Best Wine Stores In Sacramento
Varietals, new blends and old vines are part of the diverse, eclectic world of wine, and the taste bud-tempting options can seem overwhelming. As with food and fashion, certain styles of wine become particularly popular for a time. Recent trends include Tempranillo, a full-bodied red from Spain, and the resurgence of dry and semi-dry Rosé. Whether you wish to find just the right buttery chardonnay or to explore the myriad of other possibilities, these Sacramento shops can help you uncork the possibilities.
Ficklin-Wilcox
920 20th St., Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 341-0240
www.ficklinwilcox.com
Ficklin Vineyards, though based in Madera, comes to Sacramento in this shop that is a lot more than just a place to buy a bottle. Tastings are available for a nominal fee and there are classes available on blending your own wine and pairing wine with food. The store also has a selection of glassware, kitchen gadgets and linens. Ficklin features award-winning ports and wines, and offers a line of red and white Iberian table wines. Recent offerings include Branco Doce, Tinta Cào and Verdelho.
Related: Best Sangria In Sacramento
The Underground Tasting Room
900 2nd St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-2349
www.TheUndergroundTastingRoom.com
Visit this Old Sacramento location for award-winning wines from Fenton Herriott Winery and Twisted Twig Winery. The latter offers ultra-premium California reds including Storyline Syrah and Epic Cabernet and selections of Fenton Herriott's liquid jewels include a small production lot of off-dry Rosé, a floral honey Gewürztraminer and JakeWay, a unique blend of estate-grown reds. Underground can help arrange winery tours, has wine and food events and sells items such as Meyer lemon pear marmalade and a tangerine fig balsamic sauce.
Rail Bridge Cellars
921 11th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 492-2530
www.railbridgecellars.net
Rail Bridge Cellars, which has its actual winery on 16th Street, sells wines including a Sienna Chardonnay, Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, Lattice Cabernet and one of the fruit bomb Zinfandels for which Amador County has become famous. As much a tasting room and entertainment venue as a traditional wine shop, the Cellars has a penthouse lounge overlooking the city that offers elegant tastings and a free Second Saturday evening with accomplished local musicians. Classes are available, including those helping people who wish to make their own wine.
The Wine Consultant
8039 Greenback Lane
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
(916) 721-9463
www.thewineconsultant.com
The Wine Consultant has wines from all over the world, and the selection from European vintners is particularly impressive. Choices include French Bordeaux, Trockenbeeren Auslese from Austria and En Tirage French method Champagne from Sonoma. The well-travelled owners are very knowledgeable and enjoy sharing their adventures in search of great vino. A tasting bar is open on Saturdays, with a rotating selection of fine offerings to try.
Selland's Wine Shop
5340 H St
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 736-3333
www.sellands.com
Selland's is a local staple for fine wine and food, and the shop sells a small but quality selection from wineries including Roederer Estate, Kamen, Walter Hansel, Miner Family, Pisoni and Merus. The accompanying café has dine-in or take-out specials for two that include wine. One recent offering featured a bottle of Chilean Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc with pappardelle pasta with chorizo, fresh corn and basil goat cheese with warm French bread.
Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
