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Sustainable, funky, charming, chic, and slightly hipster. Seattle offers a blend of everything in its continuously evolving wine landscape. Known as the Emerald City, Seattle sits in Washington, the second-largest wine-producing state in the U.S., home to over 1,000 vineyards. Although trekking east across the mountains to visit Washington’s vineyards is rewarding, wine enthusiasts don’t need to leave Seattle to satisfy their palate.

As a Seattle native and a devoted wine aficionado, I’m constantly engaging with the diverse aspects of Seattle’s wine culture. For those preferring local flavors, many of Seattle’s wine bars specialize in wines from Washington’s vineyards, while some also showcase regional selections from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. If you’re enthusiastic about natural wines, Seattle boasts numerous small wine bars focusing on the trend of minimal intervention wines. Alternatively, if your taste leans towards Old World wines, you can explore the city’s French-inspired wine bars. Rest assured, wine lovers will find their thirst well catered to in Seattle.

In South Seattle’s South Park neighborhood, Left Bank stands as a central figure in the city’s natural wine movement. This cozy, tucked-away bar is a favorite of mine for a peaceful retreat while delving into new and exciting wines. Left Bank excels in offering delightful small-batch, minimal-intervention wines from a dynamic menu. Whether you’re a veteran natural wine drinker or just beginning to learn why you should drink natural wine, Left Bank is the go-to place.

This beloved local spot is celebrated as the tiniest and oldest natural wine shop and bar in South Park. Known for its eclectic charm, warm atmosphere, and dedication to community support, the venue passionately backs local causes like the Seattle Coalition on Homelessness and Black Lives Matter Seattle. Although Left Bank does not offer a food menu, patrons are encouraged to bring their own snacks to pair with their wine.

leftbankseattle.com (206) 257-5052
8526 14th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108

For a delightful natural wine experience, head over to Light Sleeper located in Capitol Hill’s Chophouse Row, a hub of top-tier dining and nightlife in Seattle. At Light Sleeper, wine enthusiasts can engage with the terroir bar and indulge in a selection of fine wines reflective of the trendy local vibe. When I visit alone, I often choose a flight to explore a variety of wines on their constantly changing list.

Visiting with friends usually means settling in at a table for the evening, gradually enjoying the distinctive wines on offer and partaking in seasonal small dishes. Light Sleeper is also known for its collaborative pop-up chef events. The indoor bar is stylishly adorned with plants, making it cozy, but on sunny days, the outdoor seating is the perfect spot to relax and observe the diverse activities of Capitol Hill. Nearby Wide Eyed Wines is an excellent choice for purchasing bottles to take home.

lightsleeperseattle.com(206) 333-04661424 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

If you’re a fan of French wines, make your way to Le Caviste, a cozy wine bar and bistro in Belltown. It’s the perfect spot for sipping away the Seattle chill with a variety of French wines from Beaujolais to Burgundy, and from Vouvray to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Le Caviste is celebrated locally for its diverse selections and serves as the ideal place to explore the wine regions of France. They offer a varying menu of wines available by the glass, advertised on a blackboard, ensuring there’s something to suit all tastes.

Indulge in the authentic tastes of France with their array of charcuterie, cheeses, salads, and daily specials, all perfect complements to their wines. The setting is intimate with just a few small tables and a bar, ideal whether you’re flying solo or mingling with fellow wine enthusiasts. During my visit, I enjoyed a glass of Beaujolais at the bar, lost in a good book and engaging conversations. For those interested in taking a bottle home, Le Caviste also features a bottle shop.

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 focal point in waste reduction is wine packaging. The solution: eliminate bottles, which produce extraordinary waste everye year. Over 2.5 billion wine bottles end up in landfills annually. Footprint pours its wines from keg taps instead of bottles and is the only spot in the city ot do so. The innovative business also offers a fill-up growler program.

When it comes to the wine itself, Footprint keeps it local, featuring a couple dozen Washington and Oregon wineries that regularly rotate. Should you work up an appetite, Footprint serves flatbreads, boards, and dips.

footprintwine.com(206) 485-71751222 E Madison St Ste C, Seattle, WA 98122</rilableetAddress.

Another popular venue on Capitol Hill joins the roster, showcasing the local flair for exceptional food and wine. La Dive has quickly become a vibrant hot spot, thanks to its captivating decor featuring vibrant artwork and shimmering swivel chairs. This popularity spurred the opening of a second outlet in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. The wine selection at La Dive is curated with a focus on minimal intervention wines, alongside some more well-known offerings for those new to the scene of natural wines. The menu regularly includes a selection of favorites like pet nat, cava, Vinho Verde, and chilled red wines.

La Dive is an ideal choice for a happy hour gathering, a leisurely mid-afternoon drink, or a spirited late-night outing with wine service extending until 2 am on the weekends. For those feeling particularly parched, La Dive offers a generous pour of house wine. Patrons can also enjoy beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. The food menu adds to the charm, with offerings such as cheese boards, deviled eggs, gourmet sandwiches, lavash quesadillas, and tinned fish.

ladiveseattle.com Located at 721 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122

In the verdant Madrona neighborhood of Seattle, Bottlehouse offers a serene atmosphere for enjoying wine, best experienced in its enchanting garden. For cooler days, the cozy interior of a craftsman house from the early 20th century provides a charming retreat. Bottlehouse prides itself on a diverse wine selection that prominently features unique wines from small-scale, boutique vineyards and natural or minimal intervention winemakers.

The rotating selection features regional and global wines. Bottlehouse offers wine by the half and quarter glass as well as full servings, ideal for those wanting to explore various vintages. Located in the Magnolia neighborhood, it’s a great place to enjoy light bites like baguettes with honey butter or more substantial dishes such as heirloom tomato and burrata, shaved asparagus salad, tuna crudo, and various sandwiches. For those not inclined towards wine, there are local beers, ciders, and house-made sodas available.</ bottlehouseseattle.com (206) 708-7164 1416 34th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

In Madison Park close to Lake Washington, Parlour Wines is run by a husband-wife team previously managing a wine shop in Brooklyn. Their focus is on offering quality wines that tell a story. The venue serves as both a wine bar and a bottle shop, offering a curated assortment of fine wines in a cozy setting.

The quaint brick structure houses wines predominantly crafted from both estate and organic sources, with the same dedicated team overseeing the cultivation and wine-making processes. These artisanal wines, both delightful and unique, are sure to draw visitors back. On sunny days, enjoy your wine on the terrace, taking in the vibrant scenes of Madison Park. While Parlour Wines does not offer food, guests are encouraged to bring their own meals.

parlourwinesmp.com (206) 710-4632 1803 42nd Ave E, Ground Fl, Seattle, WA 98112

In Seattle’s bustling Capitol Hill area, L’Oursin, which translates from French to “sea urchin,” presents a stylish retreat. Serving as both a wine bar and a restaurant, it offers dishes inspired by northwestern France and serves as an ideal venue for an evening outing or a casual meet-up. It’s a personal favorite spot within the locale.

The wine selection at L’Oursin primarily features natural wines from France. Each wine on their menu is tagged as either traditional or adventurous, aiding patrons in their selection process. The wine list includes everything from pet nat to gamay, and from chenin blanc to cabernet franc, showcasing some of the lesser-known wine regions of France. After exploring the wine offerings, patrons can indulge in a variety of seafood-oriented small plates, including Alaskan scallops and raw albacore tuna.

loursinseattle.com(206) 485-71731315 E Jefferson St, Seattle, WA 98122

Itto’s Vino, a fresh addition to West Seattle, infuses the area with Mediterranean charm. Weekly, Itto’s showcases an ever-changing collection of wines available by the glass. Their unique selection emphasizes lesser-known wine regions and innovative, low-intervention wines from across the Iberian Peninsula. Patrons can explore wines from places like the Basque Country, Morocco, Georgia, and Portugal at this welcoming local venue. For those indecisive about their wine choices, Itto’s Vino offers curated wine flights. Guests pick a country or wine style, and the bartenders prepare a personalized flight of three wines. In addition, the bar crafts exquisite cocktails and provides options for non-alcoholic wine drinkers.

In addition to its wine offerings, Itto’s Vino presents a dynamic and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired menu. Visitors are encouraged to arrive with an appetite to enjoy the full array of Spanish-inspired tapas. Delicious offerings include Basque cheeses, various cured meats, sardines, spicy mackerel, and piquillo peppers stuffed with tantalizing fillings.

ittosvino.com4158 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Few places capture the essence of Seattle like an airport-themed bar. Flight Wine and Chocolate pays homage to the city’s rich aviation history and its ties to Boeing Airplanes. Located in Capitol Hill, this unique wine bar is all about celebrating Washington’s finest wines, served in what else but wine flights.

While you’re welcome to enjoy a single glass, the highlight here is the curated wine tasting experience. It’s best to make a reservation, though walk-ins are also accepted. At Flight Wine and Chocolate, the aim is to showcase Washington’s vinicultural achievements with tastefully selected flight options. You can choose from First Class and Business Class flights featuring local Washington and Oregon wines, or opt for the International Flight that includes a selection of mainly French wines.

Enhance your wine flight with a selection of chocolates that perfectly complement the wines. Chocolate offerings change regularly, with previous selections including unique flavors like raspberry lemongrass, hibiscus pink peppercorn, chocolate cream, and lavender. Those with a penchant for sweets will relish pairing their flight with dessert wines at Flight Wine and Chocolate.

flightwineandchocolate.com (206) 712-6919
1300 E Pike St, Ste 103, Seattle, WA 98112

At Princess and Bear, a wine bar nestled in South Park, there’s a commitment to a finely curated theme. Unlike other establishments that may feature a broad range of French wines, this bar dedicates itself exclusively to those from the Languedoc Roussillon area, drawn by its rugged landscapes and old vine artisan wines. It was the passion of owners Carol Bailey and Steve Medwell, who perceived a shifting American palate and provided a niche for more refined tastes. Spanning from Provence to the Pyrenees along the southern border of France, the Languedoc region is replete with untouched vineyards and boutique winemakers. Many local producers favor crafting blends rather than focusing on single-varietal offerings.

A visit to Princess and Bear almost feels like a journey to the picturesque Languedoc itself. Though it’s physically located far from the Pyrenees, the bar boasts an exquisite assortment of artisan wines that embody the old-world charm, innovation, and distinct terroir of one of France’s most overlooked wine locales. It stands as an exceptional guide to Languedoc wines. Additionally, Princess and Bear enriches its patrons’ experience with monthly activities like French Conversation nights, Paint and Sip sessions, and winemaker series.

For more details, visit theprincessandthebear.com(206) 323-4757309 S Cloverdale St, Suite A1, Seattle WA 98108.

The local wine scene experienced a seamless transition when Fable All Day sprung up in the location once occupied by Petite Soif wine bar during the summer of 2023. Situated in Beacon Hill, south Seattle, the newly opened establishment continues the legacy of its precursor, focusing on natural wines with minimal intervention, all set within a beautifully designed, light-filled environment.

Beyond its delightful range of wines, Fable All Day also serves as a day-long café and has become a top pick for those who work remotely. It’s one of my preferred spots within the city for writing. Just find a spot, set up your laptop, and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine to spark your creativity.

For those who aren’t into wine, there’s a selection of local beers, coffees, and non-alcoholic drinks available. Make sure to try the daily variety of freshly baked goods or treat yourself to the extensive brunch and dinner offerings available throughout the week. Fable All Day additionally organizes winemaker evenings roughly once a month, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about the production of your favorite wines.

fableallday.com 3309A Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood is renowned as a prime location for exploring the city’s vibrant food and wine scene. Among the many esteemed wine bars in Fremont, Esters Enoteca offers a distinctly nostalgic vibe with its black and white tiled floors and a diverse collection of artwork that add to its charm.

While Esters isn’t solely a wine bar, it offers daily selections of red, white, and rosé wines at competitive prices. The wines are unique and enjoyable, complemented nicely by a delicious food menu featuring tapas, paninis, and pasta for lunch. Esters is also known for crafted sangria and vermouth spritz, as well as other cocktails and an array of non-alcoholic beverages. Consider visiting during the evening happy hour or on Thursdays when a wine purchase includes a complimentary scoop of paella.

estersenoteca.com (206) 295-1903 3416 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

The Ballard area in northern Seattle offers a serene retreat from the city’s hustle. Close to the Ballard Locks and Puget Sound, Ballard has a noticeable maritime influence, reflected in many of its local businesses. One such place is the new Halfseas Wine and Bottle Shop, which embraces this nautical theme. Inspired by the timeless connection between wine and the sea, Halfseas promotes community, joy, and the unique experiences wine offers.

Halfseas started as a monthly wine club during the pandemic, which evolved into a pop-up shop, and finally, a brick-and-mortar wine bar and shop. Visit this cozy venue to enjoy a glass of wine, possibly alongside engaging conversations, featuring wines that are not typically found in regular grocery stores. The shop hosts monthly tastings and offers a patio perfect for enjoying wine in good weather.”+

halfseaswine.com 5413 6th AVE NW, Seattle, WA 98107

An appealing and distinctive location in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge area, Chez Phinney draws its inspiration from the time spent by Julie and Andrew Goldstein in European wine bars. Situated on the vibrant Greenwood Ave, this self-service venue features 24 wines available for sampling by the ounce. Guests can try a variety of wines with a one-ounce taste before selecting their preferred quantity, whether a half or a full glass.

The selection of wines changes frequently, featuring both local varieties from the Pacific Northwest and classics from established Old World regions. If you are interested in sparkling wines, Chez Phinney offers a robust selection including Prosecco, cava, crémant, and pet nat. For those preferring non-alcoholic options, the bar provides mocktails, non-alcoholic wines, spritzes, and sparkling waters. To complement the wines, Chez Phinney offers traditional wine bar snacks such as cheese, dips, olives, bruschetta, and tapenade, enhancing your tasting experience.

chezphinney.com(206) 656-7400 7400 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

As a resident and enthusiastic follower of the local wine scene in Seattle, I have intimately explored the wine offerings of the area time and again. I have a passion for discovering local bars that champion lesser-known vineyards and vintners, presenting wines that one wouldn’t typically find in regular dining spots or supermarket aisles. While Seattle boasts countless excellent wine bars, the ones listed here are particularly notable to me, places to which I find myself continuously returning.

My personal explorations have taken me to various noteworthy spots including Left Bank, Fable, L’Oursin, Le Caviste, La Dive, Esters Enoteca, Light Sleeper, Princess and Bear, Bottlehouse, and Footprint Wine. Additionally, I continually seek out promising new establishments, often identified through diligent research, local word-of-mouth, and online critiques. These venues have all garnered high praise and share a commitment to serving exceptional, memorable wines with unique backgrounds.

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