St. Pete Wine Scene

Category: Where to Buy

  • A Taste of Rioja: Where to Find Spain’s Iconic Wine in St. Pete

    A Taste of Rioja: Where to Find Spain’s Iconic Wine in St. Pete

    Inspired by Wine Spectator’s May 2025 cover story on Rioja, this post explores how wines from Spain’s most iconic region are showing up around St. Pete.

    Why Rioja, Why Now?

    While Rioja has long been a favorite of collectors and sommeliers, it’s now catching the eye of a new generation. From vibrant Crianza to deep Gran Reserva, these wines—primarily Tempranillo, but also including Garnacha and other varieties—offer a balance of tradition and innovation, often at a more accessible price point than their French or Napa counterparts.

    A quick guide to Rioja’s aging classifications.

    Rioja Styles: What to Look For

    These labels are printed on Rioja wine labels and offer a quick clue to the wine’s style and structure. Spot them near the label or seal to know how long the wine’s been aged and what to expect in the glass.

    • Generic – Young wines, aged 1-2 years
    • Crianza – Aged at least 3 years, minimum 1 year in oak (6 months for whites)
    • Reserva – Aged at least 3 years (2 years for whites), minimum 1 year in oak (6 months for whites) + 6 months in bottle.
    • Gran Reserva – Aged at least 5 years (4 years for whites), minimum 2 years in oak (6 months for whites) + 2 years in bottle.

    See more on Rioja aging here.

    What’s On Now: 6 Riojas to Try in St. Pete

    Curious what’s being served around town? These standout bottles are currently featured locally—some by the glass, others by the bottle. Selections rotate, so ask what’s open.

    1. Alegre Valgañón Rioja Tinto (2020)
      CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop
      $22 bottle
    1. Marques de Murrieta Reserva (2020)
      Pasadena Liquors & Fine Wines
      $25 bottle
    1. Faustino Crianza Tempranillo
      Bar Chinchilla
      $9.50 by the glass / $38 bottle
    1. R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva (2012)
      Mazzaro’s Italian Market
      $48 bottle
    1. Bodega Bideona Las Parcelas Tinto (2021)
      bin6south
      $60 bottle
    1. La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva (2017)
      Sauvignon Wine Locker
      $22 by the glass / $109 bottle

    Want to see how you can get this glass half off?

    See our Happy Hours article for more

    Explore the full spectrum of Rioja’s aging classifications with Mazzaro’s impressive selection.

    Looking for more? Mazzaro’s currently stocks nearly 15 different Rioja options.

    Final Sip

    • Explore the depth of Rioja: From a smooth Gran Reserva with a gourmet meal to a fresh Crianza at a casual bar, Rioja offers a range of flavors for any occasion.
    • An aging system with structure: Rioja’s classifications offer built-in guidance for how each bottle might taste.
    • St. Pete is ahead of the curve: As the world rediscovers Rioja, St. Pete’s best wine spots are already embracing it—if you know where to look.
  • 5 Best Wine Clubs in St. Pete from Local Shops and Bars

    5 Best Wine Clubs in St. Pete from Local Shops and Bars

    More than just bottles—local wine clubs offer a window into what shop owners and bar teams are loving right now, often with added perks like discounts, tastings, or early access to special releases.

    St. Pete Wine Clubs to Know

    Bar Chinchilla: Chinchilla’s Choice

    📍 439 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg FL, 33701

    Chinchilla’s Choice features a new region each month.

    Price: $50/month (plus tax)
    Includes: 2 bottles/month
    Style: Global, mix of natural and classic
    Pickup: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 5–7pm
    Perks: 20% off to-go bottles

    You choose your own style—2 reds, 2 whites, or a mix. A smart option if you want flexibility with a bonus discount. Pickup nights often have a casual, community vibe.

    Club Details

    Each month, Chinchilla’s wine club focuses on a new region—with a tasting open to all to explore it further.

    Book + Bottle: The 17 Club

    📍 17 6th St N, St Petersburg FL, 33701

    Price: $50–$70/month (3-month minimum) + $17 signup fee
    Includes: Choose from three curated memberships
    Pickup: Starting the 17th of each billing month
    Perks: Signup gift, exclusive offers

    Adventures on the Wine Route ($70/mo)
    Two globally sourced, often natural or small-production. Expect surprising, thought-provoking bottles—ideal for curious drinkers.

    Grape Expectations ($60/mo)
    One classic red and one classic white. Familiar varietals like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, but elevated.

    Monthly Harvest ($50/mo)
    Prepay for a $50 credit to pick your own bottles. Great if you want flexibility with perks.

    Club Details

    Book + Bottle’s 17 Club offers three ways to join—each with perks like free corkage, tasting discounts, and somm-selected bottles.

    Savoir on Central: Savoir Wine Club (Coming Soon)

    📍 439 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg FL, 33701

    Price: $30–$150/month
    Includes: 1–3 bottles/month, depending on tier
    Pickup: Monthly (TBA)
    Perks: 10% off in-store purchases, first access to events, sommelier notes

    Cru ($30/mo)
    1 classic bottle tied to a monthly theme.

    Premiere Cru ($60/mo)
    2 bottles, choose your style (red/white/mix).

    Grand Cru ($90/mo)
    3 premium bottles from featured regions.

    Prestige Cru ($125–$150/mo)
    3 ultra-premium, small-production selections.

    Cuvée En Plus ($50/mo)
    Sparkling-focused, one bottle/month.

    Club Details

    From single bottles to premium trios, Savoir’s five-tier wine club covers it all—still or sparkling.

    (Launching soon)

    Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe

    📍 2927 Central Ave, St Petersburg, FL 33713

    Tucked along Central Ave, Hawthorne pairs neighborhood feel with a sharp global bottle list—and a membership to match.

    Price: $50/month (2 bottles), $75/month (3 bottles), or $100/quarter (3 bottles)
    Includes: Premium, small-production bottles from featured regions
    Pickup: 2nd Tuesday of the month (or Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct for quarterly)
    Perks: 10% off bottle purchases, invites to exclusive member tastings and events

    Monthly Memberships

    Two Bottle ($50/mo) – Two curated picks—choose red, white, or a mix.

    Three Bottle ($75/mo) – A trio of standout regional picks each month.

    Quarterly Membership

    Three Bottle ($100/quarter) – Seasonal selections with the same curation, less frequently.

    Each set is selected in partnership with producers and distributors—thoughtful picks you won’t find on big box shelves.

    Club Details

    A closer look at Hawthorne’s membership tiers, perks, and pickup schedule.

    Smallbar: Spitz Wine Club

    Photo courtesy of Smallbar St. Pete

    Price: $55/month
    Includes: 2 bottles/month
    Style: Seasonal, minimal-intervention, fun-to-drink picks from producers they love
    Pickup: 2nd Friday of each month

    • Bandit St. Pete: Daily, 7am–2:30pm
    • Smallbar: Thurs–Sat, 5–10pm
    • Evening pickup at Spitz will be available once the bar opens

    Perks: 10% off retail, 1 free glass per month, invites to tastings & future events

    A casual, thoughtful club built around what the Spitz team is currently drinking. Members also get monthly write-ups and surprise perks along the way.

    Final Sip

    • There’s a club for every style and budget—from everyday drinkers to rare, small-production picks.
    • Local pickup means no shipping hassles—and a chance to meet the people behind the bottles.
    • Joining supports the bars and shops shaping St. Pete’s wine scene—while keeping your glass fresh each month.