San Diego's Snob-Free Wine Bars

Dec 8th 2010 12:09PM / by Nanette Wiser

So long holiday party, hello wine bar bash. Why wash glasses and purvey appetizers when you can gather the gang decked out in holiday frippery and graze these cozy flights of fancy? Get smart and pre-order your posse's wine and kibbles and let the festivities begin. Check out where the non-pretentious oenophiles flock:

57 Hancock : Modern art lounge, meet 16,500-square-foot wine warehouse. Happy hour kicks off Monday - Friday 4pm with $5 pours from the cask-of-the-day. Two large flat-screen TVs, free Nathan's hot dogs during "Monday Night Football," wine lockers - a true den for men and wine lover's paradise.
1735 Hancock St., Mission Hills; 619-234-5757
The Grape: Voted the best wine bar without attitude, this jazzy joint's gourmet pizzas, port pate, brie with green apple, salami and garlic cream cheese French loaf dazzle as do the 100 fine wines, many by the ½ glass or glass.
823 5th Ave.; 619-238-8010
Red Velvet Wine Bar: Small is beautiful at this u-shaped lush bar with 35 small production, classic, terroir-driven wines. Enjoy a prix-fixe three-course meal accompanied by three half-glasses of wine Wednesday - Friday from 5pm - 6:30pm. On Tuesdays, enjoy a blind tasting; bring a bottle and get a Red Velvet pour and tipple from all.
750 W Fir St.; 619-501-4561
Splash Wine Lounge: Bohemian flair, happy hour daily from 4pm - 6pm in this unassuming wine lover's paradise . Lounge on the sofa and sip delicate Clos Clementine - Cotes De Provence - Rose (France), a holiday favorite. Ultra-relaxed chic party haven filled with pretty people.
3043 University Ave.; 619-296-0714
Wine Steals: The setting is simple. Relax, explore, enjoy in a European winery ambience complete with zinc bar, wood-topped wine barrels surrounded by comfy chairs and 40 wines by the glass. With a minimum bar tab of $250 (that's 25 pals @ $10), you can use the private room for an afternoon or evening Bacchus romp. Or gather for the weekend wine tastings, just $10.
1243 University Ave., Hillcrest; 619-295-1188 (and three other locations)
Vin De Syrah Spirit & Wine Parlor: Laid-back chic with a fireplace in the parlor, this wine boutique hosts a weekly 8pm - 9pm candlelit tasting showcasing unique blends paired with a hand-crafted canapé on Friday and Saturday. Reserve a spot for your posse now. On Sundays, make merry with $2 house wines and sangria all night long.
901 5th Ave.; 619-234-4166