Gather Wine Bar

4.5 star rating
26 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Wine Bars, Restaurants  [Edit]

122 E Branch St
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-4771
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Hours:

Tue-Thu 2 pm - 10 pm

Fri-Sat 2 pm - 11 pm

Sun 12 pm - 6 pm

Takes Reservations:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Price Range:
$$
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good For:
Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
Music:
Live
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu, Sat
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Romantic
Has TV:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"...a big red wine flight, cheese plate, and caramelized onion..." (in 3 reviews)
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"...attitude really make you feel like Norm from Cheers the..." (in 2 reviews)
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"...parking might be tough, but it's worth it to hang out here." (in 5 reviews)
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26 reviews in English

  • Review from Brendan R.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Arroyo Grande, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/4/2011

    Great wine bar in the Village of Arroyo Grande. Been there like 37 times and never have had a bad night. Great service, wine and ambiance.

  • Review from J A.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 31 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/30/2011

    We visited Gather on a Thursday night while on a road trip up from Southern California. The place is cute and cozy , inviting, although a bit too bright to be romantic and somewhat awkward seating for dinner (as opposed to just drinks). We ordered the bacon wrapped dates,the salmon spinach salad, the coq au vin chicken sandwich, the pumpkin flatbread and had flights of the fun sauv blancs and the pinot noirs to drink.

    We started with the bacon wrapped dates were which delicious although pricey at 5 dates for $7. The flavors were great though with the sugary sweetness of the dates and salty bacon.

    The coq au vin sandwich was by far the best thing we tried. The meat was was juicy and flavorful, well complemented by the brie and the pickled onions. Our only complaint was that there was a bit too much bread and not enough onions to really balance the taste. Minor complaint though.

    The flat bread was dry with an overcooked crust. The mustard drizzled on top also seemed a bit weird. The salmon salad was overall decent although there could have been more of the salmon and other ingredients instead of spinach.

    The flights were great deals as for $10 you get three fairly generous pours of 3 different wines to try. Overall though, for a wine bar, there could have been more of a selection of wine.

    Note: We count 2 stars as our average so to have more leeway with the better restaurants out there. Our experience at this place was certainly better than average  (we enjoyed dinner!) but the variability in food and slightly off ambiance had us settle on a 3 star rating.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Kari Z. of Gather Wine Bar 12/30/2011   
    Thanks for coming in! Holiday lights do brighten up the… More »
  • Review from Rebecca J.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Santa Maria, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    My husband and I recently went to Gather Wine Bar on a Travel Zoo gift certificate. The food was excellent and prepared quickly. The wine was Qupe syrah from Bien Nacido in Santa Maria Valley and it was very good.
    The "works" mac and cheese was one of the best I have ever had.
    The owner was our server and she was very kind and attentive. The over vibe of the bar is cozy and calm, warm and friendly. I wasn't able to see the wine list since we pretty much knew what we were getting already from the GC but I have been there before and thought their wine list could be a little more diverse and deep since it is a wine bar.

  • Review from Serious C.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 957 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/2/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    There's not a lot of things open on this street or in this city after certain hours.. We found a small parking lot and walked up and down The Village and we found Gather Wine Bar open.

    They serve food; small plates and such.. along with all local wine, some beer on tap, and a few choice cocktails. (Not a full bar).

    They have live music on Fridays. It's a comfortable, cozy place. The owner was working behind the bar..

    It was pretty cold when we went by so we didn't check it out but, apparently they have a nice patio area, too. All and all.. nice. You have to love a little place that showcases the local variety.

  • Review from Saralee S.

    •  
    • 22 friends
    • 154 reviews

    San Luis Obispo, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/13/2011

    We cruzed in for an after work detox and made the most of this small and eclectic wine bar in the village of Arroyo Grande.  We sat in what used to be a display window of the turn of the century mercantile store.  Great brick, vintage lights, and shelving, but with a light vibe.  
    The wine servers were very knowledgeable about the wines, and I had a delicious Sauvignon Blanc with a cheese and fruit plate.  The wine was reasonable, the planche a bit pricey for the selectioni, but I was spoiled in France.  The carmelized onion and pita was probably tastier.
    After a relaxing and fruitful conversation, it was time to depart, but not without a glance at the firepit out back and a promise to myself to return!

  • Review from Joel C.

    •  
    • 34 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Pismo Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/29/2011

    My wife and I love it here!  It's a great place to go for a nice night out and we like that we are virtually guaranteed to meet up with some friends as they happen to stop by.  Kari (the owner) is great and makes you feel right at home - she's very accessible and has a great sense of humor.  

    When we first started going to Gather, we didn't realize that in addition to wine, they actually have a full menu.  The food is really tasty and constantly changing - their chef makes everything from fresh local ingredients.  You can even attend one of their monthly "Sunday Suppers" where menu items are previewed and critiqued for the upcoming months.

    There is almost always live music and if you are looking to just relax, there is a nice outdoor patio complete with fire-pit and heaters.

    I have nothing but good things to say...

  • Review from Marissa H.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/1/2011 1 photo

    Big fan of this neighborhood wine lounge. It's adorable on the inside with lots of seating options, eclectic decor & furnishings & an awesome staff. The outside is perfect for warm summer days or evenings when the firepit is lighted.

    I was there during the Strawberry Festival & had the Pismo Beach Brewing Co's pale ale w/ strawberries...yum!

    This place will certainly be a go-to for any that live in the area. Downtown Arroyo Grande so parking might be tough, but it's worth it to hang out here. I'm sure the food is just as good.

  • Review from Rich H.

    •  
    • 10 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Grover Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/4/2011

    My wife and I are so glad we listened to the majority of reviewers who gave this place five stars.

    The service was warm and timely throughout our visit.

    The room itself is beautiful, reminding us of so many other wood-floored, preserved old-time spaces we have loved on Main Streets around the West.

    Our choices from the imaginative small-plate menu went 3-for-3 on flavor and execution.

    The beverage list was varied and sophisticated, but not overwhelming.

    The patio looks great, but we'll save it for another evening. We couldn't pass up the eclectic, tasteful wine country atmosphere of the main room and the smiling local musician tuning his guitar in the corner before the evening's first set.

    Excellent work, Kari. We hope to be back soon, and will tell our friends about your place.

  • Review from Alisa B.

    •  
    • 14 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Arroyo Grande, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/21/2011

    I can't say that I discovered this wine bar by chance. I met the owner, Kari, and then decided to try this new addition to the village. Boy am I glad I did.

    As someone who has worked in the restaurant business for 12 years, I am at home when I walk into Gather. Tim, Kari, and all of the Gather crew make me feel at home no matter how busy the night is, and are always anxious to tell me about the latest grenache or dessert that is on the menu.

    When you walk in the door, you feel like you have just stepped into someone's beautiful historic home, with an open livingroom, bar, and kitchen, and a full staff there to wait on you.

    Just recently, we had my mother's 60th birthday at Gather. My grandparents, in their 80's, were hesitant, seing as the menu isn't a sit down dinner, but boy were they impressed. Kari took fantastic care of us, and Tim prepared a fantastic dinner, one of which even Grandma ran into the kitchen and gave him a hug.

    I also have "grown up in this area and live in the village" and although my family isn't huge and well known, I am someone who loves to tell people about my great experiences as well as my negative, unlike the previous yelper. I am also a bartender/server at a VERY well known restaurant in this area and also know A FEW people, and I am sure to spread all of the good I know about this restaurant.

    Here is to Gather, Kari, and all of the Gather family who have added SO MUCH to the village of Arroyo Grande. I am so happy to spend my time with them each week.

  • Review from Amanda B.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/4/2009 1 photo

    Grab a date or your friends and go gather! Here's why...

    What I like:
    +atmosphere, tall ceilings, cozy spaces to gather, warm feeling
    +great for conversation
    +excellent tapas (small bites) food at excellent prices (nothing over 6 dollars if i recall correctly)
    We had olive tapanades, homemade truffle pizzas and an apple dessert paired with cheese, yum!
    +wonderful wines from local vineyards seem to be selected for quality
    +outdoor patio with fire rings
    +lots of free parking behind gather
    + live music often
    +clean bathroom
    +stay a while feel
    +nice yet welcoming easy going kinda place, feel like I could wear jeans or get dressed up to come here and both would be welcome, kinda cool that way

    What I'd add
    +maybe some umbrellas on the patio, but that's it

    Ill be back!

  • Review from Michael B.

    •  
    • 128 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Arroyo Grande, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/1/2009 2 photos

    WOW!!! What a great, refreshing place to gather in the village of Arroyo Grande! Kari Ziegler opened this wonderfully modern yet relaxed wine bar that focuses on pouring local wine by the glass. Kari mixes great atmosphere, wine and snacks to create a welcoming place to meet friends for relaxed conversation and great music.

    ***UPDATE***
    I had my 40th birthday party at Gather on a Saturday night. What a wonderful place to have a party! Kari and her staff know how to do events right!

  • Review from Melissa L.

    •  
    • 15 friends
    • 149 reviews

    Arroyo Grande, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/23/2011

    Gather is something that the Village has really needed.

    I've been here twice, and both times, the staff were super sweet and kind. They helped recommend a wine that I would like, and genuinely wanted to help me find one that *I* enjoyed, it wasn't the fake "let me help you but not really" stuff that many places do. The ladies working let me sample wine and made sure I actually did want a whole glass of it, and were more than willing to let me try another if I did not like that one they picked out.

    The atmosphere is great. You can hang out and talk without feeling like everyone is waiting for you to leave so they can make more money. The staff checks on you enough so that if you do change your mind and want to order a cheese plate like we did, you can do so, but not so often that you feel totally annoyed and smothered. It's perfect!

    The waitress checked in on us probably every 15 mins, but I really don't think that's too often, since she just wanted to make sure we didn't need anything else. She made sure we were done ordering before she ran our check, and they even separated it out for us.

    Prices are a little expensive, as they literally take a price of a bottle, split it into 4 [usually] and that's the cost of a glass. But it's fun to get to try different wines. I imagine rent must be expensive down there, and they've obviously put a lot of work into making the space congruent with their needs/image.

    I got the almond champagne the first time I came, and it was really good! The second time, the waitress had me taste a white, which I really enjoyed, and so I got that. We also tried the mixed drink that involved port and the cuvee and it was definitely good as well.

    The cheese plate was a little pricey, but was easily enough to split between 3 people as a snack. I wish they had one that had maybe twice as much cheese on it, but that's okay.

    The rosemary bread on there was amazing, the apricots were yummy and the toasted raisin bread we got was actually nice and warm, and not overly toasted. So good! I really want to try their Mac and Cheese next time.

    The food is awesome, the wine is awesome, the staff is too.

    They nailed the atmosphere perfectly, and it really is a nice place to hang out in the evening with your friends.

    I'm really not sure why there are such bad reviews. Either my friends and I have gotten lucky with the staff, or else some of these customers are those annoying entitled people. But all of my friends who have gone here have had great experiences, and so have I. But we tend to be pretty easy going customers, so that might have to do with it.

    I too am from a well known local family who has been in this area for 4 generations and used to own tons of land here. We have a street named after us, and my great grandpa has a bridge. So I really don't get what that could possibly have to do with a review, except that apparently people feel the need for thinly veiled threads of bad reviews. So I guess I'll be negating those peoples bad reviews with my own good ones. I find it amusing that the person above who left a horrible "review" did so anonymously, and claims to be from some huge family, and only has 1 review. So take their "claims" with a grain of salt.

    Go here if you want a cool place to hang out and taste some wines.

  • Review from Noelle S.

    •  
    • 21 friends
    • 23 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/1/2009 1 photo 4 Check-ins Here

    Gather Wine Bar quickly became my favourite place to hang out after work or on a weekend night -- practically anytime I'm wanting a great place to hang out and a great glass of wine it's off to Gather I go.

    The owner, Kari is what makes the place. She did do a great job setting up the ambiance of the interior and making the exterior feel welcoming, but her smile and welcoming attitude really make you feel like Norm from Cheers the second she remembers your name.

    Her wine changes out each month and she's always ready to suggest a new wine to help you expand your palate. If you mention that you like a certain wine, she'll help you find a different one you might like (she's always been right for me!)

    From the newbie wine drinker to those who fancy themselves a "wine person", Gather Wine Bar is the perfect place for you!!

  • Review from David N.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Irvine, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/16/2010 1 Check-in Here

    As the new Duke, I feel obligated to write a review.  Love the atmosphere.  Relaxed with a three person band playing Celtic music.  Wine selection is varied with a knowledgable team behind the bar.  Good prices for a wine bar, too.

    Bonus:  Free WiFi!  If I do email and "taste" wine, should I expense the wine?   I think not, but it would be nice if I could.    

    Ignore the reviews by people with one or two other reviews.   They are probably beer drinkers.

    A nice find in the Pismo area.

  • Review from Shaylan T.

    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Bakersfield, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/25/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Great location in the village of AG With nice ambiance. Stopped in for a big red wine flight, cheese plate, and caramelized onion and leek flatbread pizza. Wines seemed a bit pricey, only two or three options under $9 a glass but overall was a great selection and tasty snacks.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Kari Z. of Gather Wine Bar 3/25/2011   
    Thanks Shaylan!  Come back soon - new wines all the time,… More »
  • Review from Dan T.

    •  
    • 251 friends
    • 54 reviews

    Pebble Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/8/2010

    Great wine bar. Wonderful atmosphere, all boutique central coast fine wines at Super prices!

  • Review from Teri B.

    •  
    • 46 friends
    • 121 reviews

    Pismo Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/21/2009

    Gather is the new wine bar in town and the proprietress won my heart almost instantly. Kari Ziegler opened this latest sensation last month hosting a rousing grand opening with over 200 people attending and supporting Gather. The bar is warm, inviting, and comfortable. The selections of wines, superb and the price point pocket friendly. Kari is a force of nature when it comes to pleasing meticulous palates and keeping the atmosphere fun. I have been to Gather with a group of thunderous friends, by myself and with my husband. Each time the situation suited the ambiance, a hospitality feat to be sure. Kari serves over 20 wines by the glass with prices ranging from $6.00 to $12.00, all unique and featuring many boutique winemakers that are hard to find and delectable.

  • Review from Ashlea B.

    •  
    • 13 friends
    • 41 reviews

    San Luis Obispo, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/4/2009

    Warm, inviting, intelligent, metropolitan, chic and intimate ... just some of the adjectives I would use to describe the most recent addition to the bright lights in the Historic Village of Arroyo Grande. Having lived on the Central Coast for 31 years, I am so excited to have a venue that offers a diverse menu of local wines, fun small plate appetizers and a host/owner that knows her local wines and offers helpful and educational advice on selections. It is a great place to have post-work networking (as Keller Williams Central Coast has), birthday parties on the fantastic rear patio with warm fires and cozy seating, and evening committee meetings for charitable organizations (as Pismo Beach/Five Cities Rotary has). Bring a date, bring a group of friends, or turn a dull meeting into some fun at Gather.

  • Review from Holly T.

    •  
    • 35 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Grover Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/19/2010

    Gather is the best thing to happen to the Village of Arroyo Grande. I happily spend far to much time and money here! The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and comfortable; the company runs the spectrum. I've sat next to my favorite wine makers, housewives, the Mayor, local news personalities, and tourists. Kari's foray into upscale small plates that go beyond the expected cheese plate is welcomed, and I highly suggest the Gruyere and Rosemary Ham Flatbread. All menu items are made by Kari and change frequently. Wine is all Central Coast local and available for purchase if you find you can't possibly leave without the whole bottle.

  • Review from Luxe C.

    •  
    • 54 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Oceano, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/10/2010

    Gather Wine Bar is just what the Village of Arroyo Grande needed!  Kari has done a wonderful job in setting up a cozy establishment serving fine wines and now fabulous dishes.  She hand picks each wine she offers in her bar and takes pride in each one.  She makes some delicious panini's and other dishes that are very creative and complimentary to the wines.  This is a great place for locals and tourists gather and enjoy the wines and the great company.

  • Review from Vanessa M.

    •  
    • 21 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Pasadena, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/8/2010

    Great place to hang out with friends. Feels like a very hip yet comfy coffee house ... but they serve wine, even better! They have a nice selection of appetizers (useful after a couple glasses of wine) and I hear there are entrees available Fri-Sun. The patio out back rocks, btw.

  • Review from Susan W.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Luis Obispo, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/8/2010

    Really cute little wine bar with live music.  Kari (proprietress) is very dedicated and knowledgable about the wines they pour.  Live music sounded promising as they warmed up - we were not able to stay long enough to hear a set.  Snacks are limited but good.

  • Review from blanca g.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Santa Cruz, CA

    2.0 star rating
    11/12/2009

    We were hoping the best for this sweet spot.  Great location, neat history, interesting selection of local wines.  We were very disappointed that bottles to go are so expensive.  Our local wine bars always offer a discount if you don't drink it there.  We've been tasting there a few times and would have bought bottles to go each time if they weren't just 4 times the cost of a glass.  I know, it's not a bottle shop.   Also, it gets pretty noisy in there, as people congregate and enjoy the good wine.  Obviously, the proprietress is trying.  The selection she brings in has been interesting every time we have gone.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Kari Z. of Gather Wine Bar 11/17/2009   
    Thanks Blanca for your suggestions for pricing... It's… More »
  • Review from Jim S.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Arroyo Grande, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/2/2009

    Nice addition to the Village. Not pretentious yet respectful of the wine. Selections change regularly. All are local. Excellent home made sangrias when the weather fits. Indoor and outdoor seating.

  • Review from Kate C.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 28 reviews

    San Luis Obispo, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/1/2009

    I was so excited to hear that the little village of Arroyo Grande was getting a wine bar that featured small and local wineries. I asked a few people about it and heard that they weren't impressed- though was determined to make up my own mind. When i first walked in to Gather i quite liked the ambiance and the seating. When we walked in the bar had about 10 people in it, I noticed that the woman behind the bar was chatting with some customers, though she didn't look up when my group of four came into the bar. It took about 10 minutes for us to decide to go up to her and order our wines since she was still chatting with the customers at the bar and hadn't looked our way yet. Then it took her another 10 minutes to bring us our wine. I had decided to try their wine flight but was sorely disappointed to hear that 2 of the 3 wines listed on the flight had changed. Not only did she nonchalantly note the wine change when she set the wines down, but two were blends which she didn't take the time to describe. Normally I wouldn't mind, but you usually get a wine flight to expand your palette a bit. Add on the fact that she was making people food in a tube top with her hair down YUCK. I had so dearly hoped to have a new place to grab a glass of wine after work, but i won't be going back again.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Kari Z. of Gather Wine Bar 11/17/2009   
    k.b. - sorry you had such a disappointing time. It's not the… More »
  • Review from Alexandra M.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/26/2009

    Definitely a little native Californian secret.  The place where central coast wine makers hang out.  Located between LA and San Francisco in Arroyo Grande, Gather felt friendly and unpretentious. Sure, Napa is nice, but I learned central coast wines are really amazing in their own right.  I loved the Labyrinth Santa Barbara Pinot.  The owner is a former digital executive who is helping the local economy by bringing wine growers, wine makers, and wine lovers together in a cool, relaxed atmosphere where you can just chill.  Reasonable prices.  Central California authenticity.  Looking forward to my return visit to enjoy a glass or three.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Kari Z. of Gather Wine Bar 11/17/2009   
    Thanks Alexandra - the Labyrinth SB Pinot was our #1 seller… More »

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