No beverage has held such a lasting grip on human appetites as wine. Cultivated and enjoyed since the days of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, wine’s enduring legacy has spread across the globe, filling out cellars, tantalizing taste buds and inspiring millions to clink glasses. Luckily, you don’t have to be a sommelier to dive into the world of wine. Whether you like fruity, full-bodied Cabernets or a dry Muscadet, we’ve rounded up some of Tampa Bay’s best spots to enjoy a glass.
Meat Market
Meat Market already has a reputation for its impeccable Modern American cuisine, so it’s no surprise that its wine selection is equally impressive.
“Our wines cater to even the most complex palate and indulgent diner,” COO Sebastien Tribout says. “I sit down with the wine director and we make a list for our guests, taking into consideration the demographics visiting our restaurant, the tastes of our frequent guests, what wines will complement our food selections and what the chef is offering that month.”
A 2021 recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, Meat Market’s offerings are diverse both by type and region.
1606 W. Snow Ave. | Tampa | (813) 280-1113 | meatmarket.net
Noble Crust
A Tampa staple for seasonal Italian dining with a Southern-inspired twist, Noble Crust is also home to a tasty selection of wines to enjoy with your meal or by itself in an upscale rustic atmosphere.
“We take a strong emphasis on choosing great wines from around the world strategically with a focus on value to pair with our menu selections,” says executive director of marketing and events Bradley Elia. “Having started our Barrel Fresh program in 2015, we have grown to over 30 wines on tap across our locations.”
With a variety of domestic and imported reds and whites, all three locations also offer Barrel Fresh wines on tap, where every glass is as flavorful and aromatic as the first. On Barrel Fresh Wednesdays, you can enjoy these glasses half off starting at 4 p.m.
Locations in Carrollwood, Wesley Chapel and St. Petersburg | noble-crust.com
Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi
With over 300 wines on the newly revamped menu, Jackson’s Bistro offers an extensive list of domestic wines from Oregon, Washington and varied regions of California, as well as imported wines from Germany, Italy, Australia, Spain, South America, New Zealand and France.
“Our new selection of wines has been curated with our customers in mind. We wanted to make sure we have the perfect wine selection to go along with any of our menu items,” says general manager Miles McConnell. “There really is something for everyone at Jackson’s.”
Jackson’s Bistro is a Tampa Bay upscale dining staple that offers award-winning sushi, a diverse dining menu that caters to any appetite, and panoramic views of the downtown Tampa skyline.
601 S. Harbour Island Blvd. | Tampa | (813) 277-0112 | jacksonsbistro.com
Ybor City Wine Bar
In an intimate, upscale venue, Ybor City Wine Bar offers over 200 hand-picked wines by the glass or bottle, as well as over 100 craft beers and a selection of canned cocktails.
A popular destination for casual drinkers, it has also gained a reputation among those seeking to learn more about what they drink. The Ybor City Wine Society offers weekly educational wine tastings every Wednesday.
“We’re excited about teaching people about wine,” owner Amber Strazzulla says. “One of our favorite things to do is flights, where we can interact with customers, learn their palate and introduce them to something new that they really enjoy.”
1600 E. 7th Ave. | Tampa | (813) 999-4966 | yborcitywinebar.com
Tampa Wine Room
Tampa Wine Room believes that wine doesn’t have to be complicated. Pairing high-end design with a laid-back, family friendly atmosphere, it provides a comfortable spot to enjoy wine, sports on TV and live music on weekends.
“We’re the only wine bar in Tampa with wine machines, so you can sample an ounce of wine before you commit, even of our high-end wines,” owner Angela Kemner says. “It’s a relaxed, accessible approach to good wine.”
Serving a full menu from Michael’s Grill next door, Tampa Wine Room offers wine by the glass and bottle, as well as flights. Its monthly wine tastings are a Carrollwood favorite.
11724 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. | Tampa | (813) 374-4422 | wineshoppecarrollwood.com
The Sommelier Hideaway
Tucked away in Lutz, The Sommelier Hideaway’s team of experienced, knowledgeable wine enthusiasts has curated a menu filled with a mixture of popular and lesser-known, hard-to-find wines that will satisfy both the novice wine drinker and the refined, experienced palate. Its food menu features plenty of cheeses, chocolates and small bites.
“We’re trying to further the wine scene in the greater Tampa Bay area by giving people a great wine experience and some education along the way,” owner Gil Leon says.
The atmosphere is fun and inviting, with a stacked calendar of events, such as trivia, live music and educational classes.
6072 Van Dyke Road | Lutz | (813) 405-8320 | thesommelierhideawaywinebar.com
Read about Tampa wine collectors and their custom home wine rooms here.
