Our Guide to the Best Wine Bars in Santa Monica

Wine bars have become increasingly popular across the country and some of the very best can be found in the Los Angeles area. Relax and enjoy a delicious glass of cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, or pinot noir at wine bars in the Santa Monica area. While there are plenty of places to grab a glass of wine or two and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica’s wine bars are also perfect for grabbing a bite to eat alongside your favorite varietal.

Can’t-Miss Wine Bars in Santa Monica

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to savor a glass of red, or prefer the bustling energy of a busy bar, we’ve got you covered. Here are some local favorites:

Wally’s Wine

Wally’s Santa Monica offers an upscale yet casual atmosphere that pairs well with a polo and pinot or a suit and sauvignon. Wally’s Wine offers a unique hybrid-concept dining and shopping experience. Explore Wally’s tantalizing menu and sample wine from their selection of over 100 wines by-the-glass, or stop and shop at their gourmet counter for premium meats, cheeses and handcrafted chocolates. Relax and sip solo, or bring your friends and reserve their wine-cave-inspired private event space for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a casual afternoon cocktail and apps or an upscale date night dining experience, Wally’s has you covered.

Esters Wine Shop & Bar

Esters Wine Shop & Bar is a hip wine bar and restaurant located in Santa Monica that serves the best in seasonal and local food. It features a stylish and welcoming atmosphere that invites friends and wine lovers alike to unwind together and experience a sense of discovery. 

wine bars
bars open santa monica

With Esters just an eight-minute walk from the Santa Monica Farmers Market, Chef de Cuisine Sheyna McCallister takes full advantage of the nearby local produce to create a variety of snacks and perfectly composed dishes for lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch—all of which pair beautifully with their wine library featuring smaller-planet-friendly producers. The Lavender Almonds and Smokey Dates are not to be missed! Plus, there’s no better place to watch the sunset than their outdoor patio. Enjoy brunch on Saturday and Sunday, or happy hour in the afternoon everyday.

Bodega Wine Bar

Bodega Wine Bar brings a cozy and relaxing vibe to Santa Monica locals. Their wine list features over 60 wines by the glass and hundreds more by the bottle, including reds, whites, and even sake. Bodega’s carefully curated menu also includes charcuterie boards and cheese plates made from local producers, as well as other small plates, sandwiches, burgers and salads.They feature indoor and outdoor dining, as well as takeout and delivery. Bodega serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 3pm, and offers Wine Wednesdays, where guests can enjoy $25 bottles of wine from 3pm to close.

Sogno Toscano Cafe & Wine Bar

Step into Sogno Toscano Cafe & Wine Bar and embark on a journey to Italy within this enchanting restaurant boasting an elegant patio. Renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and genuine Tuscan fare, indulge in a delightful variety of timeless Italian delicacies prepared from the finest, freshest ingredients. Relish wood-fired pizzas, an enticing selection of antipasti, and decadent desserts. Unwind with a glass of fine wine amidst the charm of the intimate outdoor patio setting.

Sogno Toscano Cafe & Wine Bar are open everyday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm from Sunday through Tuesday, and 8:00 am to 10:00 pm from Wednesday through Saturday, so there’s always time to stop by before work or for dinner!

Sogno Toscano Cafe & Wine Bar Interior
Sogno Toscano Cafe & Wine Bar patio
picture of plates of food

Local Kitchen & Wine Bar

Local Kitchen & Wine Bar has deep roots in Santa Monica. The owners have lived in the area for three generations and support nearby farms and producers by sourcing local ingredients. Local Kitchen & Wine Bar offers a casual dining experience with outdoor patio dining options in Santa Monica that pairs small seasonal plates and handcrafted Neapolitan style pizza with exceptional wines and small batch cocktails.Their menu features an extensive selection of wines, most of which are crafted here in California. A specialty is their orange wine from the Anderson Valley.

local wine bar

No trip to Santa Monica is complete without stopping by at some of these local wine bars and happy hours.The beach-side city of Santa Monica has built a reputation for its happy hour offerings, with a plethora of fun, casual places to enjoy some good wine and food.

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