When I lived in New York, having a local wine store was key—for recommendations, of course, but most importantly because you can't buy wine at the grocery store. I'm finding that even though you can do so here (and even big chains like Safeway have a pretty well curated assortment), there's still reason to shop at a specialized store. My favorite wine shop in San Francisco is William Cross Wine Merchant, on Polk Street in Russian Hill (which happens to be the neighborhood that most reminds me of NYC—coincidence or not?). Not only do they have a great selection of wines from all over the world (with a particularly impressive Italian section), but they have a tasting bar in the back that takes that neighborhood-wine-store concept to the next level.
A recent fundraiser for Planned Parenthood
While you can pop in anytime the bar is open for a glass, my favorite night of the week is Wednesday, when you can try a flight for $15. Sign up for the newsletter on William Cross' website to see what wines are on deck each week. There's usually a theme, say Loire Valley or Pinots from around the world, and not only is it a cozy little neighborhood gathering, it's also a great way to learn about wine. I've discovered many gems this way—William Cross' prices are fantastic, I should also mention—especially from regions that I'm not always familiar with.
Move over, Nebbiolo!
For example, this 2013 Foradori Terodego Rotaliano that I completely fell in love with at a recent special Friday-night fundraiser for Planned Parenthood, featuring all-female vintners. The winemaker, Elisabetta Foradori, biodynamically farms her Terlodego grapes, an ancient vareital native to northern Italy (and one I'd never had before!), in Trentino. The grape is related to pinot noir and syrah, and Foradori's wine alludes to the best parts of each in its delicate tannins and dark berries. It's light and rich at the same time, without being too acid or too syrupy. And at $22 a bottle, it's a straight-up bargain. I drank mine with a pea-and-parmesan soup from Julia Turshen's excellent Small Victories cookbook, and I wish I had bought two bottles. Sounds like an excuse to go back, doesn't it?