- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Gourmet au Bay
Categories: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Beer, Wine & Spirits, Wine Bars [Edit]
913 Hwy 1Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875-9875
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu, Sun 11 am - 7 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
50 reviews for Gourmet au Bay
Review Highlights
"Oh, and their cheese plates are addictive."
(in 4 reviews)
"...arrangements with several local restaurants, your standard..."
(in 5 reviews)
"...place with a outdoor seating and a great view of the bay."
(in 5 reviews)
Loading...
50 reviews in English
-
Review from Matt J.
Redwood City, CA
10/3/2011
Came here with my girlfriend this weekend and loved it! We tried the red and white wine surfs and enjoyed them out on the covered part of the deck overlooking the bay. There had just been a light rain, so it smelled great but wasn't too wet. We met a bunch of others (who were from not too far away and seemed to frequent the place) and had a lot of fun. The place had just the right number of people the whole time (almost all the seats filled, but no one had to stand).
To be honest, we didn't like the wine that much (there was a white Rhone mix that was really good, though), but that didn't really matter. The owners were both super friendly and engaged with people the whole time. I got one of the little tchotchke sailboats, and we bought a bottle of wine to have with dinner that night (they have an agreement with most of the local restaurants where they'll waive the corkage fee if you buy from here).
We even came back the next morning to pick up another little sailboat for my girlfriend. Great place! -
Review from Lisa M.
Larkspur, CA
8/29/2011
Loved Gourmet au Bay!
Great wine
Tasty cheese and crackers
Nice people
Fabulous view
Generous pours
Cute wine surfing
Nifty trinkets for purchase
GO! -
Review from Ed S.
Geyserville, CA
10/22/2011
We had a great time here today. It was an incredibly sunny day--once a decade kind of day. Had a nice flight of wine, a cheese and cracker plate (really nice, simple, but delicious)
Would have given 5 stars but 3 of the six wines in the flight were NOT Sonoma County wines. In the middle of Sonoma County? Overall a great experience--but serve SoCo wines! -
Review from Kalah W.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2011
YES YES YES! Should be your answer when deciding to stop by this cute wine tasting shop in Bodega Bay.
Gourmet au Bay is a small boutique wine store with a great balcony over looking the bay. It's a wonderful place for a casual, talkative date or an outing with a group of friends. The view over the bay is enjoyable and Sissy & her husband (the owners/operators) are great! - helpful, knowledgeable & super friendly.
We went with a Living Social coupon, which got us two flights of three wines (poor fairly generously) and a small cheese plate (normally $32) & some store credit. They switch up there wine tasting selection every two weeks or so & I will def. be back! This time my boyfriend and I just went, even though it is a drive, I think my parents would love to check it out when they visit. -
Review from Amy B.
Harlingen, TX
4/18/2011 2 photos
We stopped here on our tour of the wine country, and weren't disappointed. It is a must-visit for any trip to Bodega, as other reviewers have said.
We tried both the red and the white flights, and she poured quite a bit more than the average tasting into the glasses. Points for that! We took them out to the deck, it was a bit breezy but tolerable considering the view of the bay was spectacular. We took our time tasting and relaxing, it was a very enjoyable experience. After chilling on the deck for a while, we went inside and browsed their selection of wine. We ended up buying one from the tasting and another that had a cute label (I know you aren't supposed to do that, but how can you resist a tractor on the label?) We also bought two plastic stemless glasses, they ended up being well used later on in the trip. More points there!
I would highly recommend this wine bar, it has character and is very relaxing. The service was excellent and the amount of wine you get for the price is quite generous. -
Review from Liz E.
Mountain View, CA
12/18/2011
This may be my favorite wine bar that I've ever been to. First of all, the location is incredibly beautiful as you look out on to the bay. The outdoor seating area has a variety of comfy chairs. There's even a plastic bin filled with blankets when it gets chilly. The wines are priced well and the selection is excellent. I'll also say the prices are very reasonable if you pick up a bottle to take with you. One of the most fun and unique parts is the carved surf board wine holder that holds 3 glasses of wine so that you can easily carry a flight of wine to your table. The vibe also seemed really pleasant with a mix of couples of all ages, friends, and families.
-
Review from Dennis M.
Santa Rosa, CA
You can get a wine tasting flight for $9 three glass of a red or white wine served on a surf bored with an option of cheeses crackers chocolate and nuts. You can also bring in your own food while you drink some wine. The seating facing the Bodega Bay outside is awesome and very private with the soothing sound of jazz.. This is a must go to spot and is very easy to pass on Highway 1.
-
Review from Janet Z.
Menlo Park, CA
2/27/2011
Setting: valentine's weekend
Reservations: no. but we got there just before sunset and there were still seats out on the patio. i snagged two by the heat lamps. score!
Order: a flight of red wines (or wine surfing as they call it). three good pours of reds on a surfboard that makes it easy to carry around. we also got a cheese plate to snack on. after our surf, we ended up buying a bottle of the pinot noir.
Tip: they have arrangements with the local restaurants so that you can get free corkage if you buy and bring a bottle of wine from Gourmet. For some restaurants they only give out one ticket a day, but for others, they have multiple tickets. If you know which restaurant you're going to for dinner, let them know when you come in!
Service: Cute store full of goodies and gifts. The staff was polite, but didn't offer much advice on the wines or a taste as I'm used to. I picked a flight so that I could try a variety. On the plus side, they didn't bother us on the patio and just let us enjoy the sunset and atmosphere.
Cost: $48 for a flight of wine, cheese plate, and a bottle of pinot to take away to dinner. -
Review from Julie S.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2011
A must-visit for any trip to Bodega! For $18, we were able to get 6 VERY generous (I think each pour was 3-4 oz) tastings of wine (3 reds, 3 whites... $9 for 3 tastings), which we enjoyed on a couch on the indoor area of the patio (it was much warmer than the porch), overlooking the beautiful Bodega Harbor. It was the highlight of our trip and we had a blast! I am usually not a fan of Riesling, but if they have it on the tasting menu, definitely try it! Not overly sweet, and quite tasty!
The gift shop is cute as well, though I didn't buy anything, and the owners are very nice! I would definitely come back:) -
Review from T A.
Alameda, CA
11/9/2010 1 photo
Perfect place to get a little wine buzz before embarking on sight seeing.
Stopped in for wine tasting and was happy to see they had some original/hand made gifts available as well.
We opted for the wine flight at $9 per person. Heavy pours of 3 varietals served in a surfboard. I loooved the muscat canelli and downed my 3 glasses way too fast.
We sat on the patio and was harassed by a little blue bird who wanted my wine.. or something. Someone gave him a cracker to get the hell away from us.. and he sat on the deck and ate it while looking at the bay. Aww, little birdie.. you're a jerk but, you just want love.. I get it.
If I'm ever back in Bodega Bay, I plan to spend way more time here. -
Review from Jennifer P.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Before coming here we were contemplating driving 30 minutes to another winery near Sonoma. Glad we didn't because the folks here are friendly and they have a cool gift shop (though too pricy). We went for one each of the red surf and white surf (wine tastings). Then we decided the Cuvée was the best of the bunch.
We sat outside for a while, but it was just too hot and the sun was in our eyes. We sat at a table inside and low and behold they had Bananagrams. -
Review from corey G.
11/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
This was a cool little gift shop in Bodega Bay. They did serve beer in this shop (plus), but I think they definitely cater to the winos :) My bro scoured the place because he had a gift certificate here for his impending wedding.
The place is right on the water with a great view and tables to lounge on when you're done shopping. -
Review from Alison Bly S.
San Juan Capistrano, CA
9/28/2011
Fun little place with a outdoor seating and a great view of the bay. Nice people, nice customers, great place to relax and enjoy wines. Loved the surfboard wineglass holder presentation. Very down to earth place. it's a good idea to pick up crab mac and cheese at the local mart on the way in (from Santa Rosa). The coastline north of the shop is pretty spectacular. Well worth veering off the path from the Sonoma/Napa valleys to experience something a little different.
-
Review from AK S.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2011
Best gift shop in Bodega. Excellent wine & tasting selections. We shared a surf board tasting and bought a bottle of locally made port. Had a baby with us so we had to sit inside but the tunes were good and we were able to shop more easily for wine.
Beer available.
Did not see menu for food but it was holiday week of torrential rain so vibe may have been a bit abnormal.
Definitely worth a stop while in Bodega. -
Review from Trish T.
Santa Rosa, CA
8/12/2011
In Bodega Bay, where there aren't very many places to stop for a bite or glass of wine, this place rocks. The wine surfboard tasting has introduced me to many local wines I wouldn't have otherwise found, and their cheese, but, and cracker plate is a perfect snack.
Parking is a bit of a pain on a busy weekend day in the lot, but there is plenty of street parking usually. Skip the popular place to stop, as it's a major disappointment, and try this place! -
Review from Brittany W.
Oakland, CA
5/31/2011
Through the Living Social website, my boyfriend bought a great deal of wine surfing for two for $16. We thought that even if they were mean (because we're kinda tattooed and nerdy) that at least it was a cheap different outing. We've never been wine tasting and didn't know what to expect. For this being our first time, it was a great experience. We wondered into the little bay side store and stood around staring at things like, "Do we go to the cash register? Or do we walk over to the bar? Or..". We were greeted by a nice guy who set us up with two surf boards of wine and told us to pick a seat. Of all the weekends, we went while it was gray and raining, but it was still beautiful. We had a cushioned love seat nestled away from any drips. Within 30 seconds our cheese plate came out which was included in our Living Socials deal. Being gluten-free, the only thing on it that I couldn't eat was the crackers but there was plenty of nuts and dried fruit to satisfy me along with the brie.
I try and put myself in the shoes of the person/business that puts things up on Living Socials. Some places put deals up because they don't have business because their food isn't that great and doesn't bring in people because the food isn't that great i.e. my coupon rant about Mangia. But then there are businesses that are in difficult areas to travel to and are in small towns where there is only so much business. I can see Living Socials being a platform to try and reach a larger customer base with a good deal. Because if they are great at business, the service will speak for it self (in a positive way) and they will come back to that specific place because it was that great. That is how I felt with Gourmet au Bay. We got a great deal, if for some reason it pops up again we wont hesitate to buy it. But it was satisfying enough to go back and pay whatever they ask because it was pleasant, fun, and with a great view. Thanks Gourmet au Bay! -
Review from Maggie N.
San Jose, CA
8/26/2011 1 photo
One of our favorite stops in Bodega Bay to relax and share a bottle of wine on their quaint little back deck, right on the water. They serve excellent and generous cheese plates with delicious nuts and fruit and their gift shop is a great xmas gift shopping spot - super friendly people and we always have a great, memorable time there!
-
Review from Lindy B.
Santa Rosa, CA
9/6/2010
This lovely little wine shop off the Highway in Bodega has a nice selection of reasonably priced wines and also has an agreement with many local restaurants to allow customers to bring in a bottle and not get charged any corkage. Nice. But the best thing to do is to grab a flight, or two, of wines to sample and take them out on the back deck and watch the bay, the seals and the gulls, all while tasting. Not all the wines are home runs, but they are all reasonably priced wines and the time spent relaxing on the bay is priceless. It's especially nice on those rare warm sunny days as it was yesterday, but even on chilly day, dressed warmly, it's a nice time.
LindySez - 3 two ounce pours for $9.00, the sun shining on my face, the gulls swooping about...what's not to like? -
Review from Q B.
Glen Ellen, CA
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the best kept secrets when in Bodega Bay!
-
Review from Jennifer L.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great jazz standards on the stereo, gorgeous bay stretched out before you (if you're on the back porch; and if it's a nice day, why wouldn't you be?), tasty wine samples, no corkage fee arrangements with several local restaurants, your standard wine themed craft items, and friendly staff.
If they served the shrimp from the Elite Cafe in SF I'd never leave. Plus the wines we were sampling were all in the $20 range, which I appreciate. You can get a flight of 3 for $9, a glass of anything for $9, or a bottle - whatever you don't finish you take with you. What a great, taster friendly model. -
Review from Walter G.
Sacramento, CA
8/8/2011
Best Groupon Ever!! We tried 3 wines each and shared. They had a varietal from Lodi that I had never heard of. Very good medium red wine. I can not remember the name. My wife ordered the three whites and I ordered the three reds. The first two reds were the best. The cheese plate was good but not much cheese. Great wildlife show from the deck that we had to ourselves. Blue Heron, Egret, Cormorants, Turns, White Pelican, and Sea Lions. Possible Sea Otter but we were not 100% sure. I am glad we have one more groupon for our next visit. It was quiet until the Turns arrived then all ____ broke loose.
-
Review from Lindsay A.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
A little Bodega Bay gem! This place sells all 90+ point wines and they carry such a good variety of locals in addition to imports. The woman working (I think an owner) was so nice and had great wine suggestions. They have a deal with some of the local restaurants where you can have the corkage fee waved if your wine is from Gourmet Au Bay. The idea of a wine "surf" is also very fun and sitting out on the deck sipping wine on the bay is a great way to spend any afternoon.
-
Review from Kiki R.
Concord, CA
7/3/2009
Things to love:
-Great view from the deck.
-Cute gift shop with lots of fun stuff, haven't been able to get out there without buying something.
-The sweet, friendly couple who own the place.
-Oh, did I forget the wine??? Yes, they've got a fair amount of choices by the bottle and you can also order a glass or a surfboard (3 tastes) and sit out on the deck and enjoy your wine, friends and view.
-We ordered the cheese and crackers last time I was there and it was delicious. They don't have a ton of food options, which is too bad but they don't appear to have a kitchen so I was v. happy w/ my snack.
Really great place, a must stop if you're going to or through Bodega Bay. -
Review from Charmian D.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2010
Gourmet Au Bay concluded our GWO (Girls Weekend Out) with pleasantries such as wine tasting, souvenir shopping & engaging in chick conversation ("chick conversation" is a plethora of topics discussed such as what to and what not to wear for the season, hollywood gossip, sports...such as Tiger Woods' infidelity crises, household tips via Real Simple magazine and sex...just to name a few
Men should know that we're not that different when women congregate except that we usually respond to discussions in giggles or bursts of tears...while men typically reciprocate by a head nod or grunt
Nevertheless, this cute wine bar made our Bodega Bay trip all the more daintier as we went on about sampling wine and taking in the fresh air & beautiful scenery
I particularly loved the adorable wooden deck in the back of the wine store. There were enough seats & standing room for about 20-25 people. I can imagine this place to be crowded during the summer because of the relaxing views plus it does get cold during the fall, winter months. However, they provide you with blankets to keep warm...the shopkeepers (or owners?) are very hospitable & knowledgeable about the wine they served
I would come back for any topic discussed -
Review from Julia R.
2/20/2009
The Boo and I were driving through Bodega Bay on V-Day and I made him turn the car around as were driving for two reasons:
1.Saltwater taffy.
2. Wine tasting.
After indulging me with peppermint taffy, we went to Gourmet Au Bay for wine tasting. This is such a friendly place with a good selection of wines. We each had a wine 'surf' and sat on the balcony to take in the scenery.
After "surfing" I had another glass of wine and chatted with Sissy (the gal from FL who now runs the place with her Boo) and was impressed with my experience here. After feeling a little warm in the cheeks, I joined the 2 x 4 wine club and can't wait for my first arrival! -
Review from Beryl L.
Washington, DC
2/6/2011
Went full scale with simultaneously red wine surfing and white wine surfing. Both best sets of triplets. The whites were most striking: a baked apple, a pear, and an apple 'n' mixed berry. Lightly guzzled with nuzzles of cheese on crackers. We handpicked the recommended english breakfast cheese which wasn't quite that rich consistency of double or triple cream french brie but was steadily treading along that avenue. It's perpetually splendid to intake a different stake on a picnic or table corner of the cheese market (http://www.amazon.com/...). Panoramic view is wow and gift shop is how do they fit all that in there.
-
Review from Jacob C.
Rancho Cordova, CA
4/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic little shop. Owners are great people, and were wonderful to talk to. great selection of wines at reasonable prices - especially for being in a remote location.
-
Review from Gina P.
San Francisco, CA
9/30/2008
Bodega Bay doesn't have much going on in the way of nightlife.
This little spot is just about the only chill place to hang out - and it's a good one. Open from 11a-7p most days and until 8p on Fri & Saturday, Gourmet Au Bay is a wine store, gift shop and tasting room.
A lovely couple took over ownership in August, having recently relocated from Florida to run the shop. They're quite lovely people, who man the gift shop and wine tasting bar with a smile. They offer a daily tasting of 3 whites and 3 reds (which you can get by the glass or 3 2oz pours in a 'surf') along with 2-3 featured beers and somem cheeses.
The main appeal is that you can take your wine out onto the deck and sip it while enjoying the sunset over Bodega Bay. Nice conversation, tasty Zin - and a view. What more could you want? -
Review from Valerie G.
San Francisco, CA
11/23/2009
The view is so beautiful that I feel I have to echo reviewers before me. If you're nearby on a nice day - go have a glass a wine on the deck.
Prices are very reasonable and we picked up several bottles to take home. The people who run this place are extremely nice (if this was my job, I would be too!) We stopped in on a whim, and I'm so glad we did. It was a perfect way to spend part of an afternoon during our relaxing weekend in Bodega Bay. -
Review from Anne H.
Bodega Bay, CA
3/14/2011
Gourmet au Bay combines a few wonderful qualities: a great selection of wines (with generous pours for tastings), with a beautiful spot on their deck to sit down and enjoy it, gifts and home decorating items that you won't find anywhere else on the coast, plus the best selection of funny and wacky gift cards! Don't underrate the availablility of original cards, I'm telling you. Sissy and Bob have a great little place here, and their Happy Hours are a nice mix of locals and visitors. Oh, and their cheese plates are addictive.
-
Review from Ray D.
Santa Monica, CA
12/24/2010 1 photo
Great place to stop on the way up Highway 1 to pick up a nice bottle of wine for the weekend. Friendly helpful staff who cheerfully advise on the regional wines. Typically open on the afternoon before Thanksgiving or Christmas for those last minute "wine emergencies." Also check out the adjacent saltwater taffy shop with diverse flavors.
-
Review from Rick R.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2010
Cute place. Love it. Buy a frog
-
Review from Robert J.
Larkspur, CA
8/17/2009
I love this place with its amazing views from the deck and owners, Bob and Sissy, who are both charming!
Definitely the best place to stop and take in Bodega Bay... along with a lovely glass or two of good wine! -
Review from Brynne D.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2011
This is such a great spot! I have now been twice and must admit that a recent weekend get-away from SF was planned around a visit here. The ocean-front patio is lovely in sun or fog, and they even have a chest full of blankets in case you are not acclimated to the Northern California coastal summer weather. The prices are reasonable and the portions generous (particularly for the cheese plate - don't miss it!). The owners are also really lovely - this past visit they were concerned that we were planning to walk back to dinner and our hotel (along Highway 1) and gave us a ride! I can't say enough great things about this place - just go.
-
Review from Jane S.
Morgan Hill, CA
7/29/2011
Nice selection & much better then any other option in Bodega.
-
Review from Ben F.
Novato, CA
6/20/2011
Love this place for a glass of wine or two. For sure sample first as not ALL the wines are great, then order a full glass of your favorite and sit on the porch and soak it all in.
-
Review from Chris V.
Pleasanton, CA
12/6/2010
Charming little place to visit for sure. Great people, great wine selection, and a little outdoor patio overlooking the bay to sit and enjoy your wine. Just a very nice relaxing little break in our day!
You'll really love their little surfboard tray for your three glasses of wine. Very unique----and you will have company from a little bluebird that will sit two feet from you and stare at you. Too funny! -
Review from Frank M.
Livermore, CA
10/18/2009
My wife and I bought a vacation home in the South Harbor neighborhood of Bodega Bay about a year ago. Shortly thereafter we discovered Gourmet Au Bay. In the last 9 months, we've not only enjoyed wonderful wine flights and cheese on spectactular afternoons watching the sunset on Bodega Harbor, but we've been introduced to a number of Sonoma County wines that we otherwise never would have tasted (Jules and TaraBella Cab's are amongst the best). Their gift shop is fantastic-which we've invested in heavily with wine glasses, hurricane lamps and many other tasteful additions to our beach home. Best of all, Bob and Sissy are fantastic-they're what make Gourmet Au Bay a must-see attraction in Bodega Bay.
-
Review from Nicki S.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2010
I can't say enough good things about this place. You can't beat a generous pouring of three good wines, all enjoyed against the beautiful backdrop of Bodega Harbor. Add the goat cheese cream cheese and some sunshine on the deck, and I'm a happy camper! Great shopping was definitely icing on the cake.
The owner Sissy made some dinner recommendations for us, but when she appeared in the restaurant with the goat cheese cream cheese that I had left in the store, I was just blown away. Talk about customer service!
This is a must do if you're in the area; wine, food and shopping - what more could you wish for? -
Review from Aly D.
Livermore, CA
6/2/2011
A couple living in Bodega Bay said we had to stop at this place. We loved it so much we came back the next day! Great view of the harbor, the couple who run it love what they do and it's a great atmosphere. They sell cowgirl creamery cheese but you can bring your own too, the owners don't mind a bit. I look forward to going back!
