We went for a leisurely drive and ended up in the quaint town of Arroyo  Grande.  We decided to try Gather Wine Bar for lunch.  What a delightful surprise!  We were greeted by the owner herself and she was quite friendly.  The place has a relaxing friendly vibe and quite light and airy. Perfect for a summer day! They have an outdoor patio as well.  Okay lets get to the good part, THE FOOD!  I had an amazing sandwich with turkey and apricot stilton cheese and swiss cheese with spinach!  My husband had a fantastic BLT melt.  The sandwiches were out of this world.  I really enjoyed the tarragon potato salad aw well! We also indulged on some sinfully delicious bacon wrapped dates that were stuffed with a delicate creamy cheese and drizzled with a perfect balsamic glaze reduction! Wish I had some right now, my mouth is watering just thinking about them!  Gather Wine Bar has a fabulous menu of wines by the glass as you could have guessed by the name of the place.  My husband enjoyed a nice craft beer.  We will definitely be back!
Review Source:This bar caught our attention during Memorial weekend's Strawberry Festival. Â It's a beautiful historic building but what drew our foot into the store is the sign of strawberry beer. Â What a big lie! It's actually just beer with floating bits of strawberries. Â The waitress said they used to really brew beer with real strawberry. Â Well, I think they can tell us whatever they want, but all I see is a glass of regular beer with a few chopped strawberries.
Review Source:The service here was really great. It's hard to find a wine bar that allows you to lounge, drink wine and work on your computer. Not to mention the wine selections (being on the central coast) are incredible and the staff is educated in what they carry. I like the Buttonwood Rosé. Try it! :-)
Review Source:I have gone to Gather with wildly different experiences. My first impression was good. The servers were sweet and knew their stuff. Unfortunately, I never see the same servers. I'm not sure if there is a problem with management or not. There have been too many times when they have been out of things or spontaneously change their happy hour offerings. Â I have had friends experience the same odd vibe in there too.
Review Source:I have been here on two different occasions. The measure of an establishments love for its customers to GATHER is based on those moments that do not go as smoothly, or arrive 30 minutes before closing, or how they handle their own mistakes.
Once with my husband, on a weeknight, Â about 4 months ago. Good. We had just wine. I enjoy restaurants that offer flights of wine. It is fun to be able to taste a few samplings of wine at once. I would have loved to have some sort of system to differentiate my wines (names, so I knew which ones I was tasting). Overall, nice ambiance, really good wine.
The second time was just last evening, when I met up with a few friends on a Tuesday evening. we originally were headed for SLO Down Pub; but since there was a live band playing, it did not jive with our desire to just chat for a bit. SO, we headed to Gather. The door was open, 2 other customers were there, so we went in. I figured they were open until 9:00 PM., a standard closing time on a week night.
They had rearranged the furniture since I had been there last, so we disappointingly sat at a table, when the leather couches would had served better. No biggie. We were then NOT greeted, but told, "Just to let you know, we have no food"--I am assuming in an attempt to shepherd us OUT---I now realize after looking at their hours of operation that they close at 8:00 p.m.---If it was an issue let us know when closing time was, we would have gladly went to another establishment.
The rest of our service was fine (although-still no way of knowing which type of wine I as drinking. The tempranillo was little old). We stayed a little over an hour, so we did not inconvenience THAT much. Once it came time to pay, he was unable to split our check (he could have canceled the order and rung us up individually, but whatever), so he mistakenly charged one friend the total bill of about 34.00. He came to our table apologized, and said he would have his boss comp the whole check the following day, if she came in with the receipt. Gold stars for him!
Following day, my friend went to have the receipt refunded and was rudely addressed and told to leave (she had to take her two young daughters in and not leave them in the car-maybe the person helping her could have met her at the door if it were such an issue?). And the receipt was not refunded. BAD FORM GATHER.
Bottom Line: Good drinks. Poor service. No comment on food.
Just had a gourmet version of a BLT with flavorful hard cider and my date enjoyed a twist on the classic ham and cheese with a full bodied complex red wine from Happy Canyon. WOW!!! Â This is the place where taste buds go to have fun. Â I can't wait to go back, we sat in the window seat tonight but next time will try the outdoor patio.
Review Source:I love Gather!!!!!!
The couple times I've been in there, it has always been great! It's a wonderful place to catch up with friends, or go on a quiet date. I work across the street from them at Arani Salon and Day Spa and they're always really kind and inviting! I send my clients there offten, and every one of them has been happy with their experience. Gather has a chill vibe with a touch of class, they've made it a perfect balance. There is no where else like this in the 5 Cities. Keep it up Gather! :)
This was the first time I have used a Groupon. It is also the first time I've been to Gather. If Groupon is a way to bring new customers in the doors they didn't show it. The waitress that we had was not very friendly and would walk away before we could answer her questions. Â
My wife made a reservation, which they no longer had on file when we arrived. Not a big deal since we were seated immediately. We were each given a choice of a flight of wine. The wine was fine, nothing special, but I wouldn't expect great wines on a bargain deal. However, my wife was given the same wine twice during the flight. Oh well, we traded so she could try something else.
The deal also came with a appetizer platter. I believe it is the same platter that comes on the regular menu for $15 bucks. It was a handful of pretzels, some tortilla chips, and some BBQ flavored crackers. There was a very small portion of tapenade, hummus, and I think some type of crab dip. It definitely did not look like a lot of love went into this platter. It looked like everything went straight from the Costco package onto the platter. Nothing was bad but at the same time nothing made me want more.
We ordered another round before leaving. As we finished our waitress came over to make sure we understood the tax and gratuity was not included in the Groupon. I understand her taking the time to explain how the Groupon works but here comes the slimy part. Immediately after telling us that Groupons do not include tax and gratuity  she brought us a bill for our drinks with gratuity included. I've never had anyone add gratuity to a check for two people. Especially, after explaining that gratuity isn't included in the Groupon price. I understand this is how you make your money but that was a crass way to tell someone you think they are cheap and try to pull a fast one. I always leave 20% so she would've made more than the tip she charged.
Despite the sub par food, the place was nice enough that I might have returned when in the area but now that won't be happening.
I've been to Gather many times over the years, since it first opened. We have always had a great experience. Gather is a cool, hip, cozy wine bar and lounge. Very nice wine selection, lovely food, and a quaint friendly environment. The outdoor patio with a fire pit is wonderful. Very relaxing. This is a nice place to chill with friends, enjoy live music, nibble on some appetizers or flatbreads, cheese plates, etc, all homemade, fresh, local ingredients. This place is truly a little gem in the Village.
Review Source:I don't get down to AG very often, and am usually on my way somewhere so feel I can't stop and hang out.  It works for a quick beer, but hanging out  and savoring your wine is the thing to do at Gather.  Kari, the owner, remembered me from my first visit, even when we ran into each other somewhere else.  This is they kind of homey, low pressure experience you can expect.  One of the few bars I feel comfortable going to alone.  You can sit in the corner with your knitting and be left alone, sit at the bar and chat about the food you are watching be prepared or hold your sexy soccer mom night here -- whatever YOU want.  Constantly changing local wine selection keeps it interesting on that level and somehow, there's always something perfect on the menu.  I ALWAYS stop here when I can.
Review Source:I had high hopes for a wine bar in the village. Unfortunately, this place needs some serious help with staffing and their "kitchen" (if you can call it that).
We visited recently on a Friday night and sat in the back patio for some live music. The atmosphere of this place is cool. The wine list is decent.
Our server was either brand new or just working "on call" ... she had no clue what was going on. The entire operation of servers was a circus-people were getting the wrong orders, large tables were getting items one at a time, etc. We did get our wine quickly. We ordered 3 food items off the menu: a cheese plate, hummus, and a salad. NOTHING that requires actual cooking or kitchen skills.
50 minutes later, our food still hadn't arrived. We left and just paid for our wine. On our way out, the lady working the kitchen asked if we were "the Wilsons" and had ordered the mac n cheese (hint: we weren't). She gave us a bunch of attitude and stated she was "just getting to our order".
We went across the street to the trusty Village Grill and got some tasty food for less than our wine.
Don't take your date to this place or go here if you're hungry. Don't go here unless you have 2 hours to spend and just want wine.
The SUMMARY: 3.5 stars -- good chill atmosphere and good salad, overall good service, but wine selection was limited (and some wine we wanted to try on the menu was out of stock).
The DETAILS:
Food -- The salad was very light (in a good way) and the flatbread pizza was better than expected. This was a good light dinner since I had too much In-n-Out earlier in the day. Â I'd order the salad again in a heartbeat - and I don't typically order salads. We ordered the cheesecake dessert but our server completely forgot about it... she apologized though.
Wine -- Tried a handful of wines in a party of two (3 pinot noirs and 2 syrahs/blends); several wines were out of stock (at an already limited selection for a wine bar), and only one of three pinot noirs were good enough to drink -- ended up getting a bottle to share.
Ambiance -- Nice and cozy spot to kick back with some wine and light food; an extra point to the owners/chef for allowing us to order food after their 9:30pm cut off time. Â I'll try this spot again next time I'm in Pismo Beach (hopefully they'll have more wine in stock).
Disclosure: After going here many times I stopped about a year ago due to Cons below. Perhaps things have changed...
Pros: Nice atmosphere, great location (Village), live music at times
Cons: Wine selection doesn't make much sense. There isn't a spectrum of wine styles. Everything tends to be big-fruit, high alcohol, new world, oafy wines with no structure. The staff knows very little about wine. When probed for detail the response is typically, "I like this one", and it inevitably is some fruit bomb.
If it's a warm day, the red wine is warmer. Hopefully they've fixed this by now.
Food: perhaps they've figured it out but it was always meager, average and overpriced.
Pricing: way too expensive - few offerings by the glass under $10. Seems like tourist pricing structure. Two of us get a glass of mediocre, warm wine and get hit with a $30 bill (w/tip) and I feel ripped off.
Summary: a few tweaks and this place would be terrific. I would make it a regular hang out if the pricing, selection and knowledge all improved a little. Good food would just be a bonus. Per the owner's suggestion I'll come back and update this review if I'm off base.
My experience at Gather the other night was my first and couldn't have been more lovely. Kari, the establishments owner, waited on me and was knowledgeable about her wines, so pleasant to visit with and watching her make handmade the flatbreads was interesting. The bar is cozy and exactly the type of break I needed. I'm a fan! See you soon Kari!! & thank you- more than you could know.
Review Source:I love Gather Wine Bar, I have been here about 5 times and really enjoyed each visit. The atmosphere is pleasing though some of the tables are a bit uncomfortable.
Excellent wine selections.
I have ordered the Bacon Wrapped Dates, yummy! A tantalizing tapas that is perfect with a glass of Pinot Noir. I have ordered the hummus which was okay, good but not great. The flatbread they serve with several of their dishes seems like it is a prefab type of product, but pleasant.
The Fromage Fort, Cheese Plate and Olive Tapenade were each tasty treats. The tapenade had a bit too much salt for my taste but then most commercial food does.
This is a fun place in the heart of the village and the food and wine is tops. I will be back very often.
Outstanding vibe, as cool as the other side of the pillow! Guitar duo on the stage, Figueroa Mountain on tap, rare and excellent regional wines that will give anyone a great cross section of varietals.
The service was excellent, warm and thoughtful. The crowd was a blend of Boomers and X'ers and the girl next to me was tatted out to the max, but slowly sipped her Tempranillo as if she had just finished sommelier training.
A couple in the corner split a dessert and paired it with a nice Port...a twosome of women in the back catching up on old times, a group of 4 enjoying a lengthy dinner.
As for me, I was nursing a Figueroa Mountain Port, getting my fix of the best beer on the Central Coast...on tap!
We visited Gather on a Thursday night while on a road trip up from Southern California. The place is cute and cozy , inviting, although a bit too bright to be romantic and somewhat awkward seating for dinner (as opposed to just drinks). We ordered the bacon wrapped dates,the salmon spinach salad, the coq au vin chicken sandwich, the pumpkin flatbread and had flights of the fun sauv blancs and the pinot noirs to drink.
We started with the bacon wrapped dates were which delicious although pricey at 5 dates for $7. The flavors were great though with the sugary sweetness of the dates and salty bacon.
The coq au vin sandwich was by far the best thing we tried. The meat was was juicy and flavorful, well complemented by the brie and the pickled onions. Our only complaint was that there was a bit too much bread and not enough onions to really balance the taste. Minor complaint though.
The flat bread was dry with an overcooked crust. The mustard drizzled on top also seemed a bit weird. The salmon salad was overall decent although there could have been more of the salmon and other ingredients instead of spinach.
The flights were great deals as for $10 you get three fairly generous pours of 3 different wines to try. Overall though, for a wine bar, there could have been more of a selection of wine.
Note: We count 2 stars as our average so to have more leeway with the better restaurants out there. Our experience at this place was certainly better than average  (we enjoyed dinner!) but the variability in food and slightly off ambiance had us settle on a 3 star rating.
My husband and I recently went to Gather Wine Bar on a Travel Zoo gift certificate. The food was excellent and prepared quickly. The wine was Qupe syrah from Bien Nacido in Santa Maria Valley and it was very good.
The "works" mac and cheese was one of the best I have ever had.
The owner was our server and she was very kind and attentive. The over vibe of the bar is cozy and calm, warm and friendly. I wasn't able to see the wine list since we pretty much knew what we were getting already from the GC but I have been there before and thought their wine list could be a little more diverse and deep since it is a wine bar.
There's not a lot of things open on this street or in this city after certain hours.. We found a small parking lot and walked up and down The Village and we found Gather Wine Bar open.
They serve food; small plates and such.. along with all local wine, some beer on tap, and a few choice cocktails. (Not a full bar).
They have live music on Fridays. It's a comfortable, cozy place. The owner was working behind the bar..
It was pretty cold when we went by so we didn't check it out but, apparently they have a nice patio area, too. All and all.. nice. You have to love a little place that showcases the local variety.
We cruzed in for an after work detox and made the most of this small and eclectic wine bar in the village of Arroyo Grande. Â We sat in what used to be a display window of the turn of the century mercantile store. Â Great brick, vintage lights, and shelving, but with a light vibe. Â
The wine servers were very knowledgeable about the wines, and I had a delicious Sauvignon Blanc with a cheese and fruit plate. Â The wine was reasonable, the planche a bit pricey for the selectioni, but I was spoiled in France. Â The carmelized onion and pita was probably tastier.
After a relaxing and fruitful conversation, it was time to depart, but not without a glance at the firepit out back and a promise to myself to return!
My wife and I had a wonderful afternoon date here (after we caught the early showing of Harry Potter - which was a treat as well since parents of a toddler don't get out to the movies much). Â The food and wine were fantastic as was our hostess (the owner) who was very nice and attentive. Â We had the hummus (the best we've ever had - and we've had a lot of good hummus at good restaurants), the bacon wrapped dates (to die for - seriously), and the prosciutto fontina pizza (yummy).
My wife really enjoyed her wine flight (whites). Â I'm more of a beer guy so my tastes will have to be gratified elsewhere.
Also the place has a very nice ambiance and our window bench seat was comfy and intimate with a great view of the goings on outside (car show).
My wife and I love it here! Â It's a great place to go for a nice night out and we like that we are virtually guaranteed to meet up with some friends as they happen to stop by. Â Kari (the owner) is great and makes you feel right at home - she's very accessible and has a great sense of humor. Â
When we first started going to Gather, we didn't realize that in addition to wine, they actually have a full menu. Â The food is really tasty and constantly changing - their chef makes everything from fresh local ingredients. Â You can even attend one of their monthly "Sunday Suppers" where menu items are previewed and critiqued for the upcoming months.
There is almost always live music and if you are looking to just relax, there is a nice outdoor patio complete with fire-pit and heaters.
I have nothing but good things to say...
Big fan of this neighborhood wine lounge. It's adorable on the inside with lots of seating options, eclectic decor & furnishings & an awesome staff. The outside is perfect for warm summer days or evenings when the firepit is lighted.
I was there during the Strawberry Festival & had the Pismo Beach Brewing Co's pale ale w/ strawberries...yum!
This place will certainly be a go-to for any that live in the area. Downtown Arroyo Grande so parking might be tough, but it's worth it to hang out here. I'm sure the food is just as good.
I can't say that I discovered this wine bar by chance. I met the owner, Kari, and then decided to try this new addition to the village. Boy am I glad I did.
As someone who has worked in the restaurant business for 12 years, I am at home when I walk into Gather. Tim, Kari, and all of the Gather crew make me feel at home no matter how busy the night is, and are always anxious to tell me about the latest grenache or dessert that is on the menu.
When you walk in the door, you feel like you have just stepped into someone's beautiful historic home, with an open livingroom, bar, and kitchen, and a full staff there to wait on you.
Just recently, we had my mother's 60th birthday at Gather. My grandparents, in their 80's, were hesitant, seing as the menu isn't a sit down dinner, but boy were they impressed. Kari took fantastic care of us, and Tim prepared a fantastic dinner, one of which even Grandma ran into the kitchen and gave him a hug.
I also have "grown up in this area and live in the village" and although my family isn't huge and well known, I am someone who loves to tell people about my great experiences as well as my negative, unlike the previous yelper. I am also a bartender/server at a VERY well known restaurant in this area and also know A FEW people, and I am sure to spread all of the good I know about this restaurant.
Here is to Gather, Kari, and all of the Gather family who have added SO MUCH to the village of Arroyo Grande. I am so happy to spend my time with them each week.
My wife and I are so glad we listened to the majority of reviewers who gave this place five stars.
The service was warm and timely throughout our visit.
The room itself is beautiful, reminding us of so many other wood-floored, preserved old-time spaces we have loved on Main Streets around the West.
Our choices from the imaginative small-plate menu went 3-for-3 on flavor and execution.
The beverage list was varied and sophisticated, but not overwhelming.
The patio looks great, but we'll save it for another evening. We couldn't pass up the eclectic, tasteful wine country atmosphere of the main room and the smiling local musician tuning his guitar in the corner before the evening's first set.
Excellent work, Kari. We hope to be back soon, and will tell our friends about your place.
My boyfriend and I visited this adorable wine bar on a recent trip to San Luis Obispo. It is about a ten minute drive from SLO in the quaint town of Arroyo Grande. We had read all of the wonderful Yelp reviews and decided we had to try it out. When we arrived it was about 5pm, and besides a quiet business woman in the corner, we were the only ones there. The bar itself was gorgeous and very warm with lots of hard wood and comfy seating. The bar is quite small but had very large vaulted ceilings which almost gave it a pub type of feel.
We walked up to the bar and were greeted by a very friendly gal who began pouring us tastings right away. We later found out she was owner and had so much fun visiting with her and sharing our knowledge of wine. She was very knowledgeable on Los Padres wines and was just as interested to hear about the wines we love from our very own Amador County.
The chef was quiet but worked right in front of us to make both of the menu items we ordered. We started off with the bacon wrapped, cheese filled dates, which were delicious and literally melted in our mouths After that we ordered the Mac 'N Cheese, which my boyfriend and I agreed was THE best Mac 'N Cheese we had ever eaten. It was gourmet style and we could tell it was made with the best ingredients and with heart, not only because it was so yummy but also because we watched the chef make it. Although he is quiet, do not underestimate him, his cooking is out of this world!
We bought a bottle of apple sparkling wine which was different and refreshing. After enjoying a glass, we had to have a bottle to enjoy that night before exploring the town. Prior to leaving the owner made sure we had some champagne flutes to take with us as she knew we were traveling and figured we would need them. It was a very thoughtful and delicate touch.
Upon leaving the bar began filling up with a variety of people, most of which were greeted as regular customers by the owner. It was really cool to see that so many people in this small coastal town had made Gather their wine bar of choice.
My boyfriend travels frequently to San Luis Obispo for business and I know the next time I accompany him we will for sure be making another appearance at Gather.
As an Aussie winemaker, currently residing in the Santa Barbara County, i was impressed at the selection of locally produced wines that they have on offer. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and well presented.
The decor fits in the the historical town scene, not overdone. The rear patio is a beautiful place to sit, even during the cooler months, with lovely fire pits creating a beautiful ambience.
The cosy leather  sofa is my favorite, nice  intimate candle lit area to spend time with a special someone drinking one of the beautiful local wines this fabulous region has to offer
I certainly will be spending some time here on future visits
A credit to the owners
As the new Duke, I feel obligated to write a review. Â Love the atmosphere. Â Relaxed with a three person band playing Celtic music. Â Wine selection is varied with a knowledgable team behind the bar. Â Good prices for a wine bar, too.
Bonus: Â Free WiFi! Â If I do email and "taste" wine, should I expense the wine? Â I think not, but it would be nice if I could. Â Â
Ignore the reviews by people with one or two other reviews. Â They are probably beer drinkers.
A nice find in the Pismo area.
Grab a date or your friends and go gather! Here's why...
What I like:
+atmosphere, tall ceilings, cozy spaces to gather, warm feeling
+great for conversation
+excellent tapas (small bites) food at excellent prices (nothing over 6 dollars if i recall correctly)
We had olive tapanades, homemade truffle pizzas and an apple dessert paired with cheese, yum!
+wonderful wines from local vineyards seem to be selected for quality
+outdoor patio with fire rings
+lots of free parking behind gather
+ live music often
+clean bathroom
+stay a while feel
+nice yet welcoming easy going kinda place, feel like I could wear jeans or get dressed up to come here and both would be welcome, kinda cool that way
What I'd add
+maybe some umbrellas on the patio, but that's it
Ill be back!
Gather Wine Bar quickly became my favourite place to hang out after work or on a weekend night -- practically anytime I'm wanting a great place to hang out and a great glass of wine it's off to Gather I go.
The owner, Kari is what makes the place. She did do a great job setting up the ambiance of the interior and making the exterior feel welcoming, but her smile and welcoming attitude really make you feel like Norm from Cheers the second she remembers your name.
Her wine changes out each month and she's always ready to suggest a new wine to help you expand your palate. If you mention that you like a certain wine, she'll help you find a different one you might like (she's always been right for me!)
From the newbie wine drinker to those who fancy themselves a "wine person", Gather Wine Bar is the perfect place for you!!
WOW!!! What a great, refreshing place to gather in the village of Arroyo Grande! Kari Ziegler opened this wonderfully modern yet relaxed wine bar that focuses on pouring local wine by the glass. Kari mixes great atmosphere, wine and snacks to create a welcoming place to meet friends for relaxed conversation and great music.
***UPDATE***
I had my 40th birthday party at Gather on a Saturday night. What a wonderful place to have a party! Kari and her staff know how to do events right!
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