Discover Wine Tasting in Bodega Bay

In the charming Sonoma County fishing village of Bodega Bay, you won’t find wine grapes growing on the rocky hills, and seagulls are more common than vineyard hawks — but a wine lover won’t go thirsty here. 

Bodega Bay restaurants primarily feature local wines, and the town is home to a gem of a wine store/wine bar, as well as a winery tasting room pouring top-quality coastal vintages.  

Gourmet Au Bay

Since 1995, Gourmet au Bay has kept locals and visitors well-quaffed with an impressive collection of local wines hand-selected from Sonoma County wineries. There are two rules: Each wine must be boutique (produced in 1,000 cases or less) and bear a gold medal award or prestigiously designated 90 points or greater.

In a salute to the shop’s waterfront location, instead of simply tasting, guests go “wine surfing” by choosing three wines from the daily menu and receiving two-ounce pours placed on a little wooden surfboard. 

If you find a wine you favor, you can purchase a full glass or a bottle, and in a nice, neighborly touch, the store owners will point you to area restaurants that waive their corkage fee for customers bearing Gourmet au Bay bottles. 

Sonoma Coast Vineyards

Don’t miss the other opportunity for wine tasting in Bodega Bay: The Sonoma Coast Vineyards tasting room. This luxury brand handcrafts exceptional wines from a unique cold-climate area west of the Russian River Valley and a mere five miles from the Pacific Ocean. Utilizing the wealth and expertise of winemaker Tiana Sawyer, SCV is best known for producing top-quality coastal wines such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah.

Working in close partnerships with a small group of ambitious growers, SCV produces wines of exceptional complexity with true varietal and terroir characteristics. Its tasting room in Bodega Bay offers two experiences: Drop-in tasting at the wine bar or privately hosted tastings by reservation.

Non-Wine Experiences in Bodega Bay

Aside from wine, there’s much more to do and see in Bodega Bay. This charming coastal town isn’t just a picturesque fishing port; it’s also a sensational place to indulge in seafood — crab, salmon, rockfish, and more — procured fresh from the surrounding sea.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood, and Incredible Views

• The Tides Wharf Restaurant serves tasty meals in a comfortable setting with spectacular views. Fun fact: The Tides Warf & Restaurant was a film site for Alfred Hitcok’s classic movie, The Birds.
• Terrapin Creek Café uses local ingredients to create innovative cuisine that has garnered national acclaim.
• Spud Point Crab Company offers picnic table seats for favorites like the crab sandwich with a view of fishing boats on the water.

Sleep Peacefully By the Sea at a Bodega Bay Hotel

• The Lodge at Bodega Bay provides luxurious rooms, each with amazing ocean views.
• The Inn at the Tides offers relaxing rooms nestled in a beautiful, secluded setting.
• Bodega Harbor Inn is conveniently located in old town Bodega Bay, overlooking Bodega Harbor.

For more oceanside places to stay in Sonoma County, check our listings of coastal hotels and B&Bs.