It’s that time of year—Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay voting is live, and several of St. Pete’s wine bars, bottle shops, and wine-forward restaurants are nominated across a variety of categories.
Voting runs now through August 20th midnight, and you can vote once per day per category. Whether you stop in weekly or just love what these spots bring to the scene, here’s how to help them take home the win.
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Restaurants with Standout Wine Lists
These aren’t just good places to eat—they’ve built standout wine programs that deserve recognition.
Allelo
📍 300 Beach Dr NE #128, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Nominated for:
- Best Mediterranean Restaurant
- Best Greek Restaurant
- Best St. Pete Restaurant
- Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Awarded a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2025.
Bacchus Wine Bistro
📍 124 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg FL, 33701
Nominated for:
- Best Charcuterie (Restaurant)
- Best French Restaurant
Want to know when to go? See Bacchus Wine Bistro’s happy hour details here.
Birch & Vine
📍 340 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Nominated for*:
- Best Brunch for Boozing
- Best Hotel Bar
- Best St. Pete Restaurant
- Best Downtown St. Pete Restaurant
Awarded a Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence in 2025
*Also nominated in several other categories
Juno & the Peacock
📍 400 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Nominated for:
- Best Downtown St. Pete Restaurant
- Best St. Pete Restaurant
Awarded a Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence in 2025
Rococo Steak
📍 655 2nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Nominated for:
- Best Steakhouse
Awarded a Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence in 2025.
Wine Bars & Bottle Shops
If you’re looking for wine-first experiences—by the glass, by the bottle, or by the vibe—these are the places to support.
Book + Bottle
📍 17 6th St N, St Petersburg FL, 33701
Nominated for:
- Best Bookstore
Read more about Book + Bottle’s 17 club in our Best Wine Clubs guide.
Christiane’s
📍 442 2nd St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Nominated for:
- Best Wine Bar
A new face in the wine scene, with self-serve dispensers.
Dracula’s Legacy
📍 111 2nd Ave NE Suite 102, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Nominated for:
- Best Charcuterie
Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe
📍 2927 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Nominated for:
- Best Wine Bar
- Best Beer Selection
Read more about Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe in our Hidden Wine Bars guide.
Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria
📍 241 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Nominated for:
- Best Wine Bar
The Study Wine & Bourbon Tasting Lounge
📍 3100 3rd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Nominated for:
- Best Whiskey Bar
The Winehouse + BBQ
📍 2913 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707
Nominated for:
- Best Barbecue Restaurant
- Best Brisket
- Best Charcuterie (Restaurant)
- Best Ribs
- Best Gulfport Restaurant
How to Vote
- Go to: vote.cltampa.com
- You can vote once per day in each category
- Voting closes August 20 at midnight
Best of the Bay Party
Winners will be revealed at the Best of the Bay Party on September 24. The event is open to the public and always a great time. Tickets here
2024 Winners in Wine
The Bay area wine scene has gained momentum in Best of the Bay voting over the years. In 2024, St. Pete’s own Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe took home Best Bottle Shoppe, while Jayme Kosar (Ybor City) won Best Sommelier, and Best Wine Bar went to Bern’s Steak House in Tampa.
This year’s nominations build on that momentum, with several first-time contenders and a few returning favorites. Stay tuned for our upcoming feature on the Best Sommelier nominees—highlighting who they are, where they work, and what they bring to your glass.