When we heard there was a society specifically dedicated to bubbly, we had to hear more. Behold, the San Francisco Champagne Society, a unique champagne-boutique-bar specializing in sparkling of all stripes. This intimate, reservations-only private club in SoMa holds a prestigious collection of small grower-producers, personally met and chosen by owner and founder Bill Marci.
By day, Marci is the CEO of BMA Solutions, Ltd., a company he built in 1994 which provides custom audio, video, and lighting solutions for commercial and residential clients in the Bay Area. By night—and “on call”—he becomes an expert sommelier (he's been to the Champagne region more times than you've been to Tahoe).
"It was a project I had in mind for years, and when the occasion presented itself, I bought the liquor license from my neighbor and started to invite people over," Marci says. He transitioned his home loft into a temple to the likes of L. Aubry Fils, Pierre Peters Champagne "Cuvée de Reserve," and Roses de Jeanne produced by Cedric Bouchard, in August 2014. With room to host up to 25 people, it's an ideal spot for an over-the-top date, champers geek fest, birthday blowout, or very cool company offsite (ahem, boss lady).
San Francisco Champagne Society: open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, reservation only (reservations@sfchampagnesociety.com), from $50 with custom tasting available, 1097 Howard Street.
