Explore Seattle’s Finest: Top 15 Wine Bars You Must Visit Chris Lehoux, June 9, 2024 Sustainable, funky, charming, chic, and a little bit hipster. Seattle offers a mix of everything in its vibrant wine scene. Known as the Emerald City, Seattle is situated in Washington, the second-largest wine-producing state in the USA, boasting over 1,000 vineyards. While venturing east to the vineyards of Washington is a commendable journey, wine aficionados can satisfy their palate right in Seattle itself. As a Seattle native with a deep affection for wine, I am constantly discovering the varied facets of Seattle’s wine community. For those who prefer to explore locally, several of Seattle’s wine bars focus on wines from Washington vineyards and even extend their selection to include varieties from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. If you are enthusiastic about natural wines, the city offers numerous small wine bars celebrating the trend of minimal intervention wines. Alternatively, for those inclined towards Old World wines, there are several French-inspired wine bars dotted throughout the city. One thing is clear: wine lovers have plenty of options in Seattle. Read more: The Best Meat For Your Charcuterie Board Isn’t One You’d Expect A beloved fixture in South Seattle’s South Park area, Left Bank stands as a central hub in the city’s natural wine movement. This quaint establishment is among my favorite spots in the city for a serene retreat to delve into fascinating new wines. Left Bank excels in offering delightful glasses of small-batch, minimal-intervention wines from a dynamic menu. Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer curious about why you should drink natural wine, Left Bank is the place to be. This local favorite is renowned for being the tiniest and oldest natural wine shop and bar in South Park. Known for its unique character, inviting atmosphere, and straightforward approach, it strongly supports local causes including the Seattle Coalition on Homelessness and Black Lives Matter Seattle. While Left Bank does not offer a food menu, customers are encouraged to bring their own food to pair with their wine selections. leftbankseattle.com (206) 257-5052 8526 14th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 Visit Capitol Hill’s popular Chophouse Row to enjoy a glass of natural wine at Light Sleeper. Capitol Hill, known for its vibrant dining and nightlife, houses Chophouse Row which boasts top dining experiences. At Light Sleeper, wine enthusiasts will appreciate the terroir bar that reflects Capitol Hill’s trendy atmosphere, offering a chance to taste excellent local wines. When visiting alone, I like to order a wine flight to experience a variety of selections from their continually changing menu. When accompanying friends, I opt for a table to comfortably spend the evening, indulging in the eclectic wine offerings and enjoying seasonal small dishes. Light Sleeaper frequently invites pop-up chefs for joint events at night. The interior bar is stylishly adorned with plants, but taking a seat outside during sunny weather to observe the vibrant street life of Capitol Hill while enjoying a drink is highly recommended. Don’t forget to check out Wide Eyed Wines nearby for bottles to take home. lightsleeperseattle.com(206) 333-04661424 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 If you’re a fan of French wine, make your way to Le Caviste, located in the Belltown area. This cozy wine bar and bistro is the perfect spot to escape the cool Seattle weather, offering a much-celebrated selection of French wines. With options ranging from Beaujolais to Burgundy and Vouvray to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Le Caviste is the premier venue in Seattle to explore the wine regions of France. Their wine list, displayed on a blackboard, includes a dynamic array of wines by the glass, catering to all types of wine enthusiasts. As you indulge in the distinctive tastes of French vineyards, you can enjoy an array of food pairridings such as charcuterie, cheese plates, salads, and plats du jour designed to complement the wine selection. The setting is intimate, offering small tables ideal for personal moments. During my visit alone, I found a comfortable spot at the bar where I enjoyed a glass of Beaujolais, read a book, and engaged in conversations with fellow patrons. Le Caviste also features a bottle shop for those looking to take a bottle home. lecavisteseattle.com(206) 728-26571919 7th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 The perfect spot for innovative, earth-loving winos, Footprint Wine Tap elevates the sustainable wine game — and might just make you stop and think about what sustainable means when it comes to wine. This Capitol Hill wine bar is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint wherever possible. The main focus on waste reduction is wine packaging. The solution: eliminate bottles, which produce exceptional waste every year. Over 2.5 billion wine bottles end up in landfills each year. Footprint pours its wines from keg taps instead of bottles and is the only establishment in the city to do so. The innovative business also features a fill-up growler program. Highlighting local flavors, Footprint features wines from several dozen Washington and Oregon wineries, with offerings that regularly change. If hunger strikes, Footpick offers various flatbreads, boards, and dips. footprintwine.com(206) 485-71751222 E Madison St Ste C, Seattle, WA 98122 Another Capitol Hill establishment makes an appearance on the list. The neighborhood truly knows how to deliver when it comes to food and wine. La Dive is a fun spot filled with bold artwork and glittery swifes that became so popular a second location recently opened in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. The wine list features primarily minimal intervention wines with some more accessible pours for those just starting to dip their toes into the world of natural wine. Expect favorites including a rotating pet nat, cava, Vinho Verde, and chilled red on the list. La Dive is the perfect spot for happy hour, a mid-afternoon wine, or a late-night glass, as wine is poured until 2 am on the weekends. If you’re extra thirsty, go for La Dive’s long pour of a house wine filled to the brim. Beer, cocktails, and NA options are also available. This funky establishment mixes up an array of foods; snack your way through the likes of cheese boards, deviled eggs, gourmet sandwiches, lavash quesadillas, and tinned fish. ladiveseattle.com 721 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122 Situated in Seattle’s leafy Madrona neighborhood, my preferred way to enjoy Bottlehouse is to unwind with wine in its lush garden. If it’s not the weather for outdoor wining and dining, grab a seat in the early 20th-century craftsman house that is just as charming. Bottlehouse boasts a rich wine menu featuring a unique variety of wines from small, boutique wineries and natural or minimal intervention winemakers. The rotating selection features both regional and global wines. At Bottlehouse, you can explore various wines as they offer half and quarter glasses besides the full servings. It’s an ideal venue for wine enthusiasts looking to taste different wines. Located in the Magnolia neighborhood, Bottlehouse ensures visitors are well-fed with an assortment of light bites and hearty dishes. Enjoy a simple snack of baguette with honey butter or indulge in gourmet plates like heirloom tomato with burrata, shaved asparagus salad, and tuna crudo, along with assorted sandwiches. For those who prefer something other than wine, there are local craft beers, ciders, and house-made sodas available. bottlehouseseattle.com (206) 708-7164 1416 34th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 Nestled in Madison Park close to Lake Washington, Parlour Wines is led by a couple who once managed a wine store in Brooklyn. They focus on delivering high-quality wines with compelling narratives to their patrons. The venue serves as both a bottle shop and wine bar, offering a curated selection of fine wines in a cozy space. The brick establishment focuses on producing wines primarily from estate-grown and organic fruits, ensuring that the same group of people oversees both the farming and fermentation processes. The high-quality, small-batch wines created here are both delightful and captivating, guaranteed to make you a regular visitor. On clear days, enjoy your wine on the patio while observing the vibrant scene of Madison Park. Parlour Wines does not offer food, but guests are encouraged to bring their own. parlourwinesmp.com (206) 710-4632 1803 42nd Ave E, Ground Fl, Seattle, WA 98112 Known as “sea urchin” in French, L’Oursin presents itself as a stylish retreat in the bustling Capitol Hill district of Seattle. Functioning both as a wine bar and restaurant, it offers a taste of Northwestern French cuisine, making it an ideal location for an evening outing or a reunion, and is among my preferred spots in the area. The wine menu primarily features natural wines from France, categorizing each as either traditional or bold to assist guests in their selections. From pet nat to gamay and chenin blanc to cabernet franc, L’Oursin’s selection showcases intriguing and refined wines from lesser-known regions in France. After exploring the wine offerings, guests can indulge in a variety of seafood-oriented small dishes, including Alaskan scallops and raw albacore tuna. loursinseattle.com(206) 485-71731315 E Jefferson St, Seattle, WA 98122 Itto’s Vino, a new addition to West Seattle, exudes a Mediterranean charm. Every week, Itto’s features a rotating selection of wines by the glass, emphasizing lesser-known wine regions and quirky, minimal intervention wines from the Iberian Peninsula. Explore wines from places like the Basque Country, Morocco, Georgia, and Portugal in this cozy neighborhood locale. If decision-making proves difficult, opt for a wine flight; pick your country of origin or wine style, and let the knowledgeable bartenders prepare a flight of three different pours. Besides wines, Itto’s Vino boasts a selection of meticulously prepared cocktails and several non-alcoholic wine options. The gastronomic offerings at Itto’s Vino are as vibrant as its drinks, inspired by the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Arrive with an appetite to enjoy their Spanish-themed tapas menu, featuring items such as Basque cheeses, cured meats, sardines, spicy mackerel, and stuffed piquillo peppers, all perfect for pairing with their wines. ittosvino.com4158 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 Few things are more quintessentially Seattle than an establishment inspired by the airport. Flight Wine and Chocolate pays homage to Seattle’s rich aviation heritage and its significance as the commercial hub for Boeing Airplanes. Located in Capitol Hill, this airplane-themed wine bar primarily celebrates top-tier Washington wines through, fittingly, wine flights. While guests can enjoy a single glass, the highlight here is the wine-tasting journey. It’s wise to book in advance, though walk-ins are also welcome. At Flight Wine and Chocolate, tasting flights are specially designed to showcase the grandeur of Washington’s wine regions from a convenient Seattle location. Guests have a selection of flight options to choose from; ‘First Class’ and ‘Business Class’ focus on wines from Washington and Oregon, whereas the ‘International Flight’ option illuminates foreign wines, predominantly French selections. Enhance any chosen wine flight with an assortment of chocolates, which are selected to perfectly pair with the wines. The chocolate offerings are regularly updated, featuring unique flavors such as raspberry lemongrass, hibiscus pink peppercorn, chocolate cream, and lavender. Those with a penchant for sweets can indulge in these chocolates alongside Flight’s dessert wine flight. flightwineandchocolate.com (206) 712-69191300 E Pike St, Ste 103, Seattle, WA 98112 Princess and Bear, a distinctive wine bar in South Park, adopts a niche approach by exclusively featuring wines from the Languedoc Roussillon region of France. The bar, established by Carol Bailey and Steve Medwell who have a penchant for the region’s wild terrain and artisanal wines, curates an exceptional array of small-batch wines that showcase the uniqueness of the area. The Languedoc region, stretching from Provence to the Pyrenees and bordering Spain, is known for its diverse grape varietals and predominant production of blended wines over single-varietal options. The ambiance at Princess and Bear echoes the scenic landscapes of Languedoc. Though it may lack the backdrop of the Pyrenees, the wine bar presents a compelling selection of wines that encapsulate the old-world charm, innovative methods, and the distinctive terroir of one of France’s most undervalued wine regions. It serves as an excellent guide to Languedoc wines. Further enriching the cultural experience, Princess and Bear organizes monthly events such as French Conversation evenings, Paint and Sip, and sessions with winemakers. Learn more at theprincessandthebear.com(206) 323-4757, located at 309 S Cloverdale St, Suite A1, Seattle WA 98108. When a well-loved wine bar in the neighborhood closes down, the ideal situation is for another outstanding establishment to replace it. That’s exactly what happened with Fable All Day, which launched in the summer of 2023 at the former site of Petite Soif in Beacon Hill, south Seattle. Staying true to the essence of its predecessor, Fable All Day focuses on natural wines and minimal-intervention wines within a thoughtfully crafted, luminous environment. Beyond its fun range of wines, Fable All Day also doubles as an all-day café and is a fantastic spot for remote workers, and is among my favorite writing spots in the city. Pull up a chair, open up your laptop, and order a glass of wine to help get your creative juices flowing. Non-wine lovers can choose from local beers, coffee, and other NA beverages. Don’t forget to check out Fable’s daily selection of freshly baked pastries and treats or indulge in its full brunch and dinner menu served throughout the week. About once a month, Fable also hosts winemakers evenings, inviting guests to tap into the behind-the-scenes of their favorite wines. fableallday.com3309A Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood is another hot spot on the Emerald City’s food and wine tour. While Fremont is home to several solid wine bars, Esters Enoteca hits a bit differently than the rest. I was immediately taken by the black and white tiled floors and eclectic artwork on the walls, which are reminiscent of a different time and place. While Esters isn’t solely a wine bar, it provides an excellent daily selection of red, white, and rose wines at competitive prices. The wines are engaging and pair wonderfully with their delectable menu, which includes tapas, paninis, and pasta dishes suited for lunch. Esters is also known for its delightful sangria and vermouth spritzes, as well as a robust cocktail list and numerous non-alcoholic beverage options. Visitors are encouraged to attend their evening happy hours or visit on a Thursday for a chance to receive a complimentary scoop of paella with a glass of wine or another drink of choice. estersenoteca.com (206) 295-1903 3416 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 Ballard, located in northern Seattle, offers a quaint retreat that seems miles apart from the bustling city center. Positioned near the Ballard Locks with convenient access to Puget Sound, Ballard imbues a strong maritime character that influences many local venues. Halfseas Wine and Bottle Shop is one of these, carrying a nautical theme. Inspired by the timeless synergy of wine and the sea, Halfseas emphasizes community, enjoyment, and the exclusive qualities of wine. Originally starting as a monthly wine club during the lockdowns, it evolved from a pop-up outlet to a permanent wine bar and shop deeply ingrained in the neighborhood. Guests are invited to savor a unique glass of wine and engage in friendly dialogue, enjoying selections you typically won’t find in regular grocery stores. Halfseas also hosts monthly wine tasting events and features a patio designed for enjoying wine in the sunshine. halfseaswine.com 5413 6th AVE NW, Seattle, WA 98107 An enticing and quirky establishment located in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge, Chez Phinney takes its cue from the European adventures of its proprietors, Julie and Andrew Goldstein. This self-service venue on vibrant Greenwood Ave features 24 wines available for tastings by the ounce. Begin with a one-ounce sample to discover your preference, then decide on a half or full glass of your choice. The selection of wines changes frequently, showcasing varieties from the Pacific Northwest and traditional wine-growing areas of the Old World. For those who enjoy sparkling wines, Chez Phinney offers a diverse array of Prosecco, cava, crémant, and pet nat. Non-alcoholic options such as mocktails, alcohol-free wines, spritzes, and sparkling waters are also available. To complement the wine, Chez Phinney serves a selection of typical wine bar appetizers such as cheese, dips, olives, bruschetta, and tapenade to enhance your wine tasting experience. chezphinney.com (206) 656-7400 7400 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 As a Seattle native, wine enthusiast, and food, travel, and drinks writer from the region, I have tasted my way through Seattle’s wine scene many times over. I enjoy exploring neighborhood bars that support small vineyards and winemakers and offer wine that can’t be found on the average restaurant menu or grocery store shelf. Seattle has more wine phenomenal wine bars than are able to fit into one story, but this list represents the most memorable wine bars I have visited and that I keep returning to. Personally, I have visited Left Bank, Fable, L’Oursin, Le Caviste, La Dive, Esters Enoteca, Light Sleeper, Princess and Bear, Bottlehouse, and Footprint Wine. I’ve added a few new contenders on the block, which I come across through research, local networks, and online reviews. Each of these spots has received top ratings and echoes the same sentiment as the others on the list: a dedication to serving stand-out, fun wines with a story. Read the original article on Tasting Table About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine