Correction: National Drink Wine Day is Tuesday Feb. 18. An earlier version of this article was missing the date.
National Drink Wine Day on Tuesday is a good excuse to uncork a bottle, swirl a glass and indulge in this beloved elixir.
Whether you’re craving a bold red, a crisp white or a bubbly toast, San Diego is brimming with places to sip, savor and celebrate. From intimate wine bars to coastal escapes, here’s where to raise a glass in style:
RustiCucina in Hillcrest brings Italy to you with its rustic, farm-to-table fare. Pair a glass of their House Red or White with handmade pasta, fresh antipasti, or seasonal specialties.
Just steps from the sand in Pacific Beach, The Duck Dive pairs a laid-back coastal vibe with a solid wine selection. Keep it classic with a crisp white or bold red, like the Cabernet Sauvignon from Firestone Vineyards in Paso Robles. Duck Dive also boasts a weekly Wine Wednesday, from 6 to 10 p.m. with half-off bottles of wine and bubbles.
Hidden in Clairemont, Arely’s French Bakery features a $20 Wine Flight including a range, from bold Bordeaux reds to crisp California white. Sip a buttery Chardonnay alongside a flaky croissant or a deep, velvety Cabernet with a slice of rich chocolate cake. Wines are available in glass and bottles.
Tour de Tapas, a new restaurant in La Mesa, offers “Euro Small Plates & Sips” with Spanish, French and Italian influence and has a wine list that features more than 30 selections almost exclusively from Spain, France, and Italy. The list was curated by founder Gerry Torres, a Mexico City native who has traveled extensively to Europe, including stops in Madrid, Paris, Bordeaux, the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome and Emilia-Romagna. Guests can enjoy happy hour with 15% off all wines by the glass and wine bottles from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The happy hour returns later in the night: 8:30 p.m. to close on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 9 p.m. to close on Friday and Saturday.
At Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters, the menu is a love letter to California cuisine, featuring a global wine list highlighting local coastal favorites and international standouts. Elevate your tasting with a crisp Glera—an Italian Prosecco whose effervescent bubbles cut through the briny sweetness of each oyster or dive into a velvety Pinot Noir, the perfect match for those flame-kissed, wood-fired creations. All wines by the glass are $4 off during happy hour, which runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday to Friday and from 12 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
At Coco Maya in Little Italy try a pour of Ananas, a one-of-a-kind Pinot Noir produced in Annapolis and bottled exclusively for Grind & Prosper Hospitality. Infused with notes of white pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and a whisper of wild strawberry, this unexpected red is bold and complex.
No matter your wine style, San Diego has a glass waiting. This National Drink Wine Day, take a sip, savor the moment, and toast to good company, great flavors and even better wine.
