Bar one

With all the wine bars that have opened in the last year in Sacramento, it’s easy to lose one in the shuffle—especially when it’s as small as The Grand Wine Bar, tucked into its teeny corner of a parking garage. The other night, when the restaurant we visited lacked a liquor license, we headed out afterward in search of a glass—and at the Grand we had the place all to ourselves. (That’s perhaps surprising for a Friday, but I wonder if the slightly out-of-the-way location is a problem.) Our server—in a good mood, presumably, with her light workload—poured me tastes of a Delas Côtes du Ventoux and Leeuwin Estate Siblings Margaret River Shiraz, and then I nursed a half-glass of delicious, cherry-scented Handley Pinot Noir, while my husband, a white-wine guy, enjoyed his Leon Beyer Gewurztraminer. Seating is modern, yet cozy (I liked the corner spot along the built-in banquette—the better to sit together). A sign out front advertised tapas (from Aioli) along with the wine, but we were full from dinner; next time, I’ll sample. 1600 L Street, (916) 444-0472.