San Sebastian Winery - a room with barrels
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San Sebastian Winery

4.6
·2k reviews·St. Augustine, United States

Discover Florida's unique wine scene at San Sebastian Winery, offering tours, tastings, and rooftop dining with scenic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday-Sunday evenings

Live music & sunset views

CrowdMedium
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San Sebastian Winery - a room with barrels

San Sebastian Winery

Best Time

Thursday-Sunday evenings

Live music & sunset views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Florida's unique wine scene at San Sebastian Winery, offering tours, tastings, and rooftop dining with scenic views.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A $5 tasting fee makes this a must-stop in St. Augustine, with unique Florida wines and great rooftop vibes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Don't Miss the Ruby Port

This unique port wine, aged in whiskey barrels, is a must-try and even inspired a band's name!

🍷 Try the Rosa Wine

Made from native Florida Muscadine grapes, it's surprisingly delicious and a standout, even for red wine lovers.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wine Tasting Experience

Wine Tasting Experience

Tasting Room

Sample a selection of wines, including unique Muscadine grape varieties and ports. Knowledgeable staff guide you through each sip.

Winery Tour

Winery Tour

Production Facility

Discover the winemaking process from grape to bottle, with insights into their Florida-grown grapes and aging techniques.

Cellar Upstairs Rooftop

Cellar Upstairs Rooftop

Rooftop Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining, appetizers, and live music with panoramic views of St. Augustine. A perfect spot for sunset drinks.

Gift Shop Finds

Gift Shop Finds

Gift Shop

Take home your favorite wines, wine accessories, and local souvenirs from their well-stocked gift shop.

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Planning Your Visit

Florida's Wine Gem

Discover Florida's unique wine scene at San Sebastian Winery. Learn about their winemaking process, sample a variety of wines, and enjoy the local flavors. Perfect for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Rooftop Views & Tastings

Experience the best of San Sebastian Winery with a guided tour and tasting, followed by breathtaking views from their rooftop restaurant. It's a perfect blend of local wine culture and scenic beauty.

Best Times

When
Thursday-Sunday evenings
Why
Live music & sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds for tours
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ate so much that my body went into automatic hibernation after this holiday #fyp #foryou #sansebastian #basquecountry #basquecheesecake #pintxos #travelideas #europe #weekendbreak #traveltiktok #spain
@maybellemsmorgan
35.3K likes • 570.6K views

🎯 Don't Miss the Ruby Port

This unique port wine, aged in whiskey barrels, is a must-try and even inspired a band's name! Reddit

🍷 Try the Rosa Wine

Made from native Florida Muscadine grapes, it's surprisingly delicious and a standout, even for red wine lovers. Reddit

san sebastián mini guide 🐟 the food capital of the workd and one of my favourite places on earth
@evannas.table
27.7K likes • 355.7K views
🍷 San Sebastian Winery is expanding! A new marketplace with a restaurant and retail space is in the works, bringing fresh energy to downtown St. Augustine. Plans also include more parking and a five-story garage to support the growing spot. This winery has been a local favorite for nearly 30 years, and this upgrade is set to make it an even bigger draw for wine lovers and visitors alike. 🍇✨ ...
staugwithjosh
16 likes • 1K views

💰 Case Discounts Available

Buying a case of wine offers a fantastic discount, making it a great deal for stocking up. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends along! This winery is dog-friendly, making it a great outing for pet owners. Instagram

The San Sebastián Winery Rooftop in St. Augustine, Florida is open Thursday-Sunday for dining and live music! 🍷🎶 FOLLOW @sansebastianwinery #explorestaugustine #rooftop #staugustine #wine #winery #saintaugustine #staugustinefl #music #livemusic #weekend #florida #floridawine #attraction #view #reelsinstagram #reels
explorestaugustine
171 likes • 4.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Don't Miss the Ruby Port

This unique port wine, aged in whiskey barrels, is a must-try and even inspired a band's name! Reddit

🍷 Try the Rosa Wine

Made from native Florida Muscadine grapes, it's surprisingly delicious and a standout, even for red wine lovers. Reddit

💰 Case Discounts Available

Buying a case of wine offers a fantastic discount, making it a great deal for stocking up. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends along! This winery is dog-friendly, making it a great outing for pet owners. Instagram

🎶 Rooftop Live Music

Check their schedule for live music on the rooftop, especially Thursday through Sunday evenings. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise San Sebastian Winery for its knowledgeable and friendly staff, unique Florida wines, and excellent value. The $5 tasting fee and discounts on wine purchases are frequently highlighted as major positives. The rooftop restaurant and live music also receive high marks for atmosphere and views, though some find the dining prices to be on the higher side.

"I love this place! I have wanted to visit them for a while because I knew some of the grapes were grown right here in Florida. I'm so glad I finally had the opportunity.

The tasting assistants are very knowledgeable & ready to answer any question. For instance, during my tasting experience, I learned the Ruby Port is aged in whiskey barrels the come from the distillery up the road. How cool is that?"

Emily Hahnel

"San Sebastian Winery Review – St. Augustine, FL

This was my second visit to San Sebastian Winery, and it did not disappoint. For just a $5 tasting fee, this is absolutely a must-stop when in St. Augustine.

During this visit, I sampled several wines: the Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Rosa, Vintner's White, Vintner's Red, and the Ruby Port. While I typically lean toward dry reds, the Rosa was the standout for me. Made from native Floridian Muscadine grapes, it far exceeded my expectations. These grapes often get a bad rap, but I was pleasantly surprised—this wasn’t just good “for a sweet wine,” it was genuinely enjoyable and ended up being my favorite of the bunch.

Fun fact: the incredibly popular Erie, Pennsylvania band Ruby Port took their name from San Sebastian’s very own Ruby Port wine.

Although we didn’t get the chance to check out the upstairs restaurant, the outdoor seating area looked very inviting and relaxing. I’ll definitely plan to explore more on my next visit. Highly recommend!"

Gregory Purchase

"Great atmosphere, loved the setting. The employee was knowledgeable and very informative. We tasted 5 different wines, all very good, and we found our favorite. All the sweet wine is made with grapes from Florida. We ended up buying 4 bottles of wine. My husband and I had a great time there and if you have guests from out of town I definitely recommend as well."

Anca Dulca

What People Like

Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Unique Florida wines
Great value tasting fee

What People Dislike

Rooftop dining prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

San Sebastian Winery is located in downtown St. Augustine, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, and there are often parking options nearby, though they are expanding to include more parking facilities. Instagram+1

Yes, the winery is expanding its parking facilities, including plans for a parking garage, to accommodate visitors. Instagram+1

While specific public transport routes might vary, St. Augustine is a walkable city, and the winery is centrally located. Check local St. Augustine transit for the most up-to-date information.

Absolutely! It's located in the heart of historic St. Augustine, making it easy to combine with visits to other popular sites like the Castillo de San Marcos or St. George Street.

Many visitors drive, especially if coming from within Florida. For those coming from further afield, flying into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and driving about an hour south is a common option.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

A wine tasting typically costs around $5, offering a great value for sampling multiple wines. Reddit

While walk-ins are often welcome, booking in advance is recommended, especially for tours or during peak seasons, to ensure availability. Check their official website for booking options.

The winery is generally open Thursday through Sunday for dining and live music on the rooftop. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours of operation for tours, tastings, and the restaurant. Instagram+1

The winery offers discounts on wine purchases, such as when buying 4 bottles, 6 bottles, or a case (which can be up to 20% off). Reddit

Yes, you can purchase wine on-site, and they also offer shipping options. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy guided winery tours, wine tastings, dine at the rooftop restaurant 'La Cocina Cellar Upstairs,' listen to live music, and shop in the gift store. Instagram+2

Yes, San Sebastian Winery is dog-friendly, making it a great spot to visit with your pets. Instagram

They offer a variety of wines, including those made from native Florida Muscadine grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, and their popular Ruby Port. Reddit

Yes, live music is often featured on the rooftop, particularly on Thursday through Sunday evenings. Instagram+1

The rooftop offers gorgeous views of St. Augustine, making it a beautiful spot to enjoy wine and a meal. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The rooftop restaurant, La Cocina Cellar Upstairs, offers fine dining, appetizers, and charcuterie boards. Instagram+1

Yes, the rooftop restaurant provides a full dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Instagram

Specific dietary options are not detailed in the provided content, but it's recommended to check the restaurant's menu directly or inquire when booking.

The atmosphere is described as having great vibes, perfect for enjoying sunset drinks and live music. Instagram

As a fine dining establishment on a rooftop with views, prices may reflect the upscale experience. It's advisable to check their menu online for current pricing.

📸 📸 Photography

The rooftop offers stunning panoramic views of St. Augustine, perfect for scenic shots. The wine barrels and tasting room also provide charming backdrops. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally permitted during tours, allowing you to capture the winemaking process and the facility's ambiance.

While generally allowed, it's always good practice to be mindful of other guests and ask staff if you plan on extensive professional photography.

Late afternoon and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photos, especially from the rooftop. Weekday afternoons might provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.

You can capture images of wine bottles, tasting glasses, vineyard views (if applicable), the winemaking equipment, and the historic St. Augustine skyline from the rooftop.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While San Sebastian Winery is primarily an adult-focused destination due to wine tasting, it can still be enjoyable for families. The rooftop restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience with views that might captivate children, and the gift shop can be a fun place to explore. Instagram+2 The winery tours provide an educational element that could be interesting for older children curious about how things are made.

It's important to note that the tasting room itself might be less engaging for very young children. However, the overall atmosphere is generally relaxed. Consider visiting during the day when it might be less crowded, and perhaps focus on the tour and the scenic rooftop rather than extended tasting sessions. The dog-friendly aspect also means well-behaved pets can join, adding to the family fun. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

San Sebastian Winery offers excellent value, especially for budget-conscious travelers. The $5 wine tasting fee is a fantastic deal, allowing you to sample multiple wines and discover your favorites. Reddit This is significantly more affordable than many other wine tasting experiences. Furthermore, the winery offers discounts on bulk purchases, with up to a 20% discount on a case of wine, making it a great opportunity to stock up if you find wines you love. Reddit

While the rooftop dining might be a splurge, you can still enjoy the atmosphere and views without a full meal. Consider purchasing a bottle or enjoying a tasting and then opting for more budget-friendly dining options elsewhere in St. Augustine. The tours themselves are also reasonably priced, offering a lot of insight for the cost.

🥂 Couples & Date Nights

San Sebastian Winery is an ideal spot for a romantic date night. The Cellar Upstairs rooftop restaurant provides a charming ambiance with its stunning views of St. Augustine and often features live music, creating a perfect backdrop for a special evening. Instagram+2 Sharing a charcuterie board and a bottle of wine while watching the sunset is a classic date experience.

Beyond the rooftop, the wine tasting experience itself can be a fun and interactive date activity. Learning about the wines together, discovering shared preferences, and enjoying the knowledgeable staff's insights can lead to great conversation and connection. The winery's relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere makes it a memorable choice for couples looking for a unique outing.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Florida Wine

San Sebastian Winery stands out by championing Florida-grown grapes, particularly the native Muscadine. While many associate wine with European varietals, this winery showcases the unique potential of local fruit. Their Rosa wine, made from Muscadines, has surprised many visitors, proving that these grapes can produce genuinely enjoyable and complex wines, far from any 'sweet wine' stigma. Reddit This commitment to local agriculture not only supports Florida's economy but also offers a distinctive taste experience you won't find elsewhere.

The winemaking process here is a blend of tradition and innovation. Visitors on the winery tour can witness firsthand how these grapes are transformed into various wine styles, from crisp whites to rich ports. A fascinating detail shared by staff is that their Ruby Port is aged in whiskey barrels sourced from a nearby distillery, adding another layer of local flavor and character to the wine. Reddit This attention to detail and integration with other local businesses highlights the winery's community spirit.

For those interested in the history and science behind winemaking, the knowledgeable staff are a treasure trove of information. They are eager to answer questions about grape varietals, aging processes, and the challenges and rewards of winemaking in Florida's climate. This educational aspect elevates the tasting experience from simply sipping wine to a deeper appreciation of the craft. Reddit

Rooftop Dining & Views

The Cellar Upstairs at San Sebastian Winery offers a truly elevated dining experience, quite literally. Perched atop the winery, this rooftop restaurant provides stunning panoramic views of historic St. Augustine, making it an ideal spot for a romantic evening or a celebratory meal. Instagram+1 The ambiance is further enhanced by live music, often featured Thursday through Sunday, creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere. Instagram+1

The menu at La Cocina, the restaurant within Cellar Upstairs, features fine dining options, including curated charcuterie boards and other appetizers, perfectly complementing their wine selection. Instagram Whether you're looking for a light bite with your wine or a full dinner, the rooftop provides a memorable culinary journey. The combination of delicious food, excellent wine, and breathtaking scenery makes it a must-visit destination within the winery complex.

With both indoor and outdoor seating available, guests can choose their preferred setting to soak in the views and enjoy the experience. Instagram It's recommended to check their schedule and consider making reservations, especially during peak times or for specific events, to ensure you don't miss out on this unique St. Augustine attraction.

A Dog-Friendly Destination

San Sebastian Winery is a welcoming spot for dog owners, making it a rare find in the world of wineries. This dog-friendly policy means you don't have to leave your furry companions behind when you visit. Instagram It adds an extra layer of conviviality to the experience, allowing everyone in the family, including the four-legged members, to enjoy the outing.

While the winery itself is accommodating, it's always a good idea to keep your dog on a leash and be mindful of other guests. The outdoor spaces are particularly pleasant for pets, offering room to relax while you enjoy a tasting or a meal on the rooftop. This inclusive approach makes San Sebastian Winery a more accessible and enjoyable destination for a wider range of visitors.

This thoughtful consideration for pets is often highlighted by visitors and contributes to the winery's reputation as a friendly and approachable establishment. It's a small detail that can make a big difference for travelers who consider their pets part of the family.

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