A Few of Our Favorite Sacramento Wine Bars
A glass of Rose and Venetian Spritz at Ro Sham Beaux in Midtown Sacramento.
It was a hardship but in the interest of research we whiled away a few delightful hours over several weekends to discover some of the best wine bars in Sacramento. Here are a few of our favorite spots — so far.
Ro Sham Beaux
First up is Ro Sham Beaux — a wine bar and bottle shop located on J Street in midtown. Brought to you by the Irish Hospitality Group (The Snug, The Butterscotch Den.) Expect good wine and good humor. The name refers to the way many people pick wine — rock, paper, scissors. The team aims to demystify the choices and educate you at the same time. We like sitting inside at one of the small tables but there is also a long bar inside if you want to chat with the wine-tender as wells as a pleasant parklet outside. The shop also offers snacks and low-ABV cocktails. And it must be noted that famed patisserie Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates is located next door to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Good News Wine Bar in Midtown Sacramento has an actual bar we love to sit at.
Good News Wine
You may have noticed this wine and bottle shop while strolling the Farmer’s Market or other event that often takes place in front of their shop on 20th Street in midtown. The owners Jennifer and Bennett Cross are food/beverage veterans. The interior looks a bit like a diner with its long counter and booths. Good News Wine focus on natural wines and also offer a good selection of vermouth for tasting. They also have a small selection of snacks to enjoy with your wine but we hear a wider menu might be in the works — their location used to be a pizza spot so they have a full kitchen at their disposal.
Along with their great wine selection, Betty Wine Bar has a fabulous selection of food and makes a great place for a light dinner.
Betty Wine Bar and Bottle Shop
We can highly recommend Betty Wine Bar and Bottle Shop as a light dinner option with small plates and a vibrant scene. Located in Southside Park in downtown Sacramento and founded by Colleen Fleming (Napa’s Cadet), Sarah Milstein and Jenna Sargeant. The shop was named after two of the founder’s grandmothers. They offer lunch options as well as a light dinner menu. The market part of the shop offers pantry items and housewares. A great place to find not only wine but unusual gift items.
Nook Wine and Bistro has a beautiful bar and a great outdoor area as well.
The Nook Wine and Bistro
The Nook Wine and Bistro is tucked away in a small string of shops in the middle of a residential area in East Sacramento. A bookstore is next door making it a great place for parents to sip their wine on The Nook’s patio while the teens browse for books. Owner Joe Holmberg’s food is based on Spanish tapas and the wines offered are Spanish and California wines with beer also available.
Nico Wine in the Ice Blocks on R Street is a great spot to hang out and discuss wine with the knowledgeable staff.
Nico Wine
Located on R Street in the Ice Blocks, this natural wine bar, Nico Wine, owned by Nico Corich was one of our favorite spots. The wine offerings change each week and always features bubbles, white and red wine as well as an orange wine. Corich tries to have about 60% domestic offerings and 40% global finds. His shop is a small one but it is full of sunshine and good music as well as a knowledgable staff.
We look forward to exploring more wine bars in the Sacramento Area. Please reach out and tell us your favorite spots. Cheers!
