Wine bars in San Francisco have big competition, with a place like the wine bar and lounge Press Club. Located right on downtown’s flourishing Yerba Buena Lane, this grand subterranean tasting room is utterly sleek, done up with modern wood, and features the wines of eight Northern California vineyards (including Chateau Montelena, Miner Family Vineyards, and Saintsbury). Well-heeled, savvy patrons purchase a “press card” at the door, head downstairs, and belly up to the tasting bars to sample each winery’s vintages. Each tasting bar is staffed by the winery’s own employees, so feel free to ask questions about your favourite pours.