VIN By The Sea – A Boutique Wine Bar & Kitchen in the Heart of Carmel
Now open in Su Vecino Courtyard on Dolores Street, VIN By The Sea is a thoughtfully designed wine bar and chef-driven kitchen that brings together heritage, hospitality, elevated eats, and a deep appreciation for wine. The space that was once a gallery for the arts is arguably still a gallery, but one that now features small-production wines and carefully crafted dishes meant to pair perfectly with every pour.
A Plate for Every Glass
VIN By The Sea’s kitchen places wine at the center of the culinary experience. The menu is seasonally driven and designed to complement the curated wine list with fresh, coastal flavors and elevated small plates. Signature dishes include creamy paella arancini with shrimp, chicken, and chorizo; Salt Spring Island mussels in miso-ginger broth; Parisian gnocchi with sweet corn, pancetta, and parmesan; and sliders featuring a custom grind from The Meatery topped with onion jam, Taleggio, remoulade, and pickles. A vegetarian slider made with quinoa and black beans is also available, along with a selection of salads and a family meatball recipe passed down for generations, elevated with basil aioli.
Arancini. Photo courtesy of VIN by the Sea.
Desserts currently include a chocolate and tahini pot de crème with sesame and whipped cream, and a graham cracker-crusted lemon tart topped with blueberry compote and toasted meringue. Laura Ness from Edible Monterey Bay reports that plans are underway to introduce dessert wines and French press coffee to complement the late-night experience.
Lemon tart. Photo courtesy of VIN by the Sea.
A Boutique Wine List with Depth and Discovery
The wine list at VIN By The Sea features 30 selections by the glass, with a focus on boutique, small-production wines—80% domestic and 20% imported. Highlights include Rustique Blanc de Blanc by Chad Silacci, the 2024 Morét Brealynn Pinot Noir Rosé, and standout French imports like Domaine Oudart Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire and Theo Dancer’s Bourgogne Aligoté. The list also showcases rare finds such as Nid Tissé’s 2022 Radian Pinot Noir and Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay, as well as bold reds like Cowhorn GSM from Oregon and the 100-point “Life and Death” Syrah and GSM from Fingers Crossed. Collectors will also appreciate selections from Paul Lato and the Syndicate Wines portfolio.
A Reimagined Gathering Place
The former gallery space has been transformed with modern concrete floors, bar seating, and outdoor tables in the shared courtyard. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, drawing a mix of devoted locals and curious visitors. It’s a space where wine takes center stage, supported by thoughtful hospitality and a sense of community. With a wine club that’s steadily growing and a menu that evolves with the seasons, VIN By The Sea continues to build on its mission of offering a place where people can connect over exceptional wine and food.
Visit VIN By The Sea
Dolores St between 5th & 6th Ave, Su Vecino Courtyard, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Open: Thursday 12–9pm, Friday & Saturday until 11pm, Sunday & Monday 12–9pm
Closed: Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Reservations recommended
