Summer never seems to end in a city like Tampa, with abundant sunshine and easy access to beautiful beaches on the Gulf and along Tampa Bay. It’s a great place to visit any time of the year—for wine lovers too. Even though the city is smaller than Jacksonville and Miami, Tampa has restaurants with deep cellars—and a relaxed atmosphere. For those looking for wine and local flavor—whether you’re staying in Tampa to soak up the ocean breezes or making a pit stop before setting off on a world-class cruise—we reached out to several star sommeliers (all of whom run not-to-be-missed Wine Spectator Restaurant Award wine programs) for their favorite places to drink around the city. Check them out!
6 Top Wine Bars and Restaurants in Tampa
- Bern’s Steak House / Harry Waugh Dessert Room
- Chateau Cellars
- Forbici
- Redneck Wine Company
- Haven
- Wine on Water
Bern’s Steak House
“Tampa has some of the best places to drink wine in the world. It is hard not to start with Bern’s Steak House, where you can sit at the bar and enjoy some of the world’s rarest Rieslings. Finding a birth-year vintage wine for under $150 is nearly impossible elsewhere. The wealth of knowledge among the sommeliers is equally impressive. —Ryan McSwiggin, head sommelier and wine director at Award of Excellence winner Lilac at the Tampa EDITION
“[Grand Award winner] Bern’s Steak House [is] home to one of the most legendary cellars in the country with over half a million bottles and a globe-spanning list, where every visit feels like a chance to discover something rare, special or completely unexpected.” —Heather Rivas, wine director of Best of Award of Excellence winner Boulon Brasserie
“Harry Waugh Dessert Room [at Bern’s Steak House] is by far my favorite. I feel every time I go in there, I am delighted by unique, rule-breaking wines that are aged to perfection. Like a great harvest, choices are abundant from Rieslings to Ports to ice wines.—Mike Sellmeyer, general manager of Award of Excellence winner Ulele
Chateau Cellars
“The first establishment that comes to mind as my favorite place to enjoy wine in Tampa is Chateau Cellars. The owners and shop managers are very knowledgeable and passionate about wine, and they create a welcoming environment for all wine lovers. Chateau Cellars is a retail shop that features a wine bar and often hosts unique events and collaborations. Their offerings include temperature-controlled wine storage, personal sommeliers and a thoughtfully curated retail selection. I can always count on discovering something distinctive when I visit Chateau Cellars.”—Caroline Donahue, assistant restaurant manager and sommelier of Award of Excellence winner Driftlight Steakhouse at the JW Marriott, Tampa
Forbici
“Forbici in Tampa is a personal favorite (besides Boulon, of course!) for its fun, stylish vibe and well-curated wine list featuring Italian gems and wines on tap thanks to our friends at Wine Stream. It’s perfect for everything from a casual glass to a long evening with friends, pasta and a couple of bottles.”—Heather Rivas
Redneck Wine Company
“I have a soft spot for Redneck Wine Company with their diverse inventory, a cold room, wine bar (the L.F.G. Bar), and frequent events.”—Caroline Donahue
Haven
“While I don’t dine out often, [Best of Award of Excellence winner] Haven is one of my go-to spots when I do. Their wine list is among the most extensive in Tampa, with an impressive selection of back vintages that always offers something interesting. I particularly enjoy pairing one of their exceptional Champagnes, such as a Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club or Morlet Brut Rosé, with a curated cheese board from their outstanding selection. The combination of fine bubbles and bold cheeses makes for a truly memorable and indulgent evening.”—Courtney Youngblood, sommelier at Grand Award winner Bern’s Steak House
Wine on Water
“On a regular night, Wine on Water offers a great selection for approachable prices, right in the heart of Water Street. The patio is very comfortable, especially once the holiday lights go up.”—Ryan McSwiggin
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