Sip & Savor: A Local’s Guide to Wine Bars in Dana Point
There’s something about a glass of wine in Dana Point that just hits differently. Maybe it’s the ocean air mingling with the aroma of a bold cabernet, or the way the late-afternoon sun filters through your wine glass, creating that perfect glow. Whether you’re winding down after a beach day, catching up with friends, or planning a cozy date night, Dana Point has a growing collection of wine bars that make every pour feel like a little celebration.
From elegant tasting rooms to intimate cheese-and-wine hideaways, here are five of the best places in town to sip, swirl, and stay awhile.
Wine Experience Dana Point
If you love exploring new varietals or finding that perfect bottle to take home, Wine Experience Dana Point is the place to start. Located on Golden Lantern, this new luxury wine shop and tasting room brings a touch of Napa sophistication to the coast. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with warm lighting, a cheese bar, and a curated selection of wines lining the walls — everything from small-production California labels to rare European finds.
The team here is passionate about helping guests discover what they love. Try a few pours from their self-serve wine dispensers (perfect for sampling without commitment and oh so fun) – and then settle in with a glass and one of their artisanal charcuterie boards. Wine Experience also hosts regular tasting events, winemaker dinners, and private gatherings, making it a go-to spot for those who want to learn, taste, and truly enjoy the art of wine.
34137 Golden Lantern, Dana Point — wineexperiencedp.com
BarVino
Located right in the heart of La Plaza, BarVino is one of those places that feels instantly comfortable. The vibe is relaxed yet refined — a place where you can drop in for a casual glass after work or linger over a bottle and conversation that stretches into the evening. Inside, the ambiance strikes just the right note between neighborhood charm and wine-lover sophistication, with friendly staff who are always happy to offer recommendations.
BarVino offers a rotating menu of wines by the glass, often featuring small producers you won’t find elsewhere, plus a selection of bottles to take home. Their cheese and charcuterie boards are the perfect pairing, beautifully presented and meant to be shared. On weekends, the atmosphere picks up with live music and laughter — making this one of Dana Point’s most inviting wine spots for locals and visitors alike.
24671 La Plaza, Suite 1, Dana Point — barvinodp.com
Avec Moi Wine & Cheese Shop
For those who love the charm of a European-style wine bar, Avec Moi is a must. Nestled right next to Maison on Del Prado, this cozy wine and cheese shop feels like it was plucked straight from a Parisian side street. With cozy tables, shelves lined with specialty bottles, and the comforting aroma of cheese boards being assembled nearby, it’s a space that invites you to slow down and savor.
The menu includes thoughtfully chosen wines from around the world, available by the glass or bottle, and an ever-changing selection of cheeses, meats, and accompaniments. Their wine club — Club de Vin — offers members access to limited releases and hidden gems. Whether you’re joining friends for happy hour, enjoying live music, or simply unwinding after a long day, Avec Moi delivers that “let’s linger a little longer” feeling that you want in every true wine bar.
24501 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point — avecmoidanapoint.com
Frisby Cellars Tasting Room
Tucked into Dana Point Harbor, Frisby Cellars Tasting Room brings the flavors of Paso Robles to the coast. The space is bright, coastal, and welcoming — perfect for a late afternoon tasting or a relaxed weekend hangout with a view of the boats. Frisby Cellars crafts small-lot wines, sourcing grapes from some of the best vineyards in Central California, and the results speak for themselves: rich, balanced reds and crisp, aromatic whites that pair perfectly with the ocean breeze.
Here, guests can enjoy wine flights, glasses, or bottles, along with light bites to complement the tasting with a view on their shaded outdoor patio overlooking the harbor. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to share stories about the winemaking process or suggest something based on your palate. It’s the kind of place where you can stop in for a quick pour — and easily find yourself staying for another glass.
34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point Harbor — frisbycellars.com
Gelson’s Wine Bar
Don’t overlook this hidden gem tucked inside the Gelson’s Market off Pacific Coast Highway. Gelson’s Wine Bar offers an impressive rotating selection of wines by the glass, with a focus on California vineyards and small-batch producers. Pull up a seat at the sleek counter while enjoying light bites like artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and flatbreads. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to share tasting notes or a new favorite bottle – or something new to pair with your next dinner. Whether you stop in after a grocery run (way to multitask), or plan a casual evening with friends, it’s a laid-back yet surprisingly elevated spot to enjoy a glass or two.
24 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point — gelsons.com
