Such a nice place and great staff. Love the family feeling when welcomed and attended by the owner Rick. The wait staff is friendly and very attentive. Amazing selection of wines for all budgets. The burgers are to die for and the charcuterie board a great treat when just enjoying some drinks and cigars on a Tuesday night. The hidden gem of this place is its romantic yet cozy patio with fire pit for those cool days. If you want to find the best cigars in town, visit a Tuesday night and look for a Pucho (cigar name). read more

Sonoma Cellar - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

Awesome brunch spot out back on the patio. Definitely recommend the "taste in place" wine tasting and the avocado smash garlic shrimp crostini! Only reason I gave a four instead of a five was that we felt their brunch menu was somewhat limited. read more

Sonoma Cellar - Avocado Smash Garlic Shrimp Crostini Plate - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Live this place- great fresh food, great wine selection, they do a tasting, great atmosphere on King street. It's very Alexandria.

This was my first visit to Sonoma Cellars in a couple of years. I was pleasantly surprised to see they now have tables set up outside in King Street. After going through COVID protocols (temperature checks and contact info), we were promptly seated. It was a great and positive experience and we were lucky to meet one of the managers, Manny and the rest of the team. We were helped this afternoon by an entire team including assistant manager Jenn and our waiter Moises. The wines, appetizers, and food were fantastic. If you want a tasty plate of food, I recommend the salmon and risotto. read more

See all

My friends and I came to Sonoma Cellar for Alexandria restaurant week. The restaurant is a cute row house located in old town Alexandria. We made a reservation and were seated upstairs. Upon arrival we were given the menu, the restaurant week menu, a suggested wine list and a full wine book. Our dinner was on a Wednesday so we took advantage of the wine down Wednesday deal -30% off a bottle. The service was good. She suggested an alternative wine when something we ordered was out of stock which was appreciated. We all took advantage of the restaurant week menu so I didn't look at the full menu. I had the ahi tuna with wonton crisps as my appetizer and it was good! The fish was fresh but was a bit spicy (something I wasn't really expecting). For dinner I had the garden pasta and I was a little disappointed. The menu indicated it had a touch of balsamic but mine did not taste or have any color at all. I also felt the portion was small. Others enjoyed the steak and the salmon, both were a bit bland but the accompaniments were loved. The mushroom risotto was raves about! For dessert, I had a small glass of a sweet Riesling. It was sweeter than what I'd normally drink, but was a good end to the meal. The girls enjoyed the Devil food cake more than the raspberry custard cake. I would go back for the wine and the atmosphere! Maybe try a few more dishes in the hopes to find the best items on the menu. read more

See all

LOVED IT! LOVED IT! Best happy hour value, exquisite little nibbles so tastefully presented, great bartender. Lovely. Wonderful wines. And I am NOT a California wine lover. But they have such a nicely curated variety, you will find a thirst quencher of choice. Lovely little place - bright and cozy. It's a wonderful place to start your evening on the right "Happy" happy hour foot! read more

I had a chance to visit Sonoma Cellar for the first time earlier this week for the first time, and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed. Overall the staff are welcoming, accommodating, and very helpful. A couple highlights from the visit: Positives: -a compact but well-rounded wine selection. -I ordered the hanger steak which was done perfectly (medium-rare) with scalloped potatoes and fresh broccoli. I was skeptical of the pesto but gave it whirl and was not disappointed! -Very generous pour at the bar. -atmosphere is welcoming, lively, but relaxed. -Several vegetarian options. -Overall our group was pleased with the experience (food, wine, service, and ambiance). -The 30% off for a bottle on Wednesday applies to the entire list and is a great deal! -For those who partake, they have a Tuesday cigar night on the patio with a local cigar vendor where you can enjoy great wine, company, and cigar. Areas for improvement: -Ordered a bottle of Bordeaux (2019), a 2020 bottle came out - we were a few bottles in and didn't notice until afterwards. -The servers, although very helpful and engaged, could use some additional coaching / training on wine knowledge. read more

Last night (Saturday, Nov. 25 ) we returned to Sonoma Cellar for the first time under its new ownership. We were not impressed with the restaurant under the prior owner's purview. We were very impressed with the menu, service and price for food and drinks. The atmosphere was nice. I deducted a star as three items on the drink menu were not available (a beer and two ciders), but hopefully they will be better stocked on our next visit. read more

This review is not about the wine, the wine was fine. The ambience was nice. This is about a server, possibly a sommelier, that shushed my friends and I because we were "too loud" in a 4x4 foot room. It was in fact loud because where could the sound possibly travel in a tiny room. We were visiting from out of town anyways so unlikely to go back. read more

I was browsing around different restaurant menus for restaurant week and decided to give Sonoma a try since I wanted to try the Tater Tots waffle! Upon arrival, we were immediately seated upstairs and the waiter gave us the option of a window or wall seat, which I appreciated. We chose the window seat and it was so nice to look outside while sitting in a cute "house". My bf ordered the Tater Tots waffle and it exceeded my exceptions! The pulled pork was tender, flavorful and complimented the waffle well -- no need for ketchup! The eggs were perfectly over easy. I ordered the Monte Cristo -- never had it before but it was basically a ham and cheese sandwich that was deep fried. It was delicious! Our server was super nice and accommodating. He made recommendations on the dessert and even showed us what it looks like. It was busy for brunch so service was pretty slow but I liked that he was still pleasant. I would come back and try other things on the menu! read more

We love it here! Whether you're a solo traveler or looking for a cute brunch with friends -- I highly recommend. Great happy hour! Guaranteed a nice glass of wine. Loved the salmon crostinis!!! read more

Sonoma Cellar - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Outdoor patio is great. Location is perfect for strolling king street before or after. We shared the charcuterie and cheese boards (includes GF crackers!) the waitress was very friendly. Wine is a little pricey imo read more

I have been to Sonoma cellars before and had a good experience. Service is typically good, their light fare menus is usually tasty. We made reservations and were told there system was down and we would have to wait 30 - 45 minutes. It's unfortunate this was one of my favorite spots and the experience tonight ruined it. read more

I went here with some coworkers after work. It's definitely nothing to brag about. The server wasn't very friendly. She had a bit of an attitude. There were people of all races included in our party and when certain ones left the remaining group of us were told we had to leave in the next 5 minutes because reservations were coming. Overall I wouldn't suggest this place if you plan on staying for a while after you eat. read more

Walked by this place so many times not realizing it's a hidden gem! Wonderful wine list and delicious small plates. Friendly service. Beautiful indoor decor and an awesome outdoor dining area. Will revisit for dinner soon! read more

I was very adamant about trying this place because of the wine selection / wine flights. Came here Friday night with our toddler. Had to put in our CC info for a reservation with open table to sit outside. Got lucky because the weather was perfect to sit outside. However, our server told us they were not allowed to do wine flights outside. This was literally the reason why we came! So we ended up getting a bottle of the dry Riesling from New York. Secondly they were out of both crostini dishes... the other food we ordered was pretty good except for the fish tacos. Cheese steak focaccia (?), artichoke dip, burger, gnocchi, and the fish tacos. We asked for more bread for the artichoke dip and they charged an extra $4. As we were paying, we saw a waitress walking out with a whole tray of wine flights. We stopped and inquired. And she told us they do allow wine flights outside now because of the pandemic... And that before the pandemic they did not allow wine flights outside. Let's just say we won't be back. read more

See all

Was very excited to try this establishment. As a paying customer, never have I felt that I inconvenienced staff as much as I did at this business. No, we didn't ask for anything extra, or special, or crazy. Just felt unwelcome. We won't come back. This is pretentious. Our server didn't offer their name, we were left for extended periods unattended amd were told, "the menu is pretty standard" and otherwise left to our own devices. Management could consider hiring more weight staff, perhaps they are understaffed. Food palatable and wine selection drinkable but nothing I would write home about. read more

Stopped in to pregame with some wine for a birthday night. It was a small space inside but a lot of room outside. The bartender was very nice and friendly and struck up a convo with my friends and I. The Rhône blend I got was definitely the winner of the night as far as red wines go. The bartender also suggested a great dinner spot to go, so bonus points for that (yelp won't let me give them more than 5 stars though) Great experience! And I will come back cause I saw some autographed bottles of Opus and I'm curious what's going on here. read more

A bit small but they have good and wine. If you're party is medium to small; you'll be fine. If medium to large consider renting the whole venu. read more

We got coffee and desserts and both were fantastic. The chocolate torte was to die for and the dessert trio was amazing as well!

A super relaxing atmosphere followed by some delish dishes. Brie & apple bread apps with the trio nips- it was amazing. Truffle pasta, salmon, pork chops, & chicken skewers- everything was delish! Yes we ordered and ate it all! read more

Sonoma Cellar - The Nibbles Trio Plate & Brie and Fig Jam Crostini Plate - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Our server Dente and the lady behind the bar have NO idea about wine. They changed their prices ($28 a glass of wine ) that's crazy read more

I ordered Thanksgiving dinner for five people, and was very nervous that takeaway would not be up to standard. However the food exceeded all my expectations - the turkey, the sides, and the sauces were beyond delicious. There was a small hickup with the takeaway order missing some items, but the manager resolved everything quickly. I will definitely be back for more, and have already recommended Sonoma Cellar to friends in the area. Thank you! read more

Great wine list Very approachable Good price value Manger is very friendly and knowledgeable Just meet the owner - very nice This should always be a stop for a drink and app when In town read more

Sonoma Cellar - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This restaurant has quickly become our go-to in Alexandria - great atmosphere both in and outside! We definitely prefer the patio on a nice day. We have enjoyed their charcuterie boards, wine flights and selection, as well as multiple entrees - all were excellent! We can't wait to visit again (and will soon, I'm sure)! read more

Sonoma Cellar - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

Cute lil resto with a nice friendly vibe, and a bit cozier downstairs. Nice menu and wine selection. We only had the cheese platter (which was fantastic) and some wine - it was delicious. I'd definitely go back again! read more

An ok ambiance, the food was delicious but the service was average. The courtyard smelled like trash, probably a dumpster nearby.

This was my second time wining at Sonoma cellar and I was very happy to go back. I've only ever done wine tastings here but the first one was good enough to make me want to come back! They have 2 options where one is $10 for 4 wine tastings and I believe the other is $15 for 4 or 5 more expensive wines. I have historically gone with the $10 wine tasting which has always been an enjoyable experience for me. From there, you have a choice between a sparkling wine, a few different white wines, and some reds. I like that you're able to choose between the various types because I strongly prefer white wines. This way, I am able to personalize my tasting for wines that I prefer. The options have always been fairly enjoyable and the service has usually been fast and attentive. It's also in a fairly pricey part of town, so it's nice to have a wine tasting that's super affordable. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to sample some wines in Alexandria! read more

Sonoma Cellar - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

My wife and I came in to have some appetizers and wine. The service and food were amazing. Diego our server was very knowledgeable and friendly. We highly recommend Sonoma Cellar. Don't pass it by you need to try it! read more

Sonoma Cellar - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Sonoma Cellar was a great birthday dinner choice in the covid climate. The enhanced protocols (contact tracing and temp check) were appreciated, not creepy. Admittedly, I am not a wine person - meaning my measure of good wine is that it's not very dry and 'drinkable'. I've never understood why anyone would want to drink something with notes of dusty crushed rock or scorched earth. Nonetheless, our server steered me successfully toward a wine I would like without judgment. I also appreciated that the portions are smaller. I've never been one to consider the 'value' of extra-large portions. We had brunch recently at a spot up the street and felt like I was being fattened up for the market. I liked the Napa valley decor. It's a great addition to King St. read more

Very good food and staff was great. Atmosphere cozy we ate here in February before heading to airport.

This is strictly for the wine tasting. The actual restaurant is wonderful. They have a magical garden and great wine and food selection. But this place also has wine tasting events and that's where we fall short. Tonight was a Merlot tasting. So much potential but unfortunately fell short. Jose is supposed to give the wine tasting, but apparently he was in Boston so the owner had to take it over. For $55 per person, $110 total for a couple, this is overpriced. Very stingy on the pours and the light refreshments. I have attended many wine tastings around the world and this was definitely overpriced. Afterwards I spoke with the owner about it and she informed me that the tasting was actually only $40 and the rest of the cost was made up of tax and tip. This does not seem to add up. Tax on $40 is about $44, so you are telling me that tip per person was $11?! And this service was for people to pour under poured wine glasses and bring our some bites. Second, the light hors d'oeuvres were very very light. See picture. Honestly, why not just set out a large cheese board per table and call it a day. The plate in the picture is the first hors d'oeuvre "cheese plate", 1 almond, 2 cubes of cheese, comical. Third, the owner who gave the tasting, who normally comes across as a lovely woman, came across condescending and was constantly trying to reign people in from talking so that she could show us her book with a picture of the region the wine came from. The whole point of these events are to try some great wines that we otherwise wouldn't have and to mingle and meet new people. Lastly, she tried telling me at the end that this was a good price for the tasting and I reassured her it was not. Since this tasting I have been to about 3 others and it is definitely more bang for your buck with just as interesting and rare wines with more substantial pours. read more

See all

Came here for brunch. The food was soo good! I got the open face chicken sandwich. It has so much avocado and yum. However the service was not very good. We were sat at our table. 30 minutes later we stop the hostess as he was looking where to put a group of people, and ask if we are going to get service. He runs inside, I assume to get a server, 5 minutes later a server finally comes. Once we said something service was much better but we should never have to ask for service. Street parking and there's plenty. read more

Sonoma Cellar - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This would probably be a great spot for just lounging and sipping some wine with charcuterie not really my preference for dinner. I wasn't a huge fan of the food selection - although I think my seafood pasta was the most fulfilling entree at our table, especially if you're the type that loves a cheesy sauce! Also found it a bit awkward that the bathroom was located towards where the kitchen and staff were. Plus side - we had a group of 10 and they sat us in a private room which was really nice and intimate. read more

See all

Just prior to Covid 19 hitting DC, the wife and I visited with our daughter and during a day touring and sampling places to see, we made a pit stop for some food and drink. We were ushered to the outdoor area and had menus and wine before very long. A terrific charcuterie with a great selection of meats and cheeses was perfect to address our empty stomachs and the wine was an excellent accompaniment. Service was great, the environment inviting, a must visit for locals and tourists alike! read more

Sonoma Cellar - Outdoor dining - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I'm so happy this place is still open during covid! I love this place. We sat outside and had a few glasses of wine. There wine is so good. I don't know who chooses the wine selection but you're amazing. Also the food is always exceptionally amazing! I had the carne asada tacos and the artichoke dip and it was really good. I definitely recommend this place for a date night or just a causal night with friends. The service is also very good and the servers are very knowledgeable. read more

Ordered on Uber eats. Food tasted good but the pricing is way overpriced. $16 for the Greek Trio. Chunks of marinated feta cheese? One small chunk does not make chunks. Very disappointed. Maybe the portion sizes are bigger in person but I won't be ordering on Uber eats again. The other items were ok and were tasty even if portion sizes were smallish for the price. But the Greek Trio felt way overpriced read more

Sonoma Cellar - Menu description - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

If you want to know a great way to spend National Wine Day, check out Sonoma Cellar. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a wine tasting, the incredible savory food and the lovely outdoor patio ambiance. The restaurant is very intimate and cute. This is a great spot for a date or small get together with friends. We loved, loved, loved our food. The only disappointment was the portions were petite but the perfect taste made up for the small portions. Thebstaff was friendly and attentive which added to a great time. We have already started planning when we would go back, who we can invite to come with us and what we are going to try. Sonoma Cellar is nestled in Old Town on King Street so afterwards enjoy a nice stroll down the street, sit by the water fountain, and of course stop by the local ice cream shop for some great ice cream before you head home. read more

See all

We spent the day in DC and on the way home we stopped in Alexandria for gelato. As my wife was enjoying her tasty desert we were walking down king street and came across Sonoma Cellar. They had no problem letting my wife bring in some desert while I tasted some wine. They had a good selection of whites and reds and the staff was not stingy on the pour. Most of the wines were from California; Sanoma Cellar is a tasting room not a vineyard. Very inviting place and reasonably priced. read more

Sonoma Cellar - Wine List - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

We heard that there was a newer wine bar in Old Town and (being wine lovers) we wanted to stop in to give it a try. Our plan was to meet family, sit, chat and nosh on small bites while enjoying their wine list. Upon arriving on a somewhat busy Saturday evening, we were promptly seated upstairs. The restaurant's decor is really nice and it appeared clean. The menu was rather odd as there were only a handful of wines and the wine menu we got did NOT match what we previously viewed on their website; in fact, similar wines were $5 to $10 more in the restaurant than the prices on their site (so, they need to update their webpage menus!). Even though we checked the site ahead of time, we figured they'd have a lot more wines once we got there, they didn't. Then, the wait... We sat and waited 15 minutes before being greeted and when we were greeted, we quickly ordered a cheese plate and asked for water, as well as a 4 - 1oz pour of some whites as a "flight" to taste what we might enjoy. The reason we had to quickly order this was that he wasn't ready to take our order or give us water, he was simply coming by to say he will be back when he had time to take our order. (Yes, this upset us!) Then, after 10 more minutes, the cheese plate came, no dishes, napkins, utensils were at our table, so we asked for that and waited a few minute for it to arrive. We also flagged him down again to ask for the wine we ordered... since the cheese was now here, we needed the wine to enjoy pairing the two. Soon after this, he poured two of the four wines in the flight and brought them over. They were very arm, room temperature. Definitely NOT enjoyable and the warmth actually affected the taste (and nose on a couple) in a negative way. After another 10 minute or so (we've now been here 45 minutes (no exaggeration!) and still only have 2 out of wine wines in a flight and a cheese plate and no water) I went to seek out the manager. I found him at the bar downstairs. He was instantly apologetic and offered to provide us with a bottle of wine. I told him we hadn't completed the tasting, so we weren't sure what we might like and he took care of allowing us to taste a couple and we selected one. The manager not only comp'd us the bottle but came back regularly to check on us. It's because of him that this review is a 3 star, not a 1, which is what I was going to make it. He also explained why the whites we tasted (which, BTW, when I got back to the table with the manager, the other 2 whites had just arrived, they were warm also) were so warm.... seems the had air conditioner issues that day and it was very hot in the restaurant. This was slightly noticeable from the fact that our server was soaked with sweat, which was also rather disgusting. Back to the menu one last time.... The cheese plate we got was pretty nice... a little too pricey for the mall quantities of food, but the cheeses on it was really good. They call themselves a wine back, but they have double the amount of beer on their menu than wine. If you're looking for a true wine tasting experience while in Old Town, go to Brabo... Do NOT come here. read more

See all