The Grapevine
The Grapevine is a casual wine bar with an assortment of dishes available, ranging in price as of 2009 from $5 to $10. Some of the food selections include various cheese platters, various dry deli meats, olives, popcorn and a collection of desserts. Wine flights range in price from $9 for a selection of three rosés to $20 for a selection of two ports and a cabernet. California wines make up the majority of the list here, but France, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Italy and Washington are all well represented. The Grapevine also serves a fine selection of sakes, hard ciders and beers.
The Grapevine
1389 Lincoln Ave.
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 293-7574
grapevinewillowglen.com
The San Pedro Square Bistro and Wine Bar
The San Pedro Square Bistro and Wine Bar combines a high-end bistro with a selective wine bar, featuring some of the best wines available in San Jose. As of 2009, dishes ranged in price from $5 for small plates to $30 for large meat dishes. During lunch the menu consists primarily of sandwiches, which are available for around $10 each. The wine selection is enormous, collected in a non-traditional wine list that spans the globe and covers a wide range of styles. There are wines here for every price point, and the staff is knowledgeable and happy to assist you in finding exactly what you want.
San Pedro Square Bistro and Wine Bar
20 North Almaden Ave.
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 298-9463
spsbistrowinebar.com
Unwined
Unwined is a well-established wine bar, wine shop and venue. As of 2009, food selections included tapas ranging in price from $2 to $8.50 and large plates up to $15. Wines are broken down into thematic three-wine flights, such as "Cal-Italia" whites, zinfandel, or lesser-known reds. Two-and-a-half ounce pours and full six-ounce glasses are also available for purchase of each of the 50 wines offered for flights. Prices range from $4 to $9 for half pours, $9 to $19 for full glasses and $13 to $21 for flights.
Unwined
6946 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 323-9463
unwinedshop.com
The Vintage Wine Shop
The Vintage Wine Shop is one of the largest in San Jose, and the wine bar mirrors the flagship store's focus on quality and variety. The food here is of the snack variety, rather than the bistro variety, but there is still a good sampling of treats for pairing with your wines. The star attraction is the wine, however, and Vintage is unparalleled in San Jose. The staff here is particularly well-trained, and will happily guide you to wines to pair with future meals or to the cellar for special occasions.
Vintage Wine Bar
368 Santana Row #1040
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 985-9463
vintagewinemerchants.com
About The Author
Situated on the beautiful Mendocino Coast in Northern California, Brendan McGuigan has been writing professionally since 2003. His articles have appeared in "Pology," "San Francisco Restaurant Review," 1001 Beautiful Sights, and Visual Travel Tours. He studied linguistics and phonoly at Goddard College.
