St. Pete is getting a new wine bar from the owners of Neighborhood Wine Shop.
Bryce Kennedy and Sydney Knowlton announced Nightwatch Wine Bar today, a neighborhood wine bar planned for 2817 Central Ave. The space is on the same block as Neighborhood Wine Shop, next to Cheeky’s Fish and Raw Bar, which opened last May.
The announcement comes just days after Neighborhood Wine Shop celebrated its first anniversary on Friday, May 22.
The new concept gives Kennedy and Knowlton a separate space for the bar side of the business. Both previously worked at CellarMasters and were sad to see it close, but they knew they wanted a split concept of their own, with Neighborhood Wine Shop continuing as the retail shop and Nightwatch giving them more room to build a dedicated by-the-glass program.
Knowlton told St. Pete Wine Scene that the earliest Nightwatch would open is by the end of the year.
In an Instagram post, Kennedy described Nightwatch as a bar focused mostly on wine, with cold beer, a few low-ABV and no-ABV cocktails, small bites, late hours and an outdoor patio. The post also pointed to a casual neighborhood setup, with room for guests to have a drink, grab something small to eat, talk with friends or keep to themselves.
The timing could also create a natural handoff for local wine drinkers. Smallbar is expected to close as its team prepares to open Spitz Wine Bar, and Nightwatch gives St. Pete another wine-focused concept to watch as the scene continues to shift.
Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour Tampa When: Friday, May 1, 7 to 9:30 p.m. VIP Hour: 6 to 7 p.m. Where: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street Tickets: General admission $250, VIP $395, Young Connoisseur $100
Tampa gets plenty of wine events, but not many have St. Pete wine lovers booking hotel rooms across the bridge.
Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour makes its Tampa debut this Friday, bringing 230 wines from 13 countries to JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, all rated 90 points or higher. According to Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator’s senior editor and tasting director, the event is designed as a live extension of the magazine’s blind tasting work, which reviews more than 10,000 wines each year.
(Jimmy A. Vitullo)
That is part of the appeal of Grand Tour: the wines have already been judged at a high level, so the evening becomes less about wondering where to start and more about focusing on what interests you most. It also gives people a chance to try bottles they may have been curious about, but would not normally seek out or buy at full bottle price.
Based on the announced lineup, Tuscany looks set to be one of the strongest presences in the room. At the same time, the event does not read like a Cabernet pileup. Champagne, white Burgundy, Chablis, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and older-vintage wine are part of the mix as well.
(Jimmy A. Vitullo)
Napjus recommends reviewing the list ahead of time, then using the floor plan to navigate the room. Wine Spectator has also published a printable PDF wine list, which is worth pulling up before the event if you want to mark a few priorities.
Sparkling wines come first, followed by whites and rosés, then reds and dessert wines, with wines grouped by grape or region to make side-by-side comparisons easier. She also pointed to older vintages as one of the more distinctive parts of the experience, including Sandeman Vintage Port 2000.
Five bottles to circle before you go
These are a few bottles worth flagging first from the announced lineup:
Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano Riserva 2016 (98) The highest-scoring wine on the list.
Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Nicasia Vineyard 2006 (95) One of the more compelling older dry reds in the room.
Champagne Philipponnat Réserve Perpétuelle NV (92) A strong place to start before the tasting shifts fully into red mode.
Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gaiole Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione 2022 (95) A good pick for anyone leaning into Tuscany beyond Brunello.
Zena Crown Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Slope 2018 (96) A standout Oregon Pinot.
A few more bottles to note
For classic, age-worthy reds, look at Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015, La Rioja Alta Rioja 904 Gran Reserva 2016, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. 2016, Clos Apalta 2022, and VIK Millahue 2022.
(Jimmy A. Vitullo)
For stronger white and sparkling stops, keep an eye on Trimbach Riesling Alsace Frédéric Émile 2017, Domaine Laroche Chablis Les Blanchots 2023, Domaine de La Chapelle Hermitage White Le Chevalier de Sterimberg 2021, and Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2023.
And for a few more bottles to flag, circle Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2021, Penfolds St. Henri 2017, and Château Lascombes Margaux 2022.
New wine concepts are preparing to open across St. Pete in 2026, expanding the city’s wine footprint in both scale and style. Here’s what’s coming.
Table of Contents
Dolcetto
Location: 6800 Gulfport Blvd S, Suite 113 Target Opening: Spring 2026
A new wine bar and retail hybrid is coming to the Pasadena area from industry veterans Michael De Salvia and Peter Celli.
Dolcetto will combine a full wine bar with an expansive bottle selection. Guests can expect a rotating by-the-glass program, light bites, and a broad retail inventory.
The project follows a transitional year for Mike, who had initially been involved in plans to take over Pasadena Liquors & Fine Wines before ultimately pursuing a new concept and location.
The selected space, formerly Books at Park Place, sits within the South Pasadena Shopping Center, which experienced closures following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in late 2024. The interior is being rebuilt from the ground up, with a full build-out planned ahead of opening.
With Pasadena Liquors’ large wine room no longer operating, Dolcetto restores a significant wine presence to the Pasadena area.
Mike describes Dolcetto in simple terms: upscale and professional, yet welcoming to both casual drinkers and serious enthusiasts.
Read more on Mike and his experience in the wine industry here.
Volta Wine + Market
Location: 400 Central Ave, Suite 136 (across from Il Ritorno) Target Opening: Spring 2026
Volta Wine + Market is officially entering build-out mode at 400 Central, at the base of the city’s tallest residential tower and directly across from Il Ritorno.
Zach Pace and partner Rachelle Tomushev confirmed that keys are expected shortly, with construction beginning in what is currently an open shell space. Walls will soon go up as the project shifts from planning to physical build-out.
Renderings are in progress as the team finalizes interior details and operational systems ahead of opening this spring.
For a deeper look at the vision behind Volta Wine + Market, read the full feature here.
Spitz Wine Bar
Location: 2520 Central Ave Target Opening: Early 2026
The team behind Bandit Coffee Co. is continuing work on Spitz Wine Bar, a wine-focused restaurant and bar planned for Central Avenue.
Located at 2520 Central Ave, directly across from Savoir on Central, Spitz further builds out Grand Central District’s emerging wine presence.
The concept has been previewed through “Small Bar,” a compact pop-up inside Bandit that showcases the team’s natural-leaning wine focus and rotating, chef-driven plates.
When Spitz opens, Chef Michael Roberts, formerly of Wild Child and Taco Wizard, is expected to lead the kitchen, with a menu centered on globally influenced small plates, oysters, crudos, and seafood-forward dishes designed to complement a low-intervention wine list.
Recent build-out updates show custom woodwork and finish materials being installed as the space takes shape. An official opening date has not yet been finalized.
Velvet Coupe
Location: 25 Dr. M.L.K. Jr St S Target Opening: Spring 2026
Velvet Coupe will bring a sparkling-focused, low-intervention wine lounge to the MLK corridor.
Owner Dina Branham, formerly of Wine House Social in Delray Beach, is building the concept around sustainably farmed, biodynamic, and minimal-intervention wines. Sparkling will be a specialty, alongside a mix of European selections and other bottles that align with her production standards.
The roughly 30-seat space is being designed as a dark, lounge-driven setting with a central bar, low tables, and intimate seating designed for evening gatherings. Unlike her previous concept, Velvet Coupe is structured primarily as an in-house bar experience rather than a retail shop.
In addition to wine, the program will include small plates, organic tap beer, and a limited selection of wine-based cocktails.
The Electric Boogaloo
Location: Directly across from Mullet’s, on the South Side Target Opening: Approximately 8 weeks From the team behind Mullet’s Fish Camp
A close-up from the dessert wall inside The Electric Boogaloo, currently in progress.
The team behind Mullet’s Fish Camp is opening a wine and dessert bar across the street.
Co-owners Brian Rose, known locally from Mid Peninsula Seafood Market & Restaurant, and Nick Brown are expanding into a new concept called The Electric Boogaloo, a nod to the 80s film Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.
The space will operate as a wine bar, dessert counter, and retail market under one roof. Brian described it as a passion project built around the wines he personally gravitates toward: smaller producers, diverse regions, natural selections, and likely a noticeable Piedmont presence.
Ice cream and dessert will share space with the wine program, creating opportunities for pairings and crossover ideas like wine floats and adult-style root beer concepts.
On the South Side, where wine-focused options remain limited compared to other parts of St. Pete, the addition fills a clear neighborhood gap.
More details as these projects move closer to opening.
St. Petersburg’s wine scene has expanded well beyond a handful of bars. This is a living list of every wine bar in St. Petersburg, Florida, covering wine-first concepts where wine is central to the experience.
Wine events are a core part of Tampa Bay’s growing wine scene, offering regular opportunities to taste, learn, and connect. The Blending Table introduces a new format, bringing wine from observation into hands-on creation.
The Blending Table now launches as a guided wine blending experience that puts creative control in the hands of the guest. Participants work with individual wine varietals, experiment with blend ratios, and decide what balance and style they want to create.
The Experience
The experience begins with a guided tasting of each varietal on its own, focusing on how to swirl, smell, and taste.
Guests then enter a blending phase centered on experimentation. Teams test combinations, refine ratios, and finalize a blend guided by both creativity and strategy.
Once blends are complete, participants create a name and label concept for their wine. Each blend is presented alongside its label for friendly judging by a wine professional, who provides feedback and selects a winning blend based on balance, style, and overall concept.
Who This Is For
Most Blending Table events are designed for 10–20 guests and last approximately 2 hours. Participants usually work in small groups, making the experience well-suited for couples and friends. Individual bookings are available, with solo guests paired up.
The experience is guided in flow and structure, but creative decisions remain entirely with the participants. No prior wine knowledge is required.
Where to Participate
The Blending Table partners with local bars and restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater, to host its events. Venues and dates are announced ahead of time, with early access available to email subscribers.
Rococo Steak’s wine list is large by any standard. With more than 1,280 labels, it stretches across current releases, mature vintages, and small-production wines that rarely surface on restaurant lists in St. Petersburg. The size is striking, but the philosophy behind it is what shapes how the program actually functions.
Aaron Warren, Sommelier at Rococo Steak. (Alexa Loaiza)
Behind the scenes, the list is kept in motion through constant tasting and evaluation. Sommelier Aaron Warren describes a routine built around repetition and study rather than seasonal overhauls. “As a sommelier team, we taste with distributors frequently, usually totaling around 100 different labels each week,” he said. “We’re also studying and reading about wine daily.”
That pace feeds directly into how the list is priced and maintained. Rococo works with minimal markup, a structure that changes how wine moves through the restaurant. “Our focus is on selling the wine rather than storing it,” Warren explained. “We also offer rare and vintage bottles that most programs don’t carry.”
Where the Pairing Philosophy Comes From
Rococo’s pairing approach starts with Warren’s belief that wine should respond to the guest rather than follow a script. Instead of building fixed combinations, he structured the program around conversation and adjustment.
“Pairing is truly guest-centric,” he said. “We love to match the intensity of the wine with the intensity of the food’s flavor.”
(Rococo Steak)
That idea plays out differently depending on the cut. Richer steaks like wagyu ribeye often call for bold, youthful reds with structure and tannin. For leaner preparations, the conversation shifts. “We might suggest a Right Bank Bordeaux with some age for a filet mignon,” Warren said, pointing to balance and texture rather than power.
(Nutmeg Imageworks)
For guests unsure where to begin with a list of this size, the starting point is familiarity. “We love to have a quick discussion with guests about wines they’ve enjoyed in the past,” Warren said. Because the list includes many small producers, those conversations often lead to wines guests have never tried before.
Wine Service Behind the Scenes
Rococo’s wine service blends classic technique with practical tools that support both older bottles and high-volume service. The list is available digitally to maintain accuracy, while equipment such as the Durand and improved lighting help with decanting mature vintages.
“We utilize all the technology available while maintaining the tradition of humble wine service,” Warren said. “We use the Durand, improved lighting sources to aid in decanting, and the best polishing machines to properly clean and prepare stemware.”
The focus, he noted, is consistency and care, especially when working with wines that require extra attention.
What Guests Are Drinking Now
Cabernet Sauvignon continues to dominate in a steakhouse setting, but Warren has seen guests branch out beyond the expected. “We’ve seen a notable uptick in the consumption of Syrah, Aglianico, and Nebbiolo,” he said. “All of which have regions with world-class production and still offer excellent value.”
White wine is another area where the list often surprises guests. “White wine, in general, is often overlooked at Rococo,” Warren said. “We feature some of the best domestic and international producers on Earth.” Among those are a rare selection of early-2000s Chardonnay bottlings that challenge assumptions about ageability and placement on a steakhouse list.
Rococo’s Role in St. Pete’s Wine Scene
Within St. Petersburg’s wine community, Rococo functions as both a destination and a gathering place for industry professionals. Warren describes the list as one of the most valuable in Pinellas County, noting that sommeliers and buyers frequently cross paths here and at nearby wine-focused restaurants.
“We have one of the most valuable lists in Pinellas County,” he said. “Many of our friends and fellow purchasers and sommeliers support one another, and we often meet up here and at Sauvignon [Wine Locker] with other vinophiles.”
Those relationships extend beyond the dining room. Rococo maintains active partnerships with more than twenty alcohol distributors, which allows the team to source bottles that are rarely accessible on short notice. “This year, a guest needed a 1945 Haut-Brion,” Warren said. “In less than two months, we were able to bring it from France, despite tariff challenges.”
What’s Coming Next
Several new allocations are arriving in the coming months, continuing the list’s mix of established producers and limited-production releases. “We’re about to receive new allocations from Antica Terra,” Warren said. “Some 00 Wines are being delivered for the first time in our state this month. Checkerboard Wines have just arrived, along with several other exciting additions.”
When it comes to seasonal buying or gift bottles, Warren encourages guests to look beyond reputation alone. “Just because a bottle is sought-after or expensive doesn’t automatically make it good,” he said. “Usually, small production wines make great gifts and often can be affordable too if you know the right producers.”
At Rococo, the scale of the list sets the stage. How it comes to life depends on conversation, context, and the person guiding the experience.
2025 marked a turning point for St. Petersburg’s wine culture. Across the year, new wine bars opened, familiar names returned to their roots, and hybrid concepts reshaped how and where people drink wine in the city. From women-owned projects to education-driven spaces and neighborhood-first bars, the year reflected a clear focus on craft, community, and longevity.
Here’s how it unfolded.
March
Adult Therapy at Glass of Life
Adult Therapy opened in March inside Glass of Life’s stained-glass studio in the Historic Uptown neighborhood, across from Round Lake Park. Curated by sommelier Jessica Arkwright, the women-owned wine retail concept pairs grower-producer wines with picnic provisions and Sip & Solder stained-glass workshops. The wine program focuses on terroir-driven bottles made with minimal intervention, no additives, and restrained sulfur use. 25% of profits are donated to local animal rescues and nonprofits offering adult art therapy services.
May
Neighborhood Wine Shop
Neighborhood Wine Shop opened May 24 in the Grand Central District, quickly establishing itself as one of the city’s most structured retail programs. One of the few local shops offering online ordering and shipping, Neighborhood also launched a tiered wine club built around monthly themes. Co-owners Sydney Knowlton and Bryce Kennedy bring complementary strengths to the shop. Kennedy also shares regular context on new arrivals through the Neighborhood Wine Shop newsletter.
Also in May: the St. Pete Wine Scene website launched, followed by social media going live in June.
July
Christiane’s Wine Bar
Christiane’s Wine Bar opened in July in the former MUST Wine Loft space. Owner Christiane Hall brings more than 35 years of hospitality experience, including ownership of Sip on St. Pete Beach and five years managing Michelin-praised Il Ritorno. The wine program reflects her global certifications, while the space balances wine education with comfort-driven food, self-serve tasting machines, and take-home options.
Lolita’s Wine Market Returns Home
Lolita’s Wine Market reopened July 17 at its original Grand Central location after two years next to the Morean Center for Clay. Co-owners Kelly Rodriguez-Luereano and Chef Alex Rodriguez made the move to reclaim the intimate tasting-bar experience that defined Lolita’s early years. The return of the white rocking chairs, community tables, and first-come, first-served format signaled a shift away from full-service dining and back toward wine-led connection.
August
Savoir on Central
Savoir on Central officially celebrated its grand opening on August 15. Co-owned by Sharon Mahoney and Christina Noordstar, Savoir centers wine education through guided tastings, sommelier-led classes, and curated wine club offerings. The space is best known for its weekly Wednesday wine tastings and has also become a popular venue for private events. Read more about Christina and Sharon here.
September
The Wine Cave & The Dutchman
Opening September 2 in downtown St. Pete, The Wine Cave and The Dutchman introduced a wine-focused bar led by owner Harmen Rost van Tonningen. After more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, van Tonningen opened the space as a personal next chapter, bringing a background that spans country clubs, private dining, and sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Society of Wine Educators.
October
86 Wine Bar
86 Wine Bar opened October 10 on MLK North, bringing natural wine, small plates, and a vinyl-driven ambiance to a residential stretch of the city. Built by hospitality veterans Kendra Hardesty and Shane Richard Schuch, the bar focuses on low-intervention wines from small producers, paired with limited, rotating menus and a listening-room approach to music. The space reflects Japandi minimalism and a clear neighborhood focus. Read more about 86 Wine Bar here.
Ruya
Ruya opened October 11 in the Grand Central District as a Moroccan-inspired café and wine lounge founded by Sarah Aitcadi. Coffee and mint tea anchor the mornings, while Mediterranean wines, spritzes, and evening events define the later hours. The wine list leans toward Spain and Italy, with Mediterranean selections on the way, and the space regularly hosts yoga, sound baths, and food pop-ups from Drift Kitchen. Ruya reflects the continued rise of hybrid concepts where wine exists alongside wellness, hospitality, and all-day community use. Read more about Ruya here.
November
Bin6South Reopens
Bin6South reopened November 21, just in time for its two-year anniversary, under new leadership with Wine Director Nanci Rosen and Executive Chef Joe Nelson. The reopening brought a renewed focus on fine wine, tasting nights, and technique-driven cuisine, along with expanded patio seating and early-bird common-table reservations. Read more about Bin6South here.
Looking Back
CellarMasters
CellarMasters closed in October after five years, marking the end of one of St. Pete’s earliest natural wine bars and bottle shops. Opened in 2020 by Ryan Rugg and Kory Lynn, the hybrid retail-and-lounge space helped introduce many locals to natural and low-intervention wines at a time when few bars in the city were focused on that style. While hurricanes, increased competition, and declining sales ultimately led to the closure, CellarMasters’ influence remains visible in the natural wine programs and casual, community-driven spaces that followed. Read more about CellarMaster’s closure here.
If you’re still tying up holiday plans or need a last-minute bottle, a solid number of St. Pete wine spots are open on Christmas Eve. Below is the master list of where you can buy a bottle to go and where you can sit down for a glass, with confirmed hours for 12/24.
Get a Bottle (Retail & Bottle Shops Open 12/24)
These are your best options for grabbing wine for dinner, gifting, or a backup bottle when plans change.
Mazzaro’s Italian Market 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
DeCosmo Italian Market 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Book + Bottle 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Savoir on Central 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Hostess 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Try Wine 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Neighborhood Wine Shop 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Get a Glass (Wine Bars & Restaurants Open 12/24)
If stepping out for a drink is part of your Christmas Eve routine, these spots are open for service.
Ruya 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Bacchus Wine Bistro 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
86 Wine Bar 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Bar Chinchilla 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Study 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sauvignon Wine Locker 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Rococo Steak 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Lolita’s Reservation only
Bin6South Reservation only
Closed on Christmas Eve
The following spots are confirmed closed on 12/24:
Pistil House
Exquisite Bistro
Adult Therapy
Christiane’s Wine Bar
The Wine Cave & The Dutchman
Smallbar
St. Pete Cellars
Final Sip
This list reflects confirmed Christmas Eve hours shared directly by venues or posted publicly. For last minute wine bottle picks, check out A Last-Minute Holiday Wine Buying Guide 2025
For weekly wine happenings, tastings, and updated opening hours, follow along at @stpetewinescene.
