6 Bars in Sarasota for Wine Lovers

By Vanessa Caceres

Want to relax and enjoy a glass of vino? Sarasota, Florida offers the right mix of sophistication and a coastal casual atmosphere that ultimately give you a wide range of wine bar choices, no matter what kind of vibe you want. Here’s the skinny on six must-visit wine bars to visit in Sarasota, Florida. Cheers!

6 Sarasota, Florida Bars for Wine Lovers. Here’s the skinny on the best bars to visit in Sarasota, Florida if you love wine. With a wide range of wine bar choices no matter what kind of vibe you want. Must Do Visitor Guides | MustDo.com

Grand Cru Wine Bar

This newer addition to the downtown Sarasota bar scene offers self-serve wine and beer. Customers get a special bracelet that can be scanned and that allows them to access the drink selections. The choice of what’s on tap can vary, but some recent offerings included a Cabernet from Round Pound Estate, a Malbec from Altos Las Hormigas, and a white wine from nearby Fiorelli Winery. Grand Cru Wine Bar also features special events like Ladies’ Night and Winedown Wednesday. Some of its menu choices include a cheese and meat plate, tapas and chocolate.

Michael’s on East

This local legend is a restaurant, lounge/bar, and a wine cellar, and it’s AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant. Visitors flock to Michael’s on East for sophistication and the sweet sounds from the piano at the bar as played by Joe Micals—not to mention the extensive wine selection. Mondays feature all-night happy hour at the bar as well as Secret Word Mondays, where you get a free appetizer by saying the secret word shared on its Facebook page. Michael’s on East has regular monthly events, including Open House Wine Tastings. Hungry? At the restaurant, you’ll find a regularly changing menu as well as classics like Maine Lobster Bisque, Crispy Calamari, Bluefin Crabcakes, and Filet Mignon.

Siesta Key Wine Bar

 Looking to kick back after a day at the beach? The Siesta Key Wine Bar may be just the antidote you need. It features wine tastings by flight, by the glass, or by the bottle. In addition to the usual domestic and imported wines, Siesta Key Wine Bar also has Florida wines (yes, there is such a thing as Florida wine!). The sweeter Florida wines may offer your taste buds just the sweet flavor they need after a day in the Sunshine State.

Marina Jack

Although technically not a wine bar, Marina Jack is definitely worthy of inclusion, thanks to the stunning views it offers of Sarasota Bay. Sit on the patio to enjoy tropical breezes with your glass of vino and watch the world go by. You can also hear live music at night and bring your favorite canine buddy on a leash. For a more elegant experience, Marina Jack has the indoors Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar as well as a formal dining room. 

Burns Court Bistro

 Located in the artsy Burns Court area, Burns Court Bistro promises a European feel. The wine bar has selections from around the globe, including South America, Australia, and, of course, Europe. Reviews praise the live jazz music and friendly service. 

Magnum Wine & Tastings

Known for its friendly staff and varied wine selection, the folks at Magnum Wine & Tastings, located on Sarasota’s Bee Ridge Road, pride themselves on listening to your wine preferences. Then, they’ll help you choose the right selection for tastings. Wines by the glass include a Chandon Cabernet, Honig Sauvignon Blanc, Fratina Prosecco, and a Hartford Court Chardonnay among many others. Magnum Wine also hosts special events.

Check out these other top Sarasota area bars.

6 Sarasota, Florida Bars for Wine Lovers. Here’s the skinny on the best bars to visit in Sarasota, Florida if you love wine. With a wide range of wine bar choices no matter what kind of vibe you want. Must Do Visitor Guides | MustDo.com

Written by: Vanessa Caceres | Author Website

Vanessa Caceres is a Bradenton-based travel, food, and health freelance writer, specializing in writing about Florida. She regularly writes about Florida food and travel for Visit Florida, Edible Sarasota, Forward Florida, and other media outlets. Her work has appeared on the Today Show website, The Huffington Post, USAToday's GoEscape, and other venues.