VINI Wine Bar

With all of the innovative ideas that people come up with these days, this has got to rank up there as one of the tops in my book. And who would’ve thought you can actually find this in a small college town such as Davis? Well, look no further because I am about to get my vino on none other than «VINI Wine Bar».
Located in the heart of downtown Davis, «VINI» is an excellent concept that they should bring to other cities across the country. The process is simple as 1,2,3. That just about anyone can figure this out (as long as you’re older than 21). First things first, you go up to the counter, load money onto a card (in any increment), get your glass, and start pouring! That’s it! Best of all, this place offers 72 types of wine to choose from!
As far as the interior layout, there is ample room for large groups as well as a bar area where the bartenders work. Large pictures gracefully flow throughout while there are circular wine stations that are placed in the middle of the business as well as throughout the wall. It almost reminds me of a wine buffet where the possibilities are absolutely endless choosing your favorite glass of wine.
As I had mentioned, there are 6 dozen wines to choose from. Many popular white wines (Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc) to a variety of reds (Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Shiraz). Additionally, they also offer dessert wines and sparkling wines for those who would rather opt for something fizzy. What makes this place unique is that they offer wines from all around the world as well as many that come from local vineyards. The prices are very reasonable as they range as low as $ 2.75 and go up to $ 6.00 a glass. Each «pour» will roughly give you about 2 – 3 oz.
How about something to nibble on once that wine buzz kicks in? Well, «VINI» has you covered as well. When I came here with my fiancée, we split an order of «Bruschetta» (for $ 8.00). This tasted amazing as it had roasted tomatoes, capers, preserved lemons, and Parmesan on Crostini bread. They also offer other appetizers such as a cheese plate w/​fruit & pecans, mini pizzas, and desserts such as s’mores and salted cupcakes!
Best of all, they change their selection every couple of weeks so you can come back again and again while sampling new flavors and also buying their wine sold by the bottle. And if wine just isn’t your thing, they also offer a small variety of beers on tap. Since I live in Sacramento, I don’t make the trek out to Davis very often. However, after coming here, this just might change my perception! I will definitely come back to «VINI» again!

Remember when you were a kid and you’d walk into a candy store, and your eyes would get big, you’d be happy by your surroundings, and couldn’t wait to go spend your $ 3.00?
This is that place for wine loving adults!!! A plethora of wines to taste and sample… although I should mention they also had some good beers on tap, too.
The staff that took care of me and my friend asked if we had ever been there before and after finding out we were newbies, he showed us the ropes in detail. If you’re going to sample the wines you’ll give a deposit for a $ 20.00 Vini Card. Once you select a wine you’d like to try, you put the card in the reader and allow the dispenser to give you a small pour.
If you really liked a sample and want a glass of wine, you can simply continue to press the button until you have as much as you’d like. The wines all have a description card that gives you some background and some flavor notes.
The atmosphere was laid back and not stuffy at all. They had music playing and sports on a single TV. The staff was very nice and they took the time to ask a little about us.
This is the perfect place to grab a drink with some friends or loved one. I highly recommend it, I know I’ll be back many times.

This place is definitely a gem! Definitely one of the more classier locations for a night out. My friend and I went in casual clothing and most definitely felt the need to perhaps wear slightly more classier/​fancier clothing next time.
Start off at the bar where you can decide to either load a prepaid card or perhaps order a bottle. I think the former option is the more popular since there are so many options to choose from and you can decide which of the many is your favorite!
A great option instead of going out to the bars! Would recommend everyone to maybe eat beforehand or grab a bite afterwards because the food that is provided isn’t necessarily the best and worth it for the price! Can’t wait to come back :)

I love going here! My friends get together and go here for the local wines and the green olives!

Ya this place is pretty cool if you’re a Davis local and trying to get our of your cave to do something fancy.
Setting — Small shop with an upscale feel. Decorated with tasteful paintings (lol or it just feels tasteful bc I don’t know art). Limited space for tables and seating so be sure you pick either early afternoon or later after 10pm if you’re going with a big group of friends to snag a table! System of wine tasting is unique. The bartender will load up a temporary card with $ 20 or more if you’d like and you stick em into the wine machines to try whichever wines you like.
Wine/​Service — I’m total wine noob so I wish there was more help guiding us through which wines to taste. I felt I was blindly choosing whichever wines sounded cool. Most glasses were $ 5 or less. Other than that, I think they tasted good. Our server had very fast hands and I felt like I was in a movie where he was about to whip out some cool tricks with the wine glasses lol. Definitely made me feel like I should act more like an adult! We also got the goat cheese platter for $ 20. Would not recommend. It was literally a few crackers and a teeny bowl of goat cheese.
If you’re a wine noob, this isn’t exactly the best place to learn. Otherwise, it’s a super fun experience to get a little tipsy and hangout with your friends!

First time I have ever been to a wine bar like this and I loved it! Such a different take on the usual scene and so many options! It was an ideal spot for a date night, cozy yet energetic! I will definitely be back next time I am in Davis!

Jeff is an amazing owner with a very friendly staff. There is no other place like this in Davis so it is a must on the weekend.
While they have an amazing selection of wines they also have a very impressive beer selection on tap.
Make sure you check in ahead of time because they will sometimes have live music which makes the experience here even that much better.

Vini executed a very unique concept for wine tasting, and I was impressed! I enjoyed trying several different whites and reds via 2oz tastings. It’s like the get-​your-​own froyo concept, but with wine. The sweet red (San Antonio — Cardinale) was the oddest wine, but I loved it! I went during a lull in the late afternoon, and the staff was knowledgable and chatty.
For a Seattle native whose wine standards live in Woodinville, I’d definitely come back again!

So fun. I love the atmosphere. You go in, get a card and use the card to pour yourself a tasting size of any wine you choose varying from $ 2 a tasting to $ 12ish (most closer to $ 3-​$ 4). It’s the perfect place to go for a date night or out with friends. And there green olives are amazing, they have a hint of orange peel or something. So good.

I’ve come here on two separate occasions and I thoroughly enjoyed myself both times! The owner is great — he’s so friendly and very helpful when it comes to choosing wine!
The first time I came here, I came as a LATE birthday celebration with some of my girlfriends in Davis. We came in after dinner time, and the place was not hugely crowded. I love the concept of choosing different wines — especially because the group of girls I went with have such varying tastes! I am not a huge wine drinker so the owner was helpful in selecting sweeter/​more mild wines to suit my taste. We also ordered some appetizers and the owner was very thoughtful and brought additional (complementary) chocolates, almonds, and even more wine (to celebrate my birthday).
The next time I came here, I brought my friend from SF and her Italian boyfriend (born/​raised in Italy, still living in Italy). Her boyfriend is very *ahem* particular about his wine — so I was a little scared he might not enjoy it. Instead, he LOVED the 3 – 4 wines he tried! SO THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS — IF IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ITALIANS, IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME. FIVE STARS!

Amazing place with amazing service (Alan). So many selections to try. Great for dates and friends hanging out.

A great place to get to taste a bunch of wines without needing to commit to a bottle. Most of the wines are a few dollars a class and there’s always some smooth jazz playing. A great place to pop in for some conversation or a glass or two after dinner!
The first time, you can get a wine card which is reloadable for future visits.

Came here with a friend, it’s a very very cool little wine bar. you pre charge a card, and then browse the different wines on display. once you have chosen your wine, you simply put your wine glass under the stout, insert your car, and pour. The pours aren’t very generous, but you’ll have the chance to taste so many different wines.
The atmosphere is very hip, low key, with dimmer lights so it’s a good place to go for a romantic date. Of course, it’s fun for intimate group of friends too. you can sit at the bar, or at the tables.
As far as food goes, we didn’t order anything, but we totally are going to next time.
Also, if you have any questions, the guy behind the bar is so very nice and helpful, so go ahead, ask as many questions as you might like. I absolutely enjoyed my visit and had a lot of fun, I will be back for sure.

I was in town for a brewing course at the UCD Extension, but I’d gotten a little burned out on the brews. I’m a UCD Alum and this place was perpetually «opening soon» while I worked on my undergrad.
I was happy to see that it was finally open and the hands-​on process of selecting a glass of wine is a cool and innovative idea that I hope starts to permeate the industry.
The biggest let-​down is the fact that if you’re a first timer things are not at all intuitive. You have to go to the back of the store to purchase either a charge card, or ask whoever is working to walk out and pour you something you’ve pre selected (& there doesn’t seem to be ‘try before you buy’ like most wine bars). If you decide to go the charge card route, prices for 2oz, 4oz, or 6oz pours are no where to be found which means you could very easily spend your whole card on a single wine without knowing it.
As others have mentioned the style of service is not for everyone. The man behind the counter when I stopped by seemed to have a very dry personality and while I was able to navigate his type of humor, I know very well that it can rub a lot of people the wrong way.

When I walked into Vini I was like a kid in a candy store, except instead of being a kid and eating candy I was an adult and the room was FILLED with wines (which if you ask me is a million times better!) So why the average rating? Vini is an amazing concept that is plagued by a bumpy execution and questionable service.
I have to start off talking about the wines, which of course are the stars of the show. The wine selection is super impressive, but not all of the wines listed on the site are available at all times in the store itself. For example, I was super excited to try their Madeira, but when I got there, it was nowhere in site. The concept of VIni is super novel though, you fill up a card with credits that you can use to get a 2 oz. pour of wine. Sort of like an alcoholic soda fountain! Depending on the wine it charges you anywhere from 2.50−5 dollars per pour, so it’s actually a pretty sweet deal!
So if I’m getting great wine at a decent price why am I complaining? I’ll just start by saying neither I, nor anyone in my family, is new to drinking and appreciating wine. So, it was kind of a disappointment when the person helping us was super condescending and talked to us like we were school children. It kind of went beyond just trying to be helpful, it’s super clear he had some sort of superiority complex.
The story gets even weirder. Once you get your card and glasses you’re kind of on your own, so a couple of glasses later we forgot all about the condescending waiter and walked over to the bar to order some small bites to eat while we take a break (it’s the Spanish thing to do!) The first thing the man behind the bar says is that they have everything on the menu, but it’ll probably come out differently then what the menu says it will (why have the menus then?) Fast forward 10 minutes later and we’re served bruschetta which is little more than bread and tomatoes, a cheese plate without manchego cheese (again, we’re Spanish so this one hurt). At least the goat cheese came out good (and I totally hoarded it all for myself)
I really wanted to love Vini but I was left with just an average experience. However, it’s totally clear VIni has the potential to be one of my favorite local spots in the future if it fixes it’s kinks. I’ll definitely be back at least to finally try that Madeira!

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much because my friends usually go to fancy wine bars in Napa… but man I was so so wrong.
Walking in, the lighting is dim with a couple people seated at small tables and a bunch of wine bottles connected to machines in the middle of the room. Being a total noob, I walked over to the counter to ask the bartender how it works. Without hesitation, the friendly bartender quickly walked out from behind counter to greet me and show me the ropes. Basically, you have a card that you load with money. You walk around and read the descriptions above each of the wine bottles. Once you find a drink you want to try, you insert your card and press the button. Credits will be deducted from the card and the machine will dispense about 2 ounces into your glass.
I found this place very enjoyable! Perfect for a group of friends or after dinner with a date. There’s also a small table that provides cheese and crackers! My girlfriend favored a certain drink there so we ended up buying a bottle from them lol.

Love the concept and love the cheese and salami! The owner and staff were all really friendly and walked us through the whole process.
Load up a card, take a peek around at the selection, and choose «the one». If you’re unsure, the staff will gladly help you make a selection! They also have a few beers on tap if wine is not your thing.
It’s quiet, classy, and a fun/​interactive way for a group of people to try different wines.

Suuuuper laid back and classy, felt incredibly cozy inside, especially on these colder Fall and Winter nights!
You get an opportunity to test out an array of wines at a decent price. An awesome way to get a taste of everything if you’re a wine noob, like me! :D
How it works:
1) Head to the bar area, load up a card (which acts like a gift card or debit card)
2) They give you a glass
3) Roam freely and sample the varieties of wines
4) Slip your card into the slot
5) Place your cup under the spout
6) Press the button for 2 seconds and viola, your desired wine dispenses through!
The prices of each wine is listed above each designated wine bottle. There is also a thorough description of the wine’s aroma, origins, etc. The owner assisted me through the steps of how everything works and addressed any questions I had. Very personable and friendly staff.
Such an awesome concept, perfect spot for a date or to catch up with a friend. I can’t wait to return!
TIP #1: I suggest loading $ 10 on the card first then add more later. You don’t have to use the full amount on your visit, you can always keep the card and use it on your next visit!
TIP #2: They have food here! Cheese/​salami plates! Ask for a menu :)

This place was also a post dinner spot for my group. The self service wine selection process is kind of cool although I think I usually like to have my alcohol served to me by a knowledgeable expert. It’s almost like if you come here, then it implies that you are educated enough to make a wise decision since you’re already buying a store credit card to swipe for alcohol purchases.
They do have some beer selections which I was very thankful for. Since I don’t come to Davis that often, I asked my friend to use his card so that i can get my drink.
The inside seems very masculine in nature with dark metallic colors and dark upholestered booths and steel colored tables. The music was characteristically old, like really old, like pre 1960’s era with some classic singers from yester-​year. I wasn’t sure if it was a theme of the place or whether the owner/​manager of the place was being wistfully nostalgic that night.
I probably most likely won’t come back here as I probably like to have a different experience and environment when I’m learning to taste and drink wine.

Wanna avoid some ratchets? Tired of the same old Ket/​Tres/​Our House scene?
Then go here! Kick it up a notch, and be classy once in a while!
They have a wide variety and great selection of wines here!
I really love their concept. Basically you buy a v-​card which you load as much money as you want. Minimum is $ 10. Then go and explore to your hearts content! Just slide the card to the wine of your choice, put your glass near the spout, and boom! Now there’s wine in your glass. Average wine cost is between $ 2 — $ 5 per 2 oz. pour.
It is SOOO easy to get drunk here. Spent 4 hours here and only spent $ 10 on wine. Probably because when the bottle of wine is about to be gone they just give you the rest of the bottle which is like a good 3 or 4 oz. No wonder why we got pretty drunk!
The service is awesome. While they might not always be there, because a majority of the time you’re exploring on your own, they’re really helpful. They’ll suggest wine based on your preference or if you’re a newbie to wine.
Also had their cheese platter. It was a great addition as my housemate and I sipped our wines! They also gave us free chocolates. Also a great pair with wine :)
Overall, I loved the experience here!