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Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Wine Bars [Edit]
Neighborhood: SOMAMon-Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
"What else really is there to say about a place that has nearly 200 reviews, with a solid collection of five-star reviews? Quite possibly…" read more »
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Fantastic selection, knowledgeable and friendly staff. What else do you need? I particularly like the Australian Shiraz and French Rhone selection. The Burgs aren't bad either.
Affiliated with stores in Santa Ana and Santa Clara
People thought this was:
Great wine merchant! The selection is fairly decent. The service is really great. The guys that work there are probably the most helpful/knowledgeable/friendly I've had the pleasure to speak with. The prices are not spectacular, but are fair. Picture a Sports Basement for wines and you'll get the idea.
I so agree on the comment "K & L or The Wine Club, do I have to choose one?" I love The Wine Club. Great selections of wine. I never go wrong here. The staff is real, down to earth.. Just my type of pep.
They had recommended a Christine Andrew Petite Syrah '05- Excellent and an Edmeades Zinfandel 05'- Incredible. I just went here last week, at 6pm, when they were closing and they gladly opened the door...sweet.
People thought this was:
This place is pretty cool. I went to meet up w/some friends and we left shortly after I got there, so I only had time for about a small glass of wine, but it tasted yummy. Not only that, but each wall or section of the restaurant is a different vineyard, and apparently they have yummy mini-cupcake pairings that go w/the wine. I missed out on that, but sounds so cool! I would definitely go there again.
People thought this was:
Prices are some of the best (if not the best) in the city except for Champagne (that will be K&L). Great selection of French and Italian wines and maybe the best Burgundy selection in SF (Premier Cru is in Berkeley). Staff is very helpful and knowledgeable especially David. Will now win an interior decorating award but that helps keep the wine prices low. From $10 Cotes du Rhone to $1000+ DRC wines, you have it all here. Tastings happen every Saturday and you can taste some very good, rare and expensive wines for very reasonable prices but they also pour local wines as well, pretty good mix.
My only complaint about this store is their online website sort of sucks especially when compared to K&L, but I am reviewing the store here, not the website so 5 stars it will be.
People thought this was:
By far my favorite place in the city to buy wine. Stacks of cases with one side opened to see the jewels that await you inside... friendly staff, with high wine IQ. I highly recommend this place, but also kinda like it being my secret place to find great wines in the city.
People thought this was:
I'd driven past this place hundreds of times before giving in to my curiosity. It only *looks* like a crack den -- open the door and you'll find . . . a giant wine store, operated by a bunch of approachable oenophiles.
Yes, there is such a thing.
I like wine a lot, but I can not partake in the high-end market. You can buy a $300 bottle of wine here. I'm sure it's good, but I'd rather have thirty $10 bottles. The great thing about the Wine Club is they have both, and the guys will treat you just the same as the big-roller.
They have wines from CA, the Pacific NW, France, Germany, Spain and pretty much everywhere else, most marked with signs that tell you a little about the wine, which I do like.
I stopped here yesterday and bought ten bottles of wine for $100. The guy in front of me got five bottles for $375. SO, something for everyone!
People thought this was:
Call me crazy, but I like the place cos it smells dirty.
Dirty as in earthy, nitrogen enriched, like it's Fall and it's been raining for awhile, and the roof has a leak. Which it hasn't. The place is actually quite dry and dusty. Well, except for the wine.
The name's a misnomer. It's neither a club in the sense of a dance club, nor a club in the sense of a Price Club. It's just a shady looking warehouse with a little sign on a side entrance. Inside, you'd expect mountains of pirated porn videos. Or recalled Chinese toys and toothpaste. Except it's not. It's booze. Mountains of booze.
My cousin was in town for an interview and wanted to do something stuck up. She's trying to improve her wine tasting ability. We came here because the wine tasting hours were still going -- her first choice place, some other well-known place with a bigger selection, well they were pricks and they closed early.
Good service. A solid wine tasting menu, with stiff pours from ten or so choices of the week -- ~$20 goes a long, long way. Their selection seems smaller than the competition, but you should be able to find something amicable if you're looking for high point wines.
Will I be back? Probably not. I do have a refined palate for fine wines, but I honestly prefer alcohol the way God intended: hard liquor, and lots of it.
People thought this was:
A building with no windows in SOMA between 5th and 6th with the word 'Club'? Sounds scary?
Well, if you are brave enough to walk in, you won't find bouncers or pink lights. What you'll find is one of the best wine stores in San Francisco with friendly and knowable staff. Although it's called Wine Club, no membership is required. I think they have a wine club that you can join, but they've never pushed this on me.
Many of their Saturday afternoon tasting events are outstanding. A wine store that offers below tasting of the best California Cabs deserves 5 Stars.
2004 Big Guns of California Cabernet Tasting
1. Quintessa
2. Dominus
3. Rudd Oakville Estate Proprietary Red
4. Hewitt Rutherford
5. Far Niente
6. Ramey Jericho Canyon
7. BV Georges de Latour
8. Joseph Phelps Insignia
9. Mondavi Reserve
10. Beringer Private Reserve
11. Opus One
12. Ridge Monte Bello
Prices of their tasting differs every weekend. Most are $20-40. For the special tasting above, it was $80/person, which included a Riedel Glass. You are allowed to share a glass with someone. Sure, $80 is not cheap, but opening a bottle of 2004 Insignia would set you back $160, so it was actually a cheap way to try 12 really good wines.
K&L or Wine Club: Do I have to choose one? I go to both. K&L is better organized store with a nice website, but I often get more about of tastings at The Wine Club. They are just a few blocks apart, so I suggest going to both.
People thought this was:
Grace K. inspired me to write this review after reading her K&L Wine Merchant review...and also since I'm here every week cause it's right across the street from me!
The Wine Club is not a fancy smancy place like K&L but more like a small warehouse for wines and champagne. When you walk in, there are rows of wines that are sitting in boxes that they came and most all with a lil review of what you can expect to taste from them on the box courtesy of the Wine Club. They have a relatively good selection, especially French wines, and the staff is pretty friendly and helpful to answer questions. Their tastings are well worth it at about $20 you can taste from 8-10 different wines. What I really like about The Wine Club is their prices which tends to be lower than other merchants, thus the sparsity of their decor. I've found a few great values here that you can't find in other places.
They have 3 locations: SF, Santa Clara, and Santa Ana. The Wine Club and K&L are the 2 places I normally get my wines from in SF but since K&L is too far (3 blocks from me...heheh) I usually just dodge across Harrison St. traffic to go to The Wine Club and carry my box home.
People thought this was:
I have been to quite a few wine stores in this town, and The Wine Club is absolutely one of my faves.
I don't want to say huge, but definitely a very large selection of wines, with most wines having a description posted by the staff (very helpful!). Their prices are hands-down the best. Many times I have bought a wine at Wine Club that I also bought somewhere else - usually with at least a $4 mark-up.
The people are approachable and knowledgeable, and there is a lot to choose from regardless of your price range.
I live in the Presidio, and make special trips to SOMA just to shop here!
WOW, I never knew this place existed and I thought I knew everything about wine stores in San Francisco. Great selection, great prices, and wine tasting!
People thought this was:
The first SF wine store for me, the first upscale anywhere, big as myth because there is no vanishing point to a dream. A warehouse of life and warmth, a tasting bar honors fifty great world wines, lectures, promotions, field trips, advice, cellared collections snagged at auction. Staff is on lover's terms with every bottle, every teardrop of history and esoterica and lore. Tell them what you're doing tonight and who you're doing it to, they set you up, I mean, these guys bring you better sex.
Just a wine joint though. Kind of dingy, small, bad hood, dark, empty. Design theme is cardboard boxes. Slow zombie customers in sweats and caps, horizontal tastings of oxidized screw tops, this could be Berkeley.
Sad. You can never go home. Sad you build your castle and you never kiss the girl inside because it's all twigs and sand.
Still, far better wine than playing Russian Rivier roulette at Trader Joe's or Bevmo. How many times do I have to say this, folks. It's value that's important, not price. A $3 Sav Blk was so good it made me want to kill a chicken.
People thought this was:
I kept hearing about the wine club but could not get past the outside of the building. We finally stopped this weekend and I have to say they have some good wines at great prices. The place is cramped and not at all fancy, but I guess that is how they keep prices down.
Staff was not overly friendly, but did make a few recommendations. I will defiantly go back. I think it might be easier to get around during the week, as Sat was kinda busy.
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Don't register there!
We had a wedding registry there because we are older and we have so much stuff already that getting some good bottles of wine sounded like a real good idea.
I don't even feel like writing the 3 pages it would take to explain all the ways they screwed up. Bottom line it took us for ever to get the wines and know who gave them to us AND we think we didn't get everything. Which means that some people probably bought us a present there, and we won't know about it nor get it. Unless of course we send an email to people from who we haven't received a present and ask about it. That's really bad!
If it wasn't for this bad experience I would have given them 4 to 5 stars because they are a great place to buy wine otherwise.
People thought this was:
This place has an awesome selection of wines! The staff are super nice, incredibly knowledgeable, and always help me find amazing wine for great prices. I like looking for good quality value wines, and they have always been honest with me about what they think has the best flavor bang for the buck. Based on their recommendations, I've emerged with some fantastic Zins, refreshing Vinho Verde, excellent German Riesling (Kabinett style at non-Kabinett price) in recent delicious memory. I have to exercise major self-control to not buy more than a half dozen bottles at a time!
It's totally not a fancy wine shop - they are in a somewhat ghetto warehouse on a corner of 6th and Harrison that's easy to drive past. And the display cases for their wines are really bare-bones minimum, often the boxes themselves. But I think that is what keeps their overhead so low and keeps their wines at good prices. And I like that aspect.... a lot.
People thought this was:
I always have to ration my visits here, as I can't stop myself from picking up more than I should. Wines from France and Italy are the main attractions here, although there is a sizable selection from Australia, Spain, Germany and the USA.
Saturday tastings are a great way to sample some stuff that you would have to shell out the big bucks for. These Saturday events are quite fun and can be very educational if there is a only a small crowd. Towards the end of the day, my wife and I are sometimes the only people doing the tasting.
Sign up for the email list, as you can get advance notice and pre-arrival specials in your inbox. They send out quite a bit of email per week, so be prepared for a deluge. This service is especially helpful if you are a Spectator/Advocate Point Whore. It can take awhile to get though, as I am still waiting for stuff that I ordered a year ago.
People thought this was:
Much more a sister store to Winehouse Unlimited than nearby K&L--warehouse setting, not yuppified at all (indeed, it has a very homegrown, DIY feel). Why they would call it "Wine Club" and scare away potential customers is beyond me. "Wine Cave" or "Wine Shack" or something would be a better bet. Anyway, there are plenty of cheaper wines and good, creative descriptions, and although it's a little difficult to navigate, the staff are more than happy to help and not pushy or patronizing in the least. Only downside is that the pinot and syrah I tried, while adequate, were pretty unmemorable, and didn't have the distinctive and delicious taste you can usually rely on from wine stores.
People thought this was:
"Join the Club and visit The Wine Club"
I like this wineshop. . .it's a lot different than K&L. .. most of the wine is displayed in boxes and not on neat racks, you'll see a lot more write-ups and ratings than you will at K&L and there's also an area in back where you can taste several wines-----you simply tally up what you've tried and bring it to the counter when you're done (it's on the honor system). They also do formal tastings, though I've never been to one.
The staff is very friendly and eager to answer any questions you might have.
As for one reviewer's comment that one should be wary of the "mediocre wines". . . well this isn't exclusive to The Wine Club-----just about every wine shop has mediocre wines. That's why you need to ask questions, not be afraid to purchase the occassional lemon and do a little research before you go there (that's just the smart way to purchase wine anywhere).
The prices at The Wine Club are fairly competitve. .. sometimes they are cheaper and sometimes they are not. . . so again, research (especially if you're buying something to lay down for a few years). As for the lack of windows, I actually like that. It means the sun isn't beating heat into the place through the windows on hot days and that means the wine is being stored at a fairly good temperature. There's nothing that irks me more about a wine shop than when I see good wine being displayed in a shop window as if it were a plant in a nursery.
One major drawback is their Web site. It can't compare to K&L's because it doesn't synch up to their in store inventory. They have a location in SoCal and for some reason they haven't figured out a way to provide real-time inventory from both locations on their Web site. It's a real shame, because this could really help their business.
So try The Wine Club and decide for yourself whether it's a worthwhile stop.
People thought this was:
I've been a customer ever since moving to the City. It is a good place to get wine. The decor is not fancy and that suits me just fine.
- Good selection & prices, I like browsing the Aussie wines.
- Sign up for their monthly buying guide. They stock some different wines depending on their locations; the guide allows you to peruse their inventory by store beforehand.
- Very approachable staff.
- Parking lot is small but you can also park the alley if needed.
People thought this was:
Really great place to have in the neighborhood. They always have great recomendations -- David gives me little tips every time I go in.
Really nice and casual tasting bar, too.
People thought this was:
I have yet to go to a tasting here, but the selections this place has are really vast and very good.
I'm not currently in a place to be purchasing the expensive wines, but I can definitely speak for their "budget" wines and they have all been good choices.
They have wines that are 9's in the Wine Spectator and also Wine Enthusiast for under $20.
I can honestly say that if you walk around there enough and really look and read, you can go home with some really nice bottles for an unexpected low price.
Can't wait to set up a tasting.
People thought this was:
Just like crack... I keep going back (and spending all my money)...and it is a bit "den"/bunker like.
For someone who used to think that Cost Plus was sweet for wine, I have graduated to a better place. The great thing about The Wine Club is even the wine on the lower end of the price spectrum is great. You're not going to find lots of grocery store brands here, which is nice...makes your friends think your some wine genius when really it just takes a third grade reading level to wander the aisles and pick the appropriate values (the shop does a great job with posting tasting notes/reviews).
Caution: It's difficult to come out with less than a case.
People thought this was:
My dad said that this place looked like a combination of a warehouse and a speakeasy. And that was after I told him that I agreed with the yelp review that the wine club looked like a chop shop from the outside...
Don't let the no frills exterior deter you: there is a ton of wine waiting for you inside. Go in and check it out.
I have found that the staff will leave you alone unless you make eye contact with them and act inquisitive. I prefer it that way, frankly. Once you have looked it over, if you have questions, they are very willing to share their advice and opinions.
So far, I have not gone wrong with staff recommendations offered there. (Some of the signs seem a little rah! rah!--typical wine stuff, but the recommendations from the staff have been solid). This is the kind of place where you can tell them a price point and a general preference, and they will steer you to something good with no worries.
I find the prices to be a buck or two under K&L for most of the stuff I buy. They have a website if you want to get an idea what they carry.
I have not done any tasting there yet, but they do have a tasting area. Something to look forward to.
Sometimes I just like to go and have a little look-see...
I just popped into this cool little closet today for a couple bottles, one Cono Sur 05 Cab from Chile and a Slipstream 05 Shiraz/Grenache from South Australia. I have not personally been to Chile or Australia yet, but I hope these two gems will get me that much closer...
It is hard to put into words the delight and overall excitement this place gives me. The guys behind the register are always low key and informative, but not pushy or pompous.
Theses days it it hard to find a solid and respectable place to purchase and comb through rows of wine without getting huge waves of over zealous loud mouthed consumers and sales people giving their jaded view on life and leisure. This place is a quite exception to the normal everyday wine shop. You can taste wines and purchase wines here as if you are in a sweet library of vineyard fantasy novels. They carry a pretty eclectic group of bottles not falling pray to anything to popular or blown out.
As for prices, they seem to be dead on. Sometimes it even seems as if they can get you a better deal on a bottle than the wineries that produce the juice!
This group of Jedi's keeps it cool and legit in my book, so roll your wheel barrels of cash over to this joint ASAP and fill up on some bottles of 'guaranteed good times'...
Solid wine selection. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff.
I called and inquired about an obscure bottle of wine. The person who answered the phone recognized the wine immediately and told me that they were sold out. :( When I ventured in later that day to look for an alternative bottle, they remembered my phone call and told me that they found one last bottle of the wine I originally sought. Thanks! :)
The "Club" part always threw me. Do I need to pay a membership? Do I need to know some sommelier secret handshake? The answer, my friends, is "No."
Anyone can walk right into this SOMA goldmine and find a decent selection of value wines.
Dark and dank. You feel hungover before you leave. But the staff is friendly...and understanding.
Fantastic hidden gem! Great staff with exceptional knowledge and zero attitude. Super easy to approach and ask for recommendations.
Good selection, great place to pick up a special occasion or party bottle of wine without paying the big bucks! Perfect for the economy, eh?
I like it a bit better than K&L, the other warehouse-y south of Market wine shop, if only because I find them a bit friendlier. But there are mediocre wines here so watch yourself.
People thought this was:
do not be deterred by the fact that the building could easily be a front for a chop shop. who needs windows when you should be looking at the wine anyway? i like to pretend i am a wine distributor as i walk amongst the cases-- think like i am buying 5 dozen instead of one.
make sure you talk to the guys that work here. they have a lot to say and perk up if you show an ounce of enthusiasm. they also have good tasting deals and they're open to ordering bottles of rare finds for you at a reasonable price. plus, we once bought a bottle of white that tasted like ramen, no joke. bizarre. but they took it back!
People thought this was:
aayyyyyhhhh I luv this place. A right bit snotty they can be but they didnt throw me out when the caught me popping open a bottle with out paying for it. bloody great burgundy it was....The clarets are also spot on.
People thought this was:
here's what i like in a wine store: copious signage, low margins, and a friendly staff. here's what i don't need: fancy mahogany racks, shelf-talkers, and a sizeable collection of single malts.
don't be put off by the warehouse feel, cardboard boxes, or sketchy location of this incredible little store. there's something for everyone here - from $9 argentine malbecs to $600 barolos. they consistently beat k&l by a few dollars a bottle and are much friendlier. subscribe to their email blasts to keep abreast of new releases.
People thought this was:
Damn you wine club. You have made me poor. I love you, I can't live without your disorganized aisles of tucked away gems and ridiculously expensive (yet relatively, a bargain!) wine. Damn you wine club.
People thought this was:
nice selection of wines. you can also view lists of incoming. on their web site. i didn't care for the wine tasting. one sip couldn't tell me if i liked it or not. one sip would only tell me if i didn't like it.
by the time i finish a bottle, i will really know it i liked it or not..
This place is a winner, people. All you have to be able to do is read the carefully penned signs in this ambrosial soma warehouse, and you are virtually assured more than your money's worth of quality wine consumption. Anyone who has known the heartbreak of wasting one's painfully earned bucks on an overpriced bottle of disgusting rotten wine at a downtown liquor store should hightail it to this fine establishment. I have never bought wine here that I did not like at least a little. Props!
People thought this was:
I love wine club. They are more of a warehouse, but it's not a club that you need to be a member of. Great prices lotsa variety and the whole spectrum of cheap to super expensive
we're winos, like, big time. i love to snob out on terroir, palate, vintage, fruit-forward, jammy, big luscious vino. not bad here! the folks here are real helpful and stock the best of napa, even the smaller and most awesomest vineyards, as well as french, australian, italian, etc. they do tastings too - even the big $$ wines. the guy was telling me they were going to crack a $150 bordeaux for the "best of the best" on saturday. sometimes you can find a real steal but you need to comb the aisles, so come with your patience. otherwise, moderately priced but always worth returning to see what's around.
People thought this was:
Generally better prices than nearby K&L, but the space is cramped and the selection noticeably smaller. Their San Jose store is vastly larger and brighter, and provides more useful email alerts on inventory additions and tastings.
They have a great selection of wine here. The staff is very knowledgeable and always eager to help.
A trip to the wine club always makes quite a dent in the bank account. ah, well, to bad. we come here for the burgundies and to stock up on champagne.
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