About Clos Wine Shop
Located in University Heights, Clos is easily one of the best wine shops in San Diego. Offering small batch, low-intervention wines, and a small menu with distinct snacks and gourmet groceries to go, a visit here can inspire even the most casual of wine shoppers. And while you may not reach enlightenment (the tinned fish might bring you close) it will deepen your appreciation of great wines and gourmet delights.
The bottle selection at Clos is sourced from high quality domestic and international wineries, focusing on more organic and low intervention wines that are not loaded with excessive additives. We will spare you the “pencil shavings” flavor descriptions because the staff does a much better job at describing their wines with inspiring, hand-written tags placed on the bottles. You will find everything from local Pinot Grigio made along California’s central coast to smokey flavored reds from Italian vineyards with rich volcanic soils. At Clos, any wine purchased or glass drunk feels like you are discovering a secret vintage that few others have tasted.
Clos also has a wide variety of gourmet tinned fish which was something we never knew we needed in our life. We are not talking about a can of bumble-bee tuna, but rather octopus in a Galician sauce, a smoked sardine pate, and other exquisite tins. Make your selection, get a glass of wine, and the staff will happily prepare the tinned fish on a board along with anything else you order – such as a charcuterie board of meat, cheese, crackers, jams, peppers, nuts, and local hot sauces. Most of these items are also available to go so you can bring them home and create your own indulgent meal. Clos also offers sakes, ciders, and specialty chocolate bars.
There are a few seats inside, but the charm is out on their front deck where you can sit against the railing or grab a small table to enjoy the breeze and sunshine.
And to add even more, Clos also hosts regular events – virtually every month you can find wine tastings with exclusive vintages. For $60 a month you can become a member of their wine club, where you receive a curated selection of two bottles each month and discounts on in-store purchases. They will even deliver wine in San Diego for their club members (check with them for details).
Great For
• Wine
• First Date
• Supporting Small Business
A Closer Look
Owned by married couple Paul and Juerie Masters, this couple brings 30+ years of career experience in the wine industry from big ol’ New York City to the low-key vibes of San Diego. Combining their deep knowledge of wines, Paul and Juerie were inspired to create a wine shop based not just around wines they loved, but around the customer experience and feels. Wine can be intimidating and mysterious, but at Clos Wine shop it is a fun and engaging experience, which is often lacking in the world or wines.
In true entrepreneurial fashion, they funded Clos Wine Shop with their own money and first opened their doors in July of 2020. Naturally, Covid created a tremendous challenge for this new shop, but as a testament to their passion and vision this place has weathered the storm and continues to serve University Heights.
If you support local businesses, entrepreneurial grit, and breaking down the barriers to entry for tasting top notch wines, then you need to check out Clos Wine Shop today.
