San Sebastian Winery — Restaurant in Saint Augustine

I will start off by saying the winery itself may be great. My review is in reference to the type of experience you would want to have with a venue, and mine was terrible.

While I understand the winery is open to the public and does not take reservations, I had planned on posting on our wedding website that guests who are coming from out of town to attend our wedding could swing by the winery and have a glass of wine with us the night before. The reality is, it probably would have only been members of our wedding party popping in and out to try the local spot. I sent in an email to make sure there weren't any specific, popular events going on that night or if it would be just another one of their jazz nights at the winery. I received a reply and was requested to contact Gale Moore to discuss my request. When I called Gale she repeatedly told me the winery was open to the public and they do not take reservations for events (all things I already understood - we didn't want a reservation, we wanted people to be able to come and go as they please). She asked me several times how many people I would expect (even though anyone planning a wedding knows that if you spread something through word of mouth or throw it up on your wedding website there's no possible way of knowing that information). She continuously repeated that the venue is not staffed to host full blown wedding parties/guests (even though I kept explaining to her it would most likely end up being folks from our wedding party dropping in at different times to say hello). The worst statement she made to me was "if you show up with any sizeable group of people all at once we'll turn you away". I want to point out that I have managed events before and understand a limited capacity situation. She could have started off with a "congratulations, on your wedding; however, in full transparency, I would hate for you to be disappointed if we ended up running out of space and we had to turn people away." But she didn't. Like I told Gale over the phone, there is a much more pleasant way to approach that conversation than to be completely argumentative and outright rude to someone trying to give you business. I prefer to be treated with respect and understanding, and for that reason, myself and family members will choose not to give our business (during our wedding weekend or ever again)...

🍇🍷 San Sebastian Winery: A Gem in St. AugustineNestled in the heart of historic St. Augustine, San Sebastian Winery is a true gem that never fails to impress. Owned by the Cox family, who have deep roots in Florida's wine industry, this winery offers not just exceptional wines but also a memorable experience.Local Facts:Founded by the Cox family, pioneers in Florida's wine industry.Offers shipping services for their wines, so you can enjoy their products beyond your visit.The rooftop dining experience is a highlight, perfect for private parties and weddings, with breathtaking views of downtown St. Augustine.Located within a convenient two-and-a-half to three-hour drive from home, making it an ideal getaway destination.Frequented by locals and tourists alike, with visitors returning two to four times a year to soak in the beauty and ambiance.Tips for the Best Experience:Reservations: Make sure to book ahead, especially for private parties and weddings, to secure your spot for an unforgettable experience.Timing: Visit during sunset for the most magical views from the rooftop.Guided Tours: Take advantage of the guided tours to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the winery.Live Music: Check the schedule for live music performances at The Cellar Upstairs Wine, Jazz & Blues Bar for an added touch of ambiance.Complimentary Restaurant Recommendations:The Cellar Upstairs Wine, Jazz & Blues Bar: Besides offering great wines, they also serve light bites and host live music performances.Local Cheese Pairings: Try pairing their wines with local cheeses such as Florida Blue and Cedar Key's Sea Breeze.Recommended Wines: Don't miss their popular selections like the Vintners Red and Blanc Du Bois, which pair perfectly with the local cuisine.Overall, San Sebastian Winery is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and anyone looking for a memorable experience in St. Augustine. With its rich history, stunning views, and exceptional wines, it's no wonder you keep coming back for more. Cheers to many more delightful...

We were recommended this spot by a local for its good deal for wine tasting. It is also a stop on the trolley tour. We went on a weekend, which I understand is different than a weekday where it is a guided tour. But on the weekend it is a self guided tour. You can pay $5/person and you get a plastic tasting cup (that you keep) and a hand stamp and you get to try 6 different wines at 3 different stations. Everyone needs an ID here, they scan every ID. The pours are about 2 sips or so of wine. The bartenders explain to you the wine and the taste. Bless them as they have a spiel and have to listen to everyone’s reactions, they did a great job of making you feel like you were the only people there, very personable. The first station was cabernet sauvignon and an unoaked chardonnay. The second station was rosa and Vinters white, and the third station is vinters red, and cream sherry. I liked the variety that they showed us. The best sellers are vinters red and vinters white, and they can come in lighthouse bottles which is unique. A part of the proceeds from those lighthouse bottles go back to the lighthouse to keep it restored. There is another experience here which is $10 and you get 2 glasses of wine and a wine glass to keep, which is also a great deal. They have the sign that shows either the 2 dry wines or the 2 sweet wines to try. These wines didn’t sound interesting to us, but if they did we would do that experience as well. They also have a 3rd floor rooftop bar as well. The gift shop is large and has some cute and interesting items, and the wine is reasonably priced too! There is a dirt parking lot out front which is convenient. Overall we enjoyed our time here and a budget friendly...