I love that Reno has developed a rich wine-bar culture. We are seeing more wine bars open, offering increasingly diverse selections. There are no bad wine bars in Reno; it’s a matter of finding the one that fits your vibe—whether that matches your personality in general, or simply the mood you’re in that night.
Here’s a closer look at the top vote-getters, along with some of my favorite things about each one.
Whispering Vine Wine Co.
The winner again in the Best Wine Bar category is Whispering Vine Wine Co., which has two Reno locations—4201 W. Fourth St. in the northwest part of town, and 85 Foothill Road in south Reno.
Both locations carry an enormous selection of wine—more than 2,500 different bottles—so you’ll have no trouble finding something you like. Both also offer wine flights to help you decide what to purchase. The staff includes many experts who can guide you in choosing the perfect bottle. There are plenty of seating options—at the bar, group tables or quieter corners.
The Fourth Street location features a kitchen, while the Foothill location allows you to order food from nearby restaurants.
I especially love the extensive by-the-glass list. No matter what I’m craving, I know I’ll find an option. My favorite food item at the Fourth Street location is the grilled cheese with tomato soup. The sandwich has a great crunch and a perfectly balanced blend of cheeses that pairs well with crisp whites, structured reds or sparkling wines.
I’ve never had a bad glass of wine—or a bad day—at either Whispering Vine location.
Craft Wine & Beer
The first runner-up, Craft Wine & Beer, is both a specialty bottle shop and a bar. Its carefully curated selection includes wine, craft beer, spirits, sake, cider and nonalcoholic beverages, with a strong focus on small production and environmentally responsible makers.
Located at 22 Martin St. in Reno, Craft Wine & Beer offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Because there is no kitchen, many customers bring in food or order delivery. The shop hosts frequent tasting events; you can get the latest information in-store or by joining the mailing list.
What I love most about Craft Wine & Beer is its Midtown location and its fun, young, eclectic clientele. The energy here is contagious, and browsing the shelves feels like wandering through an international wine shop.
Zephyr Wine Bar
Located at 15415 Wedge Parkway in south Reno, Zephyr Wine Bar is a neighborhood spot with elegant décor and a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. It offers unique wines (including some on tap) and a distinct tapas menu.
Zephyr also provides private event space for 25 to 100 people. With indoor and outdoor service, it hosts winemaker events and live music. The website has the most up-to-date schedule.
Highlights—beyond the wines, of course—include the warm hospitality from owners Jenn and Andre Walker, the live music and, of course, the food. My go-to favorite is the brie, pear and prosciutto crostini, which pairs beautifully with nearly any wine on the menu. The patio is especially inviting on cool evenings. Let the Washoe Zephyr breeze carry you in!
Blackrock Wine Co.
Blackrock Wine Co., located south of McCarran Boulevard at 6135 Lakeside Drive, bills itself as the only wine and beer bar in Reno led by a certified French wine scholar, sommelier and sake professional. Unsurprisingly, the wine program is excellent.
The menu features bottles and by-the-glass options, along with light bites. The bar also hosts winemaker events, blind tastings and live music; check the website for dates.
Among the food offerings, I especially enjoy the duck rillette toast—herbed bread topped with smoked duck and goat cheese. It’s a fantastic bite to match with wine. Their selection includes more than 280 bottles, with around 160 whites and rosés already chilled and ready to pour.
Archive Wine + Beer
Archive Wine + Beer, in the Riverwalk District’s West Street Market, at 148 West St., offers wine by the glass, half-glass or bottle. While Archive does not have an in-house kitchen, food options are available steps away.
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to close, Archive includes a private gathering room for up to 30 people. The retail selection features more than 100 wines, with about 60 reds and 30 whites available at any time, along with sparkling wines, rosé, beer, cider and seltzers.
A highlight is owner Steve Boyer; he makes every guest feel welcome. The casual space is great for people-watching, and his well-sourced selection always surprises with both quality and value.
Reno’s wine bar scene is thriving, and I hope you visit these Best of Northern Nevada winners and finalists—as well as the many other bars enriching the city. Supporting them helps the culture grow stronger.
