750ml Wine Bar - CLOSED

4.0 star rating
83 reviews Rating Details

Category: Wine Bars  [Edit]

227 S San Mateo Dr
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 342-9463
Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$$
Outdoor Seating:
No
Music:
Juke Box
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu, Sat
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Has TV:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "Try the cheese plate and charcuterie." In 8 reviews
  • user photo
    "brian snelling, he is the owner and cool guy." In 14 reviews
  • user photo
    "Adam & Brian were friendly & very professional." In 8 reviews
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83 reviews in English

  • Review from Rene C.

    Redwood City, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/9/2011 1 photo 2 Check-ins Here

    Sure, my first visit was enjoyable. I knew we would be coming back, but would it live up to my first solid experience?

    It sure did!

    This time we came on a Friday night. This would be a true test as it was much busier with lots of demanding patrons who hate seeing empty glasses. We found a small table for two near the bar and were immediately greeted by our host who recognized us from our previous visit. He shook both our hands and thanked us for making a return. I always am impressed by business owners who take the time to remember their clients, but after only one visit and still remembering us is added points in my book.

    Upon a quick glance at the wine list, I noticed that the list had changed. Again, this is a good thing as a wine bar should always be involving and exposing wine lovers to new wine. My wife started off with a sparkling rose. She and I loved it, as it was dry and crisp with a hint of tart apple in the finish. I went with the Gewurztraminer which you immediately think "sweet", and it was. But not too much, and had enough body to stand up to the cheese and charcuterie plate. We shared a second glass of viognier that was brought out on the house. This wine was the perfect follow up to our first and complimented my wife's sparkling rose. We finished up with a couple glasses of red, my wife discovered an awesome Drew pinot that was full bodied and reminded me more of a French Burgundy in style. I had two blends that were both memorable and will be back to pick up a few bottles.

    On our way out we stopped to take a look at the retail section. The wine selection is like no other you will find. There are plenty of interesting wines for retail that you just can't find at other places. And the price points are very reasonable.

    Our host again was amazing. Even though the place was busy I could see that he took the time to offer suggestions and explain each wine to the customer. We were exposed to some new regions like the Santa Rita Hills and Amador Valley. I had known about both these places, but never knew much about them. But thanks to the 750 Wine Bar, I now consider myself an expert.

    NOTE: If you are not a wine person, they do have beer. And some pretty damn good ones including Delirium from Belgium. You will also be pleased to hear that it's served in the proper glass. This place knows it's beers!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      3/27/2011

      It was a Groupon that brought us in, but it's the well thought out wine list, reasonable prices,… Read more »

  • Review from Gloria H.

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/16/2011

    I know times are hard...that's why you shortened your hours, I understand that but geez, closed when you are supposed to be opened and not even a sign on the door saying sorry???  6pm on Tuesday, complete darkness and doors locked...not cool, especially when I told friends to meet here...not cool at all!

    You can't have business if you don't open - you don't get customers if you are closed during your posted business hours.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      7/7/2007

      Nice place and friendly service.  The tasting machine has an interesting selection of wine.  They… Read more »

  • Review from Brittany P.

    San Bruno, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/14/2011

    After they closed my wine bar in Burlingame, we had to look for another one. This one is alright. I wish it was bigger. There is very little seating and it makes me wonder whether the store or the bar was the first thought.

    The prices are a little bit high, but I didn't think it was outrageous. The guy working there made excellent recommendations, and I enjoyed all the wines I got.

    We got a little cheese plate that was pretty good.

    The weirdest thing was that our receipt was a ripped sheet of paper with the total hand written on it and not itemized. Super sketch.

  • Review from Jessica L.

    San Mateo, CA

    3.0 star rating
    4/11/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I was disappointed. And of my group of 4 I liked this place the best (yikes)...... they all said they would not come back :( boo

    They are so CLOSE to having it together - but some touches are definitely missing:

    - why only tastes of reds with the card? how annoying to have to ask them to pour the whites (bc its behind the bar). And it looked like half glasses only on the list - get those white taste machines out with the reds! Move some artwork out of the way....
    - More seating. 4 comfy chairs and a small bar area is it. How about some tall small bar tables around the room? It looks so bare in there...
    - reviews mention beer and snack plates. We were not given ANY menus that showed beer or snacks as an option and would have appreciated it.

    I will likely give them one more chance at a later time to see if it really is just kinda blah - we came early on a Saturday in the afternoon and I wonder what the night crowd is like.....

  • Review from Nicole S.

    Redwood City, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/5/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    I really love this wine bar!  The glasses of wine are a little pricey, but you get to try really yummy wines.  Brian is usually the one serving and he is very knowledgeable about all the wines (and food, and beer, and really anything).  I have been to their tasting events which are really fun, too!

    Great little wine bar, I would definitely come here over any any other wine bar in San Mateo (read: B Street and Vine).

  • Review from Cindy C.

    Belmont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/12/2010 6 Check-ins Here

    Wait, what? I haven't written a review for 750ml?  GASP!

    This wine shop/bar is a terrific gem in downtown San Mateo.  They have this really cool wine dispensing system, you get a perfect 1 oz taste pour every time, and you can try out as many as you want.  They also have wines by the glass, and of course, being a wine shop, wines you can buy by the bottle.  

    They have cheese and charcuterie plates too - perfect to pair with that wine you taste!

    Sometimes they have wineries go there and pour tasting.  We walked in one afternoon when they were pouring four tastings for $10 - they were very generous with the pours and it was really yummy.

    My only beef with them is that they close early.  So, can't really go AFTER dinner.  

    Can't wait to go back.

  • Review from Robin A.

    • 55 friends
    • 155 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/19/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Found something that was ok for my tasting which was Zinfandel.  Other then that it was all about the company I was with that made it cool.  Also adding a star cause we had a discount from groupons.  Hehe.  

    Service was good with the younger dude and the older dude was rude.

  • Review from Sisi W.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Very Interersting!!!!

    Wine for sale when you walk in, then a host table to let you know what is going to happen, then a couple of seating area and finally a small bar with Sommelier (so total only two people working here)

    You have many options
    *Self-service tasting red wine
    *Order from the bar (half or full glass--red, white, dessert wine, and bear)
    If you would like to do self-service tasting, you can get a either pre-paid card or an empty card and pay full price when you done.

    The machine only has red, and one push will give you 1 oz,
    Each wine has the price displayed right above ($1~$2.5)
    You can also order  a half or full glass of those from the bar.

    overall I liked it, but it's little too small and I wish they had something else besides cheese and salami,

    its 5 blocks away from me so i will go back for sure!!!

  • Review from Nicole M.

    • 25 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Pacifica, CA

    2.0 star rating
    9/22/2010

    To be fair, I haven't experienced the floor wine tasting...

    I did, however, sit at the bar and was served by the "bartender"....who basically turns around, presses a button, receives automatic/pre-programmed amount of wine....turns back around and hands you a glass.
    Honestly...move out of the way! I can handle that button pressing gig myself and save the tip cost.

  • Review from Jennifer F.

    Santa Clara, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/8/2010 1 Check-in Here

    This wine bar has a really unique concept - all of their wines are available in self-servable one-ounce quantities and they keep track of how much you pour with a credit card type system. See Jakob H's review for an awesome description of how it works.

    I got to check out this bar with two friends on a Friday night, around 8 PM. We had a Groupon (yeah, excellent value) which made us feel even smarter about our fun times. Don't feel like you need to wait for a Groupon to check 750ml out though. The pours are $1 to $4 so it's definitely not going to break the bank. I did think the place was fairly quiet for a Friday night. There were perhaps four other couples around the bar; intimate enough for Brian (the owner) to have to the chance to speak with all of the patrons which is nice.

    There were a range of wines represented - most were from California (though not just Sonoma & Napa) but at least one during this visit was South American. Because the wines rotate (the bottles are replaced individually, with a whole new selection "on tap" every six weeks or so), just because you've been once doesn't mean you shouldn't go again!

    Ghost Pines Zinfandel was one of the goodies that we tried.

  • Review from Toro E.

    • 645 friends
    • 640 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/4/2007 7 photos

    DoMoAriGato Mr. Roboto, DomoDomo,
    Sankyu berry much for a small pour of Syrah, DomoDomo.

    I really don't get why people mock these really nice machines that fairly give you precise tasting-size pours.  These robots are non-discriminatory - that is, you don't get a larger pour just because you are hot.  I am not hot, hence I like these machines.

    750ml is a smaller San Mateo version of SF's Vino Venue (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) where you use a pre-paid card to purchase small taste-size pours from an high-tech wine equipment.  Half of the store is retail while the other half is a wine bar with comfortable seats.  They don't have a kitchen, but they do carry a small plate of cheese/meat/olives, etc.

    Despite their robotic image, 750ml offered a really friendly and helpful human service.  We went during the day when it wasn't busy, so the guy really took a good care of us.  This is a great place to taste the wine before you buy an entire bottle.  Why play wine roulette?

  • Review from David P.

    San Carlos, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/3/2008

    I'm such a sucker for those robotic debit card tasting systems. I'm amazed that more places don't use them. What a great way to learn about allot of different wines under one's own control instead of being beholden to what they feel like opening that day.

    Its a bit confusing when you first walk in. They could do a better job explaining the program to the uninitiated. Wine sales up front. Tasting in the middle -- for the reds -- the white for sampling are behind the wine bar towards the back. The wine bar serves charcuterie platter and other wine tasting appropriate bites.

    I was given a $20 debit card which I could apply to tasting and eventually to any wine i purchased or anything I order at the bar. I thought I would have to pay up front, but luckily I was trusted to go off and taste what I wanted.

    The attendant ultimately stuck a good balance of being helpful without hovering. He asked good questions to get me to the selection closest to my interests. He then seemed to sincerely appreciate my feedback so he could be more helpful to the next guy who walks in.

    It wasn't clear how often they mix up the selection. I'm hoping its often so that I can come back and continue my education.

  • Review from .Nette T.

    San Mateo, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/12/2007

    I have a friend who is a wine snob, so after dinner he suggested that we all go to 750ml to hang out.  I don't know about wine at all except  "ooh that tastes great!" and "eh....not for me.." So I took his word for it and we went and tasted some wine.

    The first thing I noticed walking in the bar was there was a whole row of wine bottles lining the walls with dispensers.   I thought for a second "What! All-you-can-drink-wine?!!!! Score!!!" Oh how wrong I was....  

    I found out later that  self dispenser is called an Enomatic where you insert  your smart card ($10, $20 or more) and the Enomatic will dispense an ounce of wine in your glass.   I had a great time trying their wines (can't remember  what I tried, Zinfandel, Syrah, Pinot Noir... it was a blur) and they had some really good snacks to accompany the tasting. The lady at the bar said these were to clean the palate between tastings.  

    I sat at the bar with one of my girlfriends and was looking for a place to put my purse and voila! They had a purse hook under the bar to hang your purse. This, besides the very nice owner Brian and the wine, was a big plus for me.   ;)

    I remembered Yelpers had mentioned they have nice art  on the walls and last night they had some really great art of animals - it looked like pet portraits.  I didn't have a chance to ask the owner who the artist was so I hope I can go back soon and look some more.  I'll have to keep in mind that I should look at the art BEFORE I start playing with the Enomatic and feeling tipsy.

    Definitely a place to visit again hopefully sooner rather than later.

  • Review from Dave K.

    • 681 friends
    • 945 reviews

    Sunnyvale, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/14/2006 3 photos

    Very interesting place, but I have to keep in mind (as should you) that we happened to go during an art showing, so the place was packed and it was harder than normal to get a server's attention.

    While one of the main attractions of this place is the dispensed wine that you pay for with a card, we had to avoid that due to the traffic.  Instead my friend and I hovered around the bar in the back.  We looked at the wine list and ordered either "tastes" or "halves" of about 14 different wines, white and red.

    I'm certainly not a wine expert, but my friend is aspiring to be one.  I know that whites should be tasted before reds, and I know that eating something can enhance or mute flavors and aromas, and that you should let the wine breathe.  My friend had a wine list and was writing notes like "citrus base, medium acidity, smells meaty, medium long finish".  Um, yeah sorry I can't do that.  I was trying to be coy by writing stuff like "precocious aura with a hint of chrysanthemum" but that soon degraded to emoticons ":)" and ":(".  The server was not amused  but fortunately my friend knew I was a wine newbie and laughed amusedly.

    There were platters of amuse bouche (I don't know the plural, sorry) such as goat cheese on crackers, tomato paste with basil on crackers, and peanut butter and cilantro on celery sticks.  These were meant to be small snacks as well as sorbets to cleanse the palate.  They could also be eaten with various wines to accentuate their tastes, like I knew anything about that.

    The server was being as attentive as possible, which I appreciated.  We just happened to come during a froufrou art showing so I'm definitely going to have to try this place when it's less crowded, quieter, darker, and more intimate.

  • Review from Ron G.

    • 14 friends
    • 103 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/15/2006

    A little hard to spot from the street and figure out what this little enoteca is about, but slip inside, buy a card and enjoy a great selection of wines by the (mini) pour. I met up with a small group of girls here, and they were soooooooo impressed. Anyplace that makes me look good, is a place i want to be! One odd thing, the acoustics in the place are funky.
    The wines change frequently and the vibe is very cool...like Stinger Lounge but for wine fans. If you are within a 10 mile radius, make this the first stop to set the tone for the night!

    New Rule: Fix the acoutics so the atmosphere is more loungy.

  • Review from Jason M.

    • 19 friends
    • 26 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/21/2007

    This is a great neighborhood bar for when you want to just chill and unwind.  Seating is pretty limited, so generally works best if there are just 2-3 people in your group.  

    The atmosphere is very modern and relaxed.  Concrete floors, open seating with some funky lights and smallish bar in the back.  The people that work there are all very pleasant and will answer whatever questions you have about the wines, tasting notes, etc.  

    I recommend just ordering by the glass.  You can get a taste, 1/2 glass or full glass.  The wine selection on the tasting menu is decent, but does sometimes focus on Pinots (which I prefer).  They also have by far the best bar food in San Mateo.  The cheese plate is fantastic, and goes great with the olive sampler.  Enough for 2-3 people to enjoy a light snack and still have plenty of room for a full meal later.  

    The automated wine-by-the-card is kinda their hook, but honestly, I'd rather talk to a person and watch the wine come out of the bottle.  I've tried the card thing and just squirts at you and leaves a small puddle of wine in the glass.  

    You can usually grab a bottle of whatever you tasted on the way out, the prices are pretty reasonable.  The selection is a great mix of regional and west coast wines (again, lots of Pinots).

    Couple of random notes:  1) Tipping is allowed but not easy if your paying by credit card.  The bill doesn't have a line for gratuity so make sure you bring a little extra cash and tip as usual.  2) Parking in San Mateo is actually not bad at all.  There is a city garage that runs parallel between 3rd and 4th ave.  There are usually spots available if your willing to walk an extra block, and parking is free after 6.

  • Review from Amy W.

    • 46 friends
    • 77 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/15/2008

    Wine bars are totally not my scene, but I actually had a good time here. I'm a total wine n00b, but Jason was extremely patient and helpful in finding me something I liked. Five stars for service alone!

    They have a cool machine that you stick a pre-paid wine card into that dispenses small pours for you to taste before you commit to a bottle... NEAT!

  • Review from Dale G.

    Reno, NV

    5.0 star rating
    1/18/2009

    Adam we cannot thank you enough!

    My awesome lady set up my 40th birthday here.  We had been a few times before and it had become our favorite wine bar on the peninsula.  The decor is modern, the wine dispensing system is cool, and the menu is short but all pairs well with the wine.  Clue for you guys that do not care for wine - THEY ALSO HAVE BEER.

    Adam recommended catering from Whole Foods or Dragers.  When we checked out those options they were a bit expensive so, since we all love to cook, made our own.  The nice thing is we checked with Adam and there was no problem bringing our own food.  They even offered plates, napkins, platters, and anything else they could do to help.  We were even able to connect my Ipod to enjoy our own selection of music.

    All the birthday guests were dazzled with the wine, food, atmosphere, and service.  Most of my friends are from the East Bay and they commented on how they wish there was something like 750ml on that side.  All have outgrown the bar scene and are looking for someplace to relax with background music and good wine.  

    Great people, great fun, and we highly recommend it.

  • Review from Mabelle A.

    Pacifica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/14/2009

    We held a "bridal shower" here for a friend getting married. I say it in quotes cause she didn't want a shower, but we thought it would be great to get the girls together to drink wine - we'll take any excuse available to do so. I called in advance to set things up and since we were coming on a Saturday afternoon, they knew it would be a pretty good time for us and since there were probably about 15 of us we didn't need to pay to rent out the space. They let us bring in our own food and we pretty much had the place to ourselves until 5ish when the evening crowds starting rolling in. Brian was so helpful and accommodating and the afternoon staff was just as friendly.

    We had a great time, but most importantly the bride to be loved it.

  • Review from Jennifer M.

    • 50 friends
    • 69 reviews

    Redwood City, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/9/2007

    Clean lines, warm, friendly staff, great pours.
    Went to a little birthday party here the other night and really enjoyed this place.
    The parking in the area SUCKS on Fridays and Saturdays, but there are public pay lots nearby.

    This is the kind of place to take your out of state friends for a pre-dinner drink... it is just so Silicon Valley to buy a little card and get a pour from the cool wine wall.

    They use Argon to keep the wines fresh, and none of them are up for more than a week. I asked.

    Cheers

  • Review from Erin G.

    • 8 friends
    • 29 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/30/2008

    It's always a little bit off putting to be having a nice conversation with your boyfriend and have the weird "wine guy" sitting alone at the bar constantly butting in on your conversation on the slimmest of pretexts.

    I don't know what it is about wine and lonely guys but the two seem to go hand in hand. My friend who cocktailed in a bar heavy on the wine clientele passed on some wisdom from one of her patrons who said that  "wine is more complex than blood." My response was pretty much, "Sounds like something a wino would say..."

    Statements like that seem to sum up lonely wine guy. It's not the establishment's fault, but it cannot be ignored that these places are lousy with wine guys. At least wine bars have wine.

  • Review from L S.

    • 10 friends
    • 70 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/10/2007

    Like Toby Keith, "I Love This Bar".

    This is my favorite wine bar outside of SF.  It's a mini Vino Venue but with easier parking and a personal flair.  The staff is friendly and willing to help find a wine worthy of your palate.  

    There's a small tasting station that uses a prepaid card as well as a bar where you can get wines by the taste, half and full glass.  Things here are pretty flexible so if you want to taste a wine from the station but don't want to bother with prepayments, they can help you out.

    They have a few small bites but nothing to fill a belly.  This place is all about the wine.  Try the cheese plate and charcuterie.  Both excellent!

  • Review from Renae H.

    Pacifica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/11/2006

    I love this place!  We threw a party for a friend of mine here and had a blast.  The owner, Brian, was really great about letting us bring food in and was super accommodating.  We intended to only be there for about two hours and then move on, but ended up staying the whole evening.  I love the feel of the place and the staff is great.

    Also, its lots of fun to try different wines with out having to make the commitment that comes with a whole glass or bottle.

    Side note:  They rotate the art displayed at bar, every so often they host a gallery event where they sell off the existing collection to make room for new stuff, I just bought a beautiful abstract, for a very reasonable price.   Yes it's crowed during a showing, and yes, the staff is extraordinarily busy on such nights, but on a normal night expect a calm, relaxed atmosphere and a friendly, knowledgeable staff

  • Review from scott P.

    • 29 friends
    • 162 reviews

    Half Moon Bay, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/26/2007

    Hey so here is a place that serves you well - really friendly and heck you get to try a bunch of wines you never heard of before.   They have bread and cheese platters and it is kinda fun to get a squirt of wine for $2 - I got a deal on some Barbera and walked away really happy.

    I would have given it 5 stars but did not get the special treatment  by the bartender she was too busy -

  • Review from Cynthia G.

    • 6 friends
    • 112 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/15/2011

    Lots of fun! I love the dispensers that let you taste 1 oz or 3 oz of your wine before you commit to a glass - or bottle. They have events on certain days of the month. I could do with more munchies and more seating options, but if you're an oenophile near 94401 it's worth popping every few weeks.

  • Review from Brian G.

    • 18 friends
    • 50 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/16/2007

    750 ml is a great place for many reasons:

    1. To taste expensive wines before you buy...AWESOME!!!

    2.  Meet after work for great wine, a chill vibe, less the cheesy bar scene.

    3. To plan a special gathering for around 25 folks in a unique social venue where you can actually learn about wines.

    4. To buy unique, very good wines in a great environment.

    The owner Brian is easy to talk with, learn about wine from....
    so quit reading my review and go already...

  • Review from nakedBichon -.

    • 5 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/29/2008

    this is a nice wine bar in San Mateo. It has a minimal sort of post modern vibe. There are high ceilings and a nice bar but the seating is somewhat limited. The wine selection is quite nice and reasonably priced. Staff are friendly and extremely knowledgeable but aren't as warm as could be hoped.  On a good note, they are nice about sampling wines.  

    There are two faults here, which aren't major but could be improved upon
    1.  The wine bar is clearly geared for testing given the glass prices. For example, a wonderful Drouhin Chardonnay was $12/glass and $32/bottle. More dramatic was the Fogarty chardonnay at $8/glass or $15/bottle. The bottle prices are reasonable but the glass pricing is about 25% too high. They serve in Riedel stemware, which is a plus.
    2. As with most wine bars in the area, the snacks could be a bit more varied.

  • Review from Tiffany W.

    Fremont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/12/2007

    So here's the story of how I found out about this place. I turned 21 yesterday and for quite awhile, I kept telling my boyfriend I wanted to go to Napa Valley to go wine tasting once I was 21. Unfortunately, with college classes and jobs, it's impossible for us both to have the time to go to Napa. So, my lovely boyfriend did some research and took me to 750ml on my birthday.

    First off, the owner, Brian, is a wonderful guy and is very helpful in expaining the wines, cheeses, etc. And since we were the only ones there at 4PM on a Tuesday, he was able to share a lot of insight and information with us about wine and his company.

    The inside of 750ml is pretty small, but a good size for the type of place it is. When you walk in, the first half of the place is a wine store. Shelves of different types of wine that you can purchase. Once you've walked pass the "store" area, 750ml becomes a small yet cozy lounge with some black leather seats and tables, and a bar area. A plus about the bar area here is that in front of each seat, there is a purse hook.  WOOHOO for girls! Don't have to worry about putting your purse on the ground.

    Anyhow, the way this place works is you add cash value onto an electronic card. With that card, you are able to visit the automated wine dispensing machine (which is all red wine, since it's not cooled), choose your volume, and it fills your cup with your selected choice of wine. If you prefer white wines or champagne, you just hit up the bar area and the bartender will pour it for you. Also, you are able to order small plate snacks which are pretty much cheeses, crackers, olives.

    This place is very unique and nice. The wine and cheeses were excellent and so was the service.  5 stars!

    Note: If you are a wine buff, they also have "mystery wines" where you try it, and chart out the tastes, etc. and try to guess what type of wine it is. (almost like cupping with coffee)

  • Review from Sarah C.

    • 38 friends
    • 117 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/17/2008

    This is an interesting establishment in downtown San Mateo, I'd say it's fairly unique. There is a full service wine bar, and also a wall of self-serve red wines. You buy a pre-paid card and use it to select 1 oz pours. At first we thought, why only reds? Well, the whites need to be chilled of course! I actually think those are behind the counter in a special refrigerator, I should investigate further.

    Its flaw is that it's so small- there are only four comfy chairs to sit in, so if those are taken you are out of luck. The bar is small, so again if seating is taken you are left with standing room. There is a decent amount of that, but that isn't so appealing. For wine flights I prefer B Street and Vine which is down the street. However, if you are looking to have a little wine before heading to dinner downtown, this is a great place to go.

  • Review from N S.

    • 21 friends
    • 159 reviews

    Santa Clara, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/26/2009

    This has been on my to do list for a while - I should have tried it earlier. They have an excellent selection of wines. Beware though, the card system makes it very easy to spend a lot of money very quickly.

    $20 will get you pretty buzzed on great wine. You can also buy a bottle at very reasonable prices. Definitely worth a visit.

  • Review from Shauna S.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/22/2010

    I'd love to go back for the actual wine tasting. So I'm putting that out there first that I didn't get to experience the whole thing so if you've the opportunity to do so -- do it.

    Walked in with some friends visiting from NY and I just had to send a bottle of wine back with them for my parents. We ended up here to select a bottle and they in turn decided that they would also have to buy some bottles for their parents. The staff was very helpful in narrowing down our selections. I'm a red myself however my parents being the white wine type meant I had to get some help as did my friends who aren't much of wine drinkers at all. After we made our purchases we went to the bar for tasting but couldn't quite figure out what we needed to do but at that point we decided to head on out.

    Worth the visit as it's a cute little place that is very cozy and comfortable to just enjoy some wines.

    And many thanks to the owners weren't suspicious of us being under age because I walked in with pig-tails looking like a 14 year old version of myself. As we walked out my friend yelled at me a lot for that one. -=x

  • Review from Rachael K.

    • 4 friends
    • 62 reviews

    Boulder, CO

    4.0 star rating
    6/27/2007

    I went here thinking that this was a wine bar, but when I got there I was surprised to find out that it is also a wine store.  The front of the place is a store, and then as you walk to the back, you're greeted by a gentleman who tends to the self-service machine that dispenses different wines in 1 ounce servings after a debit card is inserted into it.

    I used this machine for the novelty of it, but I think that the glasses of wine seem to be better values. The 1 ounce pours are really no more than a swallow, and they cost between about $1.50 and $6 (one tenth of the price of the retail bottle).  
    I went on to glasses at the bar in the back and had the cheese plate which was really excellent and generous.   It consisted of three cheeses (one of them was from Cowgirl Creamery and the others were imported), sweet and sourdough crackers, quince paste, and nuts.  I'll definitely be back for the cheese which was $15 but well worth it!

  • Review from David S.

    • 24 friends
    • 100 reviews

    Burlingame, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/11/2007

    Went and only 4 people were there on a wednesday night at 630pm....the mgr?owner? front guy explained everything quickly and well, and I bought a card.

    FUN!  All by myself and it was still FUN!  The front guy stayed and hung out, and even gave me a few tastes with his card.

    hhmmm....I have to go back 'cause I have 7 bucks left on my card.....

  • Review from Jon P.

    • 33 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Santa Rosa, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/28/2009

    Looking for wine to try before you buy?  This is the place!  Nice atmosphere - excellent selection of wine, including hard to find wines.  In fact, I was able to find my favorite, Inspiration Vineyards a small boutique winery in Santa Rosa...

    Brian and Adam do an awesome job.

    Having the ability to serve myself and try before I buy using the machines is perfect!

  • Review from Rachel W.

    • 4 friends
    • 47 reviews

    Foster City, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/25/2010

    We took a friend here for her birthday, and had a blast.  I can't recall the wine we had, but there was a good selection.  The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable.  

    The cheese and olive plates were also good.

  • Review from Kendall L.

    • 33 friends
    • 48 reviews

    San Bruno, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/22/2008

    My wife and I got to try our first Wine Bar with the electronic tasting dispensers. We went to 750ml Wine Bar in San Mateo, CA.

    First we tried a flight of whites. All 3 were 2007 vintage California Chardonnay's;

    $$$ Rombauer-Napa Valley
    $$ Luli-Santa Lucia Highlands
    $ Alma Rosa-Santa Barbara County

    Interestingly enough the least expensive Alma Rosa ($17 a bottle) was our favorite. Soft nose, buttery and full bodied. Just goes to show price isn't everything in a wine!

    Alyce also tried a 2007 Brandborg-Oregon Gewurztraminer which she liked; sweet and seemed to be slightly carbonated!

    I moved on to taste a couple Pinot's. First was a 2006 Paul Mathew-Russian River Valley (CA) which had a nice nose but had a slight edge (maybe decanting might have helped).

    After tasting a 2006 Fleur-Carneros (CA) which is part of Mahoney Vineyards, I just got a glass of it because it was nicely balanced and went well with the Cheese Trio we ordered.

    The Trio consisted of: Spanish Cana de Cabra goat's milk cheese, Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam cow's milk cheese, Fiore Sardo Pecorino sheep's milk cheese from Italy, marona almonds. a mix of crackers and a few other edibles that I forget.

    Also available were complimentary dishes of palate cleanser crackers.

  • Review from Jan Michael K.

    • 83 friends
    • 122 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/22/2008

    The automatic dispensers here are kind of creepy. I prefer live servers so that is what we stuck with. The seating, while limited is nice but also made for a nice and quiet place to chat and enjoy the wines.

    I tried the Halter Ranch Viognier, the Aresti Gewuerztraminer, and a Sangiovese Rose and was happy with all of them. Overall, a good place to come to.

  • Review from ANGELA B.

    • 41 friends
    • 117 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/16/2009

    So Adam is great.

    Very professional, courteous, knowledgeable and friendly. Throw in a few drinks and everything seems so much better! Just Kidding! =)

    This place has a very new age feel to it, you walk in and you see all these cool chairs and seats and even better you see the tasting bottles all lined up ready for you to taste!

    Me, well I am a beer drinker. Love me some good beer and Adam had a great hef to offer up and all in all he was spot on, nice lemony taste just not as heavy as a pyramid hef.

    I will defiantly be back to try a night of white wine!

  • Review from Lai C.

    • 5 friends
    • 215 reviews

    Dublin, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/16/2007

    Nice concept.  I like that we have a wine bar near by.  Parking in San Mateo unfortunately isn't that great.  Atmosphere is good.  The owner is very pleasant.  Not too crowded and in terms of noise level , it was good.   It was easy  to talk with your friends.  You didn't have to shout.  Tastes range in the $2-$3.50 range.
    I enjoyed this place and would bring friends here.

  • Review from Maggie K.

    • 15 friends
    • 223 reviews

    Burlingame, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/9/2007

    After dinner in San Mateo, this is a great place to finish up.

    Personally, I'm not thrilled about the tasting machine selection and the proprietors aren't all that in tune with some of the brands they sell.  

    My friend and I skip the machines and sit at the bar, order the chard flight or the dessert wine or the sparking rose and order a small plate or two.  Chatting up the proprietors about the wine and/or the small plate selections is a good thing.  Learn a thing or two.

    I like this place.

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