West Coast Wine-Cheese Settles In on Union

Is there a trend brewing (or should we say, fermenting) in San Francisco? Wine professionals have been striking out on their own to offer neighborhood spots with better-than-average wines and small plates all over town. West Coast Wine-Cheese is getting in on the ground floor.

Opened by wine professionals Chris and Lindsey Wanner, the cozy 34-seat establishment is focusing on small plates and wine exclusively from California, Oregon and Washington state. Both are certified California Wine Appellation Specialists (via the San Francisco Wine School), and Chris has been in the wine and spirits sales business for 15 years.

Drinkers can choose from 24 wines by the glass, four beers on draft and 720 bottles for purchase on the "wine wall." On the snack side, chef Ethan Speizer is heading up the rotating menu of six small plates, plus a selection of local cheese and charcuteries. Formerly at Napa’s charcuterie haven Oenotri, Speizer plans to bring house made cured meats into the equation in the near future; small plates will reflect the eclectic influence of Speizer’s travels through Spain, Italy, Thailand and Vietnam. West Coast Wine-Cheese is open Tuesday-Friday, 4-10 pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 12-10 pm.