Really love this place. Â Stopped by on July 4th since it's got a superb location right by the beach. Â Had a glass of bubbly and a glass of port and tried the triple cream cheese and the chocolate truffle. Â Mmmmm, to die for. Â What a lovely spot to hang out and catch up with friends on my first visit to Capitola. Â Owner was also super friendly! Would definitely come back if I'm in town again.
Review Source:Love this place for a mellow evening as a date or with the girls.
The owner is knowledgeable (and cute, always helpful for girls' night out). Â They have some kind of French olives that are house marinated that I love (I'm not a cheese person). The ambiance can change from night to night, but is pretty much always enjoyable. Â
I like the fact that I can get custom flights and tastings based off which ones I know that I like, which makes buying easy- I take a few suggestions and usually buy one or three bottles of the one I like best.
Wine bar, with a beachy swag!
Being a planner at heart, I made sure to make a pseudo appointment for our party of 10 coming in on a Saturday.
As we staggered over, after a long and happy visit at It's Wine Tyme, we made it to Cava. Only one person at the bar, who happened to be the employees boyfriend, otherwise completely empty.
They had a huge table, adorned with "reserved" signs for us, but the comfy couches were calling our name. Although we appreciated the VIP status, we were looking for comfort and some relaxation. The employee, bless her heart, I cannot remember her name - was totally okay with it and let us do our thang.
So, as it seems to be in the village - 3 tastings go for about $12. However, when we were rang up, she charged us $13 each. I understand its only $1, maybe it is their way of taxing us, it was annoying but not enough for me to call her out on it.
We all went with random tasting, so she poured everyone a different varietal, none were the same. So instead of sticking with just three tastings, we shared all of them - which was glorious. This was good and bad. Good because we were able to taste a plethora of their selection, which is huge. Bad because we had no idea what we were tasting. She brought them all over and just walked away - no insight, no direction, no education.
She was canoodling with her man for awhile, which we didn't really care. It got a little weird when they went behind a partition, but whatevs. Inappropriate yes, but we didn't really care because we were in a fuzzy, wine induced haze!
Not quite the experience we had at the previous place, but a different good. A little more relaxing and doing our own thang, but definitely more pricey.
Laid back style, but boughie pricing!
Came in, after a long absence, over labor day...apparently, they are serving light fare these days - that evening, they had a caprese-esque dish with heirloom tomatoes and grilled peaches with herbs fresh from the garden of one of the owners. Nice touch, ala Manresa-style 'into the vegetable garden'. Â Delicious!
Review Source:I've always had a good time at this place, and although the wine does help, that's not the only reason why.
The owner is awesome and he's usually working. He makes great recommendations and plays a fun playlist of music from Pandora. Last time I was there we were rockin out to late 90's rock jams.
The wine selection is incredible and the flights are the perfect introduction. The flights also have incredibly funny names. I easily found a flight I wanted, from there I found the flight item that I wanted a whole glass of, and then proceeded to purchase a bottle of the wine for later. Sold.
It's an awesome spot and I can't wait to go there again!
It was a busy busy 4th of July weekend in Santa Cruz/Capitola, so after a long hike we decided to check out Capitola to see if we could get a drink before heading back to our cabin to make dinner.
We walked around the Capitola area and discovered that it is sort of dog unfriendly, and we came upon Cava b/c there were benches outside of the restaurant and a large golden retriever was sitting outside, we figured we could keep our little guy outside too.
we did and went into Cava and sat at one of the high bar tables. Â we got menus relatively fast but was served sort of slow. Â We ordered the mushroom brushetta (sp?) and it came from the italian place next door, so they are sharing the kitchen, which may be why the service is sorta slow? Â
both my husband and I had flights, he had a red flight and I had a flight of white wines -- both were good, but he really only liked 2 out of 3. Â
Overall, it's not a bad place, but service is a little slow and the other reviewer is right, really really small tables... Â but when you're on vacation and it's a nice sunny day, having a place for wine with decent food isn't a bad idea...
Cozy little setting, great wine flights and personalized service. Â Cliff introduced my friends and I to a fantastic Zinfandel by Opolo. Â The 2008 Mountain Zin...amazing! Â It was so good, that on my next trip up to the area, I came back to Cava and bought a case. Â Cliff gave me a great price on it too. Â Cava's great! Â I highly recommend stopping in for a few drinks.
Review Source:This was my second trip to Cava - l really loved it the first time... Â wish I could say the same tonight. Â
Let's start with the tables, OMG, so small - good thing the service was SOOOOOO slow that we were done with the wine before the food came. Â There is no way it would all fit.
Then there is the wine, loved the Four Vines Zin, but the Rock and Vine Cab we ordered was tasteless, would have sent it back but it was too hard to get the three people behind the bar's attention. Â It was hard enough to get an order in.
The other patrons were having the same problem with the service levels.
I'll finish with the food - small portions, cold, tastless and greasy calimar for 14 bucksi. I am SO sad I lo
I'm a fan of any place that sells cheese and wine together- but this place was fun because they had some wine flights prepared that were very big sizes! enough to share between two.
We ordered two flights of wines a CA red flight and a European red flight and both had some very good flavors. We also ordered the cheese plate with the brie-type cheese and the goats milk cheese. It came with yummy mustard, salame and jam as well as crackers and a few of  "deez nuts" which we had to give some credit to the creator of "deez nuts" for being so inspiring and clever. Old people don't even know what they were saying, but us youngin's were cracking up!
We came in on a friday night around 615 and were able to sit down and order right away- it started getting busy around 730.
Probably the best thing about this is if you can't get into the tiny Caruso's restaurant next door- theyll bring the food to you in Cavas! Perfect set up.
Only things I didnt like were the ambiance-very bland need some sprucing up, needs to be a ltitle more intimate feeling, and the guy playing the guitar? awkward...
Otherwise go try them!
We came in here while waiting for a table at Caruso's next door. I tried the "Bold and the Beautiful" flight while my boyfriend at the "Days of Our Lives". While we were not impressed by the flights, we did enjoy the lounging at the bar and talking to the other patrons. In comparison to the other wine bars that I've been to, I can't say that Cava offers anything unique. Cava's has a coffee shop feel with live music and has a very casual ambiance. I did however, love the wine glasses inscribed with "wine, art, waves".
Review Source:Since I wrote my last review of Cava I have been there many more times...and I have to say my initial review was WRONG! Â I love this place. Â The owner is awesome, super nice, and knowledgeable...and the stemware is right too. Â This is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy some great wine.
Review Source:Yes, an intimate atmosphere. Â Sometimes packed, sometimes just a few couples or groups. Â We've tried going here at least three times and have had the same experience. Â
Perhaps we're spoiled on good wine from Sonoma, Napa and the Sierra foothills but the stuff we've tried here is barely tolerable and overpriced.
There is no real food. Â Well, never for us. Â It seems other people get food but we get the very limited 'bar' menu with mostly cheese, olives, apricots and other stuff I guess you pair with wine. Â Nothing really 'snack-able' as you'd find at a real bar. We've never been able to figure out where these people get the food because the bartender is busy chatting up other customers or his own friends.
We were there opening weekend in fact. Â The owners had invited a bunch of people they knew, who kept jumping behind the bar, getting what they wanted, and no one ever offered us a thing. Â Too bad, we were starving and ready to spend money for a night out on the town without the kids. If they had wanted it to be a private party they should have not opened the doors to everyone.
My husband and I drove down to Capitola from San Jose for a date night at Cava. It was well worth the 30 min. drive. The local wine selection was great and reasonably priced. I went with the mystery flight and was pleasantly surprised. There was a problem with our food order, however the owners were more than gracious when handling the problem. If you are looking for a nice, cozy place to sit and drink wine by the fire, then visit Cava. Also make sure to stop in on a Friday night and listen to Paul Renslow play guitar. Paul's classical and flamenco sounds were a wonderful addition to atmosphere.
Review Source:Cava was a lot more than what I had expected.
I recently came here during the art and wine in Capitola, with a friend of mine. We ordered one of the red and white flights. $12 for 3 tastings was a pretty good deal. They have a lot of local wines and every one I tried was to my liking. The people who work here know their stuff and are always happy to answer any questions you have. I like that, since I always ask a million questions. They also give you half of any bottle that you try when you take it home with you.
The only negative is that they are some what pricey for just a glass. I recommend sharing a bottle with a few friends, it's a better deal.
The atmosphere is very warm and friendly. It made me want to light my fireplace (that I don't have) and snuggle up with a book and a nice Pinot. If you're a wino or you just like to drink head to Cava, they won't disappoint.
Just like the Yelp line says, WOO HOO! Â It's amazing that just one block from Margaritaville, The Strand & the rest of the "tourist" side of Capitola Village you get Cava & a slew of other cool, a little more grown up & local flavor hangouts.
Cava is what most wine bars should strive for. Â A great, intimate atmosphere & cozy surroundings. Â A great little band playing at a level that you can talk over & MOST importantly an educated staff & a truly unique & eclectic selection of domestic & imported wines. Â We did a series of different flights & finally decided on a bottle of a very Beaucastel-like (but not priced) Rhone.
Big kudos to Cliff who put up with our just modestly loud group. Â Will be coming back next time we're coast side.
"We love Cava Capitola!"
Such is the title of the latest blog entry on my music website, following our second Sat. nite gig there in as many months. Granted, this is looking at the venue from the artist's perspective, but I think it shows up another important side of a place's character. And I CAN comment on the bottles of wine we've received as part of our 'tip' -- bellissimo. Now to quote my blog:
"Sat. nite was our return to Cava Wine Bar, and again we had a great show. This is the same ensemble that rocked Caffe Trieste last week -- we perform our third gig in 8 days with that lineup this Thur. at Bocci's Cellar in Santa Cruz.
But back to Cava -- once again a lively crowd and a lot of energy at what is becoming our favorite venue and audience. Where else does a beautiful woman, CEO of her own design firm, request  to be added to the band's mailing list?
Co-owners/bartenders Zach and Cliff are such gracious hosts -- no wonder we always look forward to returning to the red spotlight in the corner by the fireplace...."
I've been back, more than three times now and I must say, the ugly ducking has matured into a swan.
The wine selection is first rate, the wine flights give you a great comparison and Cliff & Zach are knowledgeable about wine.
I show up on Wednesdays because of the jazz. The little plates are fun. I haven't eaten a whole meal there so I can not comment on that.
Be there or be square.
Ciao
The bf and I are in love with Capitola. It's our kind of small-town, sleepy beach scene. And when you add some good wine, well heck, you're just living the dream.....
We've often stopped into Cava Wine Bar for a flight or two.......the Cabs are fabulous. We've also enjoy their snackies from cheese platters to olives. Â More recently we came in for a glass to wind down the afternoon. We each got one of their featured wines....he ordered the Chianti and I got a Cotes du Rhone. And although beautiful in color, we weren't entirely overwhelmed with either choice. I'll stick to their Cabs or a glass of bubbly.
Nonetheless, a wonderful way to spend some time in a beautiful beach town. Cheers!!!
We met a couple here for a leisurely Friday afternoon glass of wine. Â We were the only ones there and were able to have the full attention of Zach, one of the owners. Â He was knowledable and fun to talk to. Â The front doors were open and the sunny ocean breeze came through, very comfortable. Â The place is small but when we had it all to ourselves it was great. Â I love the purse hook underneath the bar. Â I can't understand why every bar doesn't have those! Â I liked the casual atmosphere and the fact that Zach let us try the wines before deciding which to try.
Review Source:Ok. I've been to Cava five times. I really want to like the place. Its easy to get to, however, something isn't right. Can't put my finger on it. Maybe its one of the owners who provides no eye contact during conversation. That really bugs me. Maybe its the missing prices on the bottles of wine to purchase. (Makes me feel like I'm in the bagel place from my youth where the guy bags the order and divines a price based on who you are not what you order.) I've left Cava twice now with bills exceeding $200 and asking myself if it was really worth it. I want to like it, but don't really. I get a sense the Cava people are trying to sell wine rather than offer outstanding recommendations. Here's the conflict, I have had some good bottles of wine there and really enjoyed the people that we were sitting with! So, three stars until I can move to four or two. That's the best I can do here. Toss up.
Review Source:Another hidden gem in the Capitola Village. Tucked away on a side street this wine bar is the perfect place to grab a glass of wine and avoid the tourists ont he esplande. Great wine list that changes with what is available. Â You can get flights and great little snack plates to hold you over until a table is ready next door. They also have GREAT prices on wine to purchase by the bottle (must be consumed outside of the wine bar) I know they have live music but I woudl feel a little cramped with that kinda thing.
Review Source:Sweet joint. This place is awesome.
-LIVE MUSIC always classy and entertaining. The bands I've seen were chill and a good wind down soothing sound.
-Homemade cheese...omg. So there was this triple cream brie when I ate there, and I couldn't get enough. The perfect thin wafers and juicy grapes complimented the cheese perfectly...it was delectable. Not to metion the other stronger cheese had apple slices--another wonderful pairing. Both foods were delicious additions to the tasting.
-The salami was a bit overpriced as a tapas dish on the side...there was really nothing special to it at all. The nuts and olives were about the same (though the olives were quite large) I would recommend sticking to the menu for the restaurant next door and the cheeses instead of the tapas menu. Its not even tapas really...more bar snackers
-Though the wine by the glass was on the expensive side, the location and ambiance made it worth it. There is also an Italian restaurant next door that you can order food from. The lobster raviolis were amazing, and the asparagus wrapped in prosciutto was very tasty (both went with the pinot and chardonnays we had very well).
Overall this place is a great wine bar. Compared to Soif in downtown it is much better. Check this place out if you are looking for a good date spot or place to go wind down and chat with friends.
Lose the disco ball and I'll grant the coveted 5th star ... come on dude, it's a Wine Bar. Â
Other than my distaste for the Disco Ball, this place is awesome.
Good atmosphere and vibe
Great staff, knowledgeable and helpful
Fantastic selection of the best local offerings, a few far away too
Surprising solid choices if Bubbly
DELICIOUS noshies while you're sipping and chatting away
Great place to stop off and have nice conversation accompanied by delicious wine and snacks.
i have mixed feelings about cava.
i love the atmosphere, and the fact that they have live musicians to entertain on a regular basis. I don't know that much about wine, but the selection seems to be pretty good. The prices are pretty average. Not cheap, but not over the top either.
As for the service, it's a familiar old cliche: the good, the bad, and the ugly. One of the owners, I've had pretty good to average experiences with. With the other, it's gone from so so, to bad, to, well, less than favorable. Let's just say, I try not to go if I see he is the only one there. My major problem with him is that he needs to do less chatting with certain female customers, and more times evening out the service. I'm not proclaiming my innocence in said exchanges. I'm sure after a few glasses of wine I can become less than patient. However, i maintain that it is usually a reaction on my part. kapice?
I still recommed cava to people who come over to visit. i just warn them first......
A group of us were spending to weekend in Capitola to celebrate a bday and stopped in to Cava for some vino. Â What a fab-o time we had! Â Zach [one of the two owners] told us his story and chatted us up. Â What a cutie he is and quite the guru when it comes to all things wine! Â
Cava's atmosphere is rustic and low key. Â It feels like a nice lodge with plenty of vino pouring - my kind of place!!! Â Many regulars stopping by and lots of newbies [like us] experiencing the de-lish wine and cheese. Â A great place for people watching too!
Jump to our departure - we're carrying a few cases out and who do we run in to - Cliff. Â This friendly guy who offers to help us to our car and is quite chatty. Â A few minutes later we find out he owns Cava with Zach. Â Talk about door-to-door service!
We never made it to the beach that day but a good time had by all...
This place is fantastic.
The atmosphere is cozy and really nice, though not much seating.
What really made the place for me was the wine list, which was fantastic and the servers. Â I was at the bar and he was just amazing, so nice and informative, I've been to so few wine bars with such nice, non snobby people. Â I didn't have the food, so I can't sway either way.
But definately worth a try if you are in the area, but possibly not a destination spot.
I wondered in here on Saturday and had a great experience. My friends and I were the only people in here for about an hour so we had a nice conversation with the owner and he let us try various wines before committing. Great atmosphere, nice wine list (that changes almost daily), oh and they have excellent cheeses :) I also like that you can order food from the restaurant next door or bring your wine over. All and all it seems to be a great addition to the area. When we left the place was packed! Great way to spend a rainy Saturday!
Review Source:Next to the beach, this is the coolest place to go to in Captiola. Located in the downtown village, Cava has the look & feel of what  every wine bar attempts to capture, but in many instances fails to-- coziness. The room is dark in the day and even dimmer at night, but the bar is always filled with lots of energy---much due to its two talkative owners, Cliff & Zach. They've created a fun & welcoming place for everyone, regardless of your age (from Birkenstock, organic loving college grads to the Ralph Lauren shirt, vacation getaway AARP member) or expertise in wine.
Wanting to get away from the action, sit by the gas-fueled fire or admire the crazy artwork hung up on the wall -- it's rotated monthly. Cava is the new gem of the downtown village, the place where not only everyone will know your name (unless you get really drunk and in that case, it doesn't matter), but  where you can spend hours on our stool having a long conversation with a group of random people that you just met, your glass in hand, have no idea what time it is and not give a damm...cause that's what's it's all about.
Stopped in to try this place on a Sunday night and unfortunately I was not impressed. Â IMO, the wines by the glass are fairly limited in selection, hard to find on the lengthy menu and there is not enough seating by any stretch of the imagination. Â They have some space... they would do well to add a few more small tables (and table service). Â I do appreciate the couches and fireplace though.
To be fair, there was only one person working and the bar seating (about 16 seats) was nearly full... Â but service was still not up to par for me. Â The bartender seemed to spend a lot of time chatting with people instead of checking to see if anyone needed anything else. Â
When two friends arrived to join my friend and I, we couldn't get his attention to order for them. Â We all had to stand behind people already seated at the bar, which was awkward, and after waiting a while, they ended up saying forget it. Â My remaining friend and I also left after throwing cash down on the bar since we couldn't get his attention to pay the bill. Â
Also, when I asked for a possible substitution on one glass in my wine flight... since it was a wine I have had before... he subbed a totally other varietal. Â I appreciated their flexibility and I'm always open to trying something new but uh... Â Tempranillo was not what I would put in the middle of a Pinot Noir flight, heh. Â
Lastly, I had to ask for a real glass to taste from. Â Which, to their credit, they did provide no problem... Â Â but I don't beleive you can properly taste wine from small glasses, so I was taken aback when they started to set up the flight in champagne flutes.
Two stars for the long overdue addition of a wine bar to the area and the fact that they probably have good intentions. For now, though, I'll be sticking with Soif in Santa Cruz.
Fabulous new local hangout with great local and CA wines, along with a selection of world wines. The owners are knowledgeable, friendly, and pour a generous glass. I was lucky to be the only one there yesterday afternoon, and so had a great time chatting with one of the owners, but soon this place will be packed all the time. Might as well get in now!
Review Source:
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