.
Good selection of wines, a little pricey, but the warm atmosphere and the staff (when they're in the mood) make up for it.
We went to Savvy Cellar on a Saturday night and enjoyed it thoroughly.
This wine store serves as a wine tasting bar. I had the 6 wine flight and got to taste 2 wonderful wines, 2 very nice ones and a couple that were just not my taste, but that's what's tasting is all about. We had the cheese plate which was very nice and complemented some of the wines (the stronger ones). The atmosphere was splendid and the band was playing great jazz tunes.
We sat at the bar, but there were some tables and some in dimly lit clovers which were very romantic. The whole place is lined with shelves of wine bottles. The feel of the place is intimate and romantic, as is fitting this section of downtown Redwood City.
The somalie was very helpful, but I got the distinct feeling she was reciting what she's been told, which is fine by me.
You can buy their wine and there is a large selection. I got a couple of bottles which I liked in the tasting for $70 (both).
We loved the place and we will definitely come back.
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Anyone who knows me knows that I am no wine snob. I might not know much about wine but Iknow what I like. Every bottle they've sold me has been delicious. Plus I think its woman owned. I like that!
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This place is a great find on the penninsula. Really solid and frequently changing wine menu with all 90-point or above and $40 or below picks combined with regular live jazz and incredibly friendly and helpful staff makes this place wonderful for dates with new and old loved ones.
These people really care about wine and it shows through very affordable and enlightening sunday wine classes featuring everything from beginners classes to wine and food pairing to specialty tastings. If you don't love wine when you come in, you'll probably love it when you leave.
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