If you’d like to find some spots where you can pound bubbles—excuse me, learn and explore the nuances of sparkling wine, here are places around town that serve and sell quality Champagne and other similar wines from around the world. Enjoy your bubble bath.
Do you know about Grower Champagne Mondays? Well, your Mondays are about to get more interesting, because wine director Gianpaolo Paterlini (it's no mistake his initials are GP) not only has at least 10 Champagnes on his list under $100, but you can also get 20% off all bottles of Champagne on Mondays. Look for special flights and producer pours too. // 1760 Polk, 1760sf.com
Arlequin Wine Merchant (and Absinthe)
Not only does Hayes Valley wine shop Arlequin stock some of the best value Champagnes in the city, they also host one of the top Champagne events every winter. Come on by and see what they're pouring by the glass; you can even pop open the bottle in the neighboring cafe (and on their patio) for a nominal corkage fee. Or, you can head next door into Absinthe, which has a good variety of sparkling wines. // 384 Hayes, arlequinwinemerchant.com
While proprietor Ceri Smith is primarily known for her impeccable Italian wine selection, she's equally passionate for sparkling wines from around the world. Stop by in the evenings to see what she’s pouring. And don’t miss the bruschette and wine nights, from Wed–Sun 5pm to close, when you can choose from an array of bruschette (like Robiola and kumquat) and $10 wines. // 1415 Green, biondivino.com
Over in Dogpatch, wine shop owner Wayne Garcia sends out personal emails about what he plans to pour at the tasting bar each weekend (featuring lots of small producers, primarily from France and Italy). When he’s offering some Champagnes to try, you’ll definitely want to head on over. // 1005 Minnesota, digwinesf.com
What happens when you get a bunch of wine professionals together to run a wine shop and wine bar? Pure awesome, that’s what. Check out their Wednesday tastings from 4:30–7:30pm, which feature a variety of international wines, or try a taste off the wine bar list, which typically features three sparklers from which to choose. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter as well. // Ferry Building, fpwm.com
While the La Ciccia crew is known for their authentic Sardinian dishes and choice Italian wines, chef-owner Massimiliano Conti is also very passionate about Champagne and sparkling wines. Sit at the counter of their lively wine bar and let them walk you through some great tastes (they pour around eight sparklers by the glass)…and hams! Cin cin. // 1781 Church, lanebbia.com
This SoMa wine bar is run by a couple pros in the biz who know a lot about quality bubbles: sommeliers Mark Bright and Cara Patricia. Whether you want bubbles by the glass or need a bottle to give as a special gift, you’re set. They also sell some fabulous champers accouterments (like, say, caviar) at a very nice price. Bonuses: the kitchen is open until 11pm, and there are Saturday tastings from 3:30–5pm for as little as $10. // 234 Townsend, lesclossf.com
Looking for some new unique bubbles to try? Here you’ll find biodynamic, natural, and organic wines created by mostly small producers from Europe and California. The Friday tastings at this Potrero Hill wine shop (open since 2002!) feature international winemakers and importers from 5–9pm. // 1419 18th Street, rubywinesf.com
San Francisco Champagne Society
This by-appointment wine bar in SoMa, is run by Bill Marci, a bona fide Champagne lover. Visit with a friend and hang out at the bar (it’s a very personal experience) or get a big group together, which makes it easier to crack into some bottles (plural). You’ll learn a lot about small producers, and you can also purchase any favorites, too. Get on the mailing list for updates on Friday happy hour tastings. For reservations and more, email reservations@sfchampagnesociety.com. // 1097 Howard, sfchampagnesociety.com
Steve Sherman and his crew carry a number of sparkling wines at this stocked Polk Street shop, and every once in a while, they feature a lineup of some bubbles in their popular weekly Wednesday tastings from 6–9pm. // 2253 Polk Street, wmcross.com
Zuni is perfect for many reasons, and almost all occasions, but especially when the need for bubbles strikes. This noted restaurant carries three choice selections by the glass on their list…and with their frites? Parfait. // 1658 Market, zunicafe.com
Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe and get more food news and gossip at tablehopper.com. Follow her on Twitter: @tablehopper.
