Monterey Street Wine Co.
Monterey Street Wine Co.
2.5
Wineries & Vineyards
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2.5
2.5 of 5 bubbles6 reviews
Excellent
1
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
3

Bgoyette
San Luis Obispo, CA USA3 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2014 • Friends
I wouldn't pay much credence to the older "bad" reviews on this page. Monterey Street Wine (Vintage 1255) has gone thru a few ownership changes in the past few years, most recently reverting to the original owner John Stipicivich and his partner Donna Wolfe. Yes there were some less than competent days some years ago, but really since 2012, this place has really been a joy to come to (as it was when John and his original partner Doug Show opened it years ago). Their wine selections are reasonably priced and they have great relationships with winemakers all over the central coast. John has been in the wine business forever and really knows his stuff. They also have one a really fine selection of microbrews in the bottle and on tap. And did I mention they have always had the best cheeses in town?

This vibe here is warm and friendly. Casual. Although it's in the hotel/motel district, it's really a locals hangout, and on any given evening you'll find a collection of local chefs, artists and businessmen chatting away over a beer or a glass of local wine.
Written 25 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Patricia M
Manchester, NH6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2011 • Couples
The staff is extremely helpful. They carry a nice selection of Central Coast wines.
Written 14 November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Oscarsfriend
San Luis obispo2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I don't know where to start! They act as though you are a real imposition on their time and if you didn't get that hint they will reward you with awful and grumpy service. Don't ask any questions! If you are lucky they will let you read the info on the bottle. If you want a really unpleasant experience, be sure to stop by.
Written 14 August 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JR1111
Las Vegas1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
No wonder why this place was empty on a weekend afternoon! That should have been my first clue to turn around and run the other way... but I'll admit, I was lured in by the nice cheese selection.

We sat at the bar to do some wine tasting with our cheese selection and that's where it all went wrong. The owner couldn't have made us feel more un-welcomed. I ordered a tasting flight of 3 wines for $5- to which the owner replied "Let me give you a little tip, if you order a full glass, you'll save money". I explained, I was more interested in sampling a few different varietals of local wines than saving money. He smirked.
I noticed that there were a few more bottles of red wine on the bar than listed on the menu, and so I asked what kind of white wine he had available. He said, " What does it say on the menu?" and then proceeded to pull out 4 bottles (one of which was not on the menu).

When I asked what the difference was between 2 Chardonnays being poured, he replied, "taste". Another smirk. Wow. Never got that answer before. He just couldn't be bothered! I prodded..." well, kind of oak is used???" He said "French- so it'll be more sweet". Wow- again. Never heard that one either. But after one sip, "stale" would have been a more accurate description.

I asked to move on to the next pour- to which he had some more advice for me... to get the most bang out of my $5, I should just pick the most expensive wine to try. And, he added, "more $$$= better wine". I disagreed with that blanket statement, telling him I've had some very good wine in the $10-$20 range and on the flip-side, some terrible expensive wine. Then he had the audacity to ask me how many $40 wines I've tasted in my life?! A LOT, thank you very much. Wine Spectator mobile to the rescue, I quickly do a rating search on the 2 wines in front of me, $38 Flying Goat Pinot / $13 Barrel 27 White blend.... and announce the findings. Same mediocre score.
This is the first time I have ever come across a wine shop/tasting bar owner who had 0 passion for wine- and a true gift for insulting customers. Worst wine experience ever.

At least the cheese was good.
Written 24 March 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JPDog
Pasadena, CA1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
These people were too stuck up to actually cater to us. They asked us to leave when we walked in at 7:05pm because their license "didn't allow them to serve after 7pm." (they must be the only place in California with a 7pm cutoff time on their liquor license) and they were about to kick the current customers out. Yet they were still serving the same customers two hours later, when we walked back after having a nice dining experience down the street. So they're either lying or someone should call the licensing board.

Leave it for the locals, if that's what they want. The owners did their best to make us feel unwelcome. That doesn't seem like a great way to stay in business, but hey, I'm used to being places where businesses actually want new customers and seem happy to see me.
Written 27 December 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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MONTEREY STREET WINE CO.: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)