While Tiburon is booming with wine bars (five at last count), this little wine bar in the heart of town is in a class by itself. The mostly European and American wine list includes plentiful 1er Cru Chardonnay and French Pinot Noir from the ever-popular Burgundy as well as compelling sips of the occasional Assyrtiko or Super Tuscan. Be sure to try whatever is on their specials menu (Champagne flight, anyone?). Paired with a large charcuterie board, it makes the ultimate “Girl Dinner.”
Don’t miss: Tasting Flights, Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Dip, Recchiuti Chocolates
Don’t let the “and wine bar” in the restaurant’s name deter you from sampling the fare at this charming Fairfax restaurant & bakery. Plenty attention is given to the regularly updated, mostly French and American list, including by-the-glass options of Burgundy and Bordeaux, lesser-known regions, and the occasional Malbec from Argentina or Italian Terbbiano. It’s all available by the glass, carafe or bottle with a French-influenced menu of small plates or one of those inimitable croissants to match.
Don’t miss: Escargot, Quiche du Jour, Croissants and Baguettes
A new wine bar and lounge from Margaret and David Ruiz (Stillwater in Fairfax) swooped into the broad-windowed space in the Cheda Building in December. The couple, whose Souvenir wine shop down the street focuses on retail, do not give the menu a specific geographic focus (a recent menu leaned into European and western North American appellations) but does offer minimal intervention wines by the glass and bottle. The expanded wine bar menu includes tartares and toasts, meat and cheese plates, and a dessert or two. Though there are room couches and a fireplace, the best people-watching is at the rail in the window. DJs spin atmospheric music on weekends attracting young, thirsty crowds.
Don’t miss: Mortadella Hoagie, Low and No-abv cocktails
The prosciutto-wrapped dates (yum!) are reason enough to visit a wine bar that straddles the border between Corte Madera and Larkspur. Known best for boutique California wines like Tooth and Nail 2021 Possessor Red Blend from Paso Robles or the Shypoke 2018 "Keep" Red Blend from Calistoga, it’s the 6-ounce pours of Marzaiola 2022 Lacrima di Morro d'Alba DOC or the chance to sample the sake aperitif Sabé Blanco Tequila-Infused Sake from Jalisco that
keeps things lively. The weekday happy hour beer menu, Friday night tasting events and Saturday live music mean every day of the week is a party.
Don’t Miss: Prosciutto-wrapped, Cheese-stuffed Baked Figs, Spanish Vermouth, Beer Happy Hour
Along Larkspur’s northernmost reach sits a tucked away spot with a C-shaped bar, perfect for whiling away an afternoon sipping a glass of sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne or one of the many beers available on the extensive can and bottle list. A small menu of cheese, meat and crackers complements the beverages, and empowers a second selection, perhaps an Elena Walch Schiava, a lighter-style red from Alto Adige that just may change your perception of what Italian wines can be.
Don’t miss: Sitting at one of the outdoor tables under the big tree on a sunny afternoon
