Independent Wine Shops, Tasting Rooms & Wine Bars
Welcome to the world of independent wine shops, tasting rooms, and wine bars in Palm Springs - where passion and expertise collide to create unforgettable experiences for wine enthusiasts. In a world dominated by big-name brands and mass-produced bottles, these hidden gems offer a refreshing departure from the ordinary.
Independent wine shops are havens for wine lovers seeking something unique and distinctive. Run by knowledgeable sommeliers and specialists, these shops curate a carefully selected assortment of wines from all corners of the globe. From rare and collectible vintages to undiscovered gems, each bottle tells a story waiting to be uncorked.
These intimate spaces invite you to explore the intricacies of different varietals, regions, and winemaking techniques. With the guidance of expert tasters, you'll embark on a sensory journey as you sample an array of flavors, aromas, and textures. Whether you're a novice wine enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, tasting rooms provide an educational and delightful experience.
Bouschet
Bouschet, located in Sun Center, is an independent wine store and tasting room dedicated to showcasing remarkable wines from around the world. Step inside, and you'll be greeted by an inviting, intimate atmosphere with a passion for wine.
At Bouschet, the focus is on curating a diverse and carefully selected collection of wines that cater to all tastes and preferences. Their extensive menu offers something for everyone, from bold reds and crisp whites to delightful rosés and sparkling varieties. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a novice wine enthusiast, Bouschet's knowledgeable staff will guide you through an unforgettable tasting experience.
The weekly Saturday wine tastings are designed to be both educational and enjoyable. Each week, they pick different wines and pairings. Wine tasting includes tasting notes, paired food, and discounted wine purchases. You can purchase tickets in advance. 4 - 5:30 pm
Jalama Wines
Jalama wines come from Jalama, a coastal city 60 miles north of Santa Barbara. They operate two vineyards.
The Cargasacchi Vineyard is one of the few areas in the Sta. Rita Hills, where the botella clay loam, along with the diatomaceous earth and Monterey shale, is exposed. This produces a crisp and distinct minerality. These 12 acres of Pinot Noir consist of Dijon 115 clones.
The Jalama Vineyard is one of the westernmost vineyards in the U.S. The coastal weather on three sides keeps the vineyards cool. The soil is predominantly adobe clay. These 15 acres are primarily Pinot Noir (Dijon 114, Dijon 115, and Mt. Eden clones), along with Pinot Gris, Viognier, and some cool-climate Syrah.
Mark Cargasacchi is the winemaker. As a young man, growing up on the family ranch on Jalama Road didn’t hold much future for Lompoc natives. With cattle and bean prices stagnant, Mark decided the only way to make a living was to leave. After successfully pursuing a career in environmental chemistry in Texas and San Francisco, word was getting out about the fantastic wine being produced by Richard Sanford in the area now known as the Sta. Rita Hills. This piqued Mark’s interest, and he returned home to help plant the first of the family vineyards in 1999.
$20 tasting fee for up to 5 wines. Waived with the purchase of two bottles of wine located in La Plaza.
V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar
“V” stands for “variety” at V Wine Lounge, the bespoke destination that offers over 80 wines by the glass and is an excellent stop for Palm Springs wine tasting. The menu showcases an impressive array of both domestic and international wines sourced from renowned vineyards and wineries around the world. Plus, enjoy the midcentury modern interior design that elevates the experience.
Whether you're a fan of bold reds, crisp whites, refreshing rosés, or sparkling varieties, V Wine Lounge has something to suit every palate. From classic varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir to lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered, their menu is a treasure trove for wine lovers seeking new experiences. Check out their event calendar for live entertainment.
V Wine Lounge also offers a wine flight, allowing you to sample a range of flavors and styles. It includes three 3-ounce pours of the owner's choice.
Hyphen Natural Wines
Hyphen Natural Wines is a unique wine shop that specializes in natural wines. Natural wines are an increasingly popular category of wines produced with minimal intervention and additives during winemaking. When we say a wine is "natural," the grapes used to make it are grown without synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides or herbicides. Natural winemakers typically rely on organic or biodynamic farming practices to cultivate their grapes.
In the winery, natural winemakers adopt a hands-off approach, allowing the fermentation process to occur naturally without adding commercial yeasts. They also avoid using additives or adjustments commonly found in conventional winemaking, such as sulfites, sugar, or acid. Natural winemaking aims to let the true expression of the grapes and terroir shine through in the final product. As a result, natural wines can exhibit unique flavors and characteristics that reflect the region and vineyard where they were grown.
At Hyphen Natural Wines, you can expect to find a carefully curated selection of natural wines from various regions around the world. They often have wine tastings on Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m. Check their Facebook page or call 760.459.9199.
Owner John Libonati. Credit: George Duchanne
On The Mark
On The Mark is centrally located downtown by Tommy Bahamas and the Kimpton Rowan Hotel. It is a locally owned, one-of-a-kind gourmet food market and deli, featuring a range of unique boutique products such as craft beer, wine, artisan-crafted cheese, nitrate-free meats, pâtés, small-batch oils, vinegars, and more.
It has the feel of a European gourmet shop. They offer a large selection of wine to pair with cheese, a beautiful charcuterie board, sandwiches from the deli, or many other specialty products.
On The Mark is an excellent stop for planning a lovely picnic lunch for the park and entertainment for friends or family.
PS Bottle Shop
PS Bottle Shop has two locations: a pop-up in Market Market and the Mojave Flea Trading Post. It is a wine and beer specialty store with a variety of food selections. The carefully selected brands are comprised of LGBTQ+, black, indigenous, people of color, and women entrepreneurs and makers.
Check their Facebook page for special events and tastings, like wine and weenies night, which includes two glasses of wine, a hot dog, and a bag of chips. Open 11 am - 5 pm daily.
Counter Reformation
Counter Reformation wine bar at the Parker Palm Springs Hotel is a hidden gem that wine enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados will appreciate. This intimate bar is tucked away behind the hotel's lobby and offers a unique and sophisticated ambiance. As they say, "A shrine to great wine. After one visit, you will be a convert."
The Counter Reformation takes its name from the historical period known as the Counter-Reformation, a time of great cultural and artistic change in Europe. The bar itself embraces this history, featuring an ornate and opulent décor reminiscent of old-world European wine cellars.
The international wine menu is paired down and very select, offering whites, reds, and a Domaine Yves Martin rose from a small family-run estate. You taste wines from Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Uruguay, and Portugal.
To complement the wine, Counter Reformation offers a thoughtfully crafted menu of small plates and charcuterie they call Fishes & Loaves. Sharable selections include sauté jumbo prawns, citrus donuts and royal Osetra caviar, and beef carpaccio with truffle chimichurri.
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. No reservations. Walk-in only.
Canopy Wine Lounge
Canopy Wine Lounge is an exciting new destination in the heart of downtown. It is the latest project by international entrepreneur and vintner Alejandro Bulghuroni and former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Noah Mamet.
Their wine list features wines from Alejandro’s 15 wineries across the globe, as well as Noah’s label, Gran Diplomat, and many more exciting labels to round out our list.
Local designer Christopher Kennedy created the beautiful space. The décor is a modern take on the popular design of the 1950s, using clean lines, pops of color, and various textured fabrics and fixtures.
They have partnered with our neighbors, Clandestino and On the Mark, to create a delicious menu to complement our vast array of wines. Canopy Wine Lounge offers wine flights, tastings, and wines by the glass and bottle. They also feature their rosé on tap, which is aged on-site in a beautiful custom-built clay amphora.
Open Mon. - Thur., 6 - 11 pm
Friday & Sat., 3 pm - midnight
Sun., 11 am - 6 pm
Fame Cigar & Wine Lounge
For those who don't smoke cigars, this is an often overlooked wine lounge with a large selection of international wines. The owner loves both cigars and wine and decided to pair the two.
They offer a great variety of wines by the glass, like Opus One, Sea Smoke, Silver Oak, and Justin Isosceles.
Check out their wine list that rates 97 - 100 points. From the $79 Tenutal Sette Ponti Oreno Toscanas to the $989 Masseto Toscana.
Open 10 am - 6 pm daily.
