Wine Affairs

Hop & Vine: A Culinary and Wine Journey on The Alameda, San Jose. Welcome to Hop & Vine, a hidden gem nestled on The Alameda in San Jose, California. For the discerning food and wine enthusiast, this culinary haven offers an exceptional dining experience paired with an impressive wine list. As a self-proclaimed gourmet and wine expert, I had the pleasure of visiting Hop & Vine yesterday and was captivated by the exquisite flavors, innovative dishes, and carefully curated wine selection. Stepping into Hop & Vine, I was immediately struck by the inviting ambiance that effortlessly blends elegance with comfort. The warm, dimly lit interior creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a gathering of friends. The contemporary decor, adorned with rustic accents, adds a touch of sophistication without sacrificing the cozy feel. Soft jazz music played in the background, enhancing the overall ambiance and setting the stage for a memorable dining experience. Hop & Vine's food menu is a testament to the culinary expertise of their chefs, who skillfully blend diverse flavors to create dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Small Plates: An Eclectic Selection of Delights. The small plates at Hop & Vine are a celebration of bold flavors and creative combinations. One standout dish that caught my attention was the Grilled Octopus with Citrus Glaze. Another noteworthy small plate was the Duck Confit Tacos. The succulent duck confit, shredded and nestled in warm tortillas, was a delightful fusion of textures and tastes. The tacos were topped with pickled onions, avocado crema, and a sprinkle of "queso fresco", creating a harmonious blend of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors. Culinary Excellence at Its Finest. The main courses at Hop & Vine showcase the culinary prowess of the chefs, with each dish delivering a symphony of flavors. One standout dish was the Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Saffron Risotto. For meat lovers, the Grilled Ribeye with Truffle Mashed Potatoes is a must-try. The perfectly grilled ribeye, cooked to your preferred level of doneness, was incredibly tender and packed with flavor. Paired with the velvety truffle mashed potatoes and a red wine reduction, this dish was a true indulgence for the senses. The Wine List: A Connoisseur's Dream. One cannot visit Hop & Vine without delving into their impressive wine list, carefully curated to satisfy even the most discerning oenophile. The wine list at Hop & Vine pays homage to the exceptional wines produced in California. From the renowned vineyards of Napa Valley to the hidden gems of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the selection showcases the diversity and quality of the local wine scene. Whether you prefer a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, an elegant Chardonnay, or a complex Pinot Noir, you will find an impressive array of California wines to choose from. Hop & Vine also takes you on a journey across the globe, offering a selection of international wines that will transport your taste buds to distant vineyards. From the crisp Sauvignon Blancs of New Zealand to the rich Malbecs of Argentina, the wine list features a variety of Old World and New World wines, each with its own unique character and story. Beyond the exceptional food and wine offerings, the experience at Hop & Vine is marked by impeccable service and attention to detail. The knowledgeable staff is well-versed in the menu and wine list, providing valuable recommendations and guiding you through your culinary journey. The intimate setting and attentive service create an atmosphere where you can relax, savor each bite, and immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas that Hop & Vine has to offer. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, Hop & Vine delivers a gourmet delight that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a wine connoisseur visiting San Jose, Hop & Vine is a must-visit destination that promises to leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return for more.

We have never been to Hop & Vine and since they were having Blue live music so thought of checking it out !!! Thanks to all the previous Yelp reviews we knew exactly where to park there are few parking spots in front of the restaurant or u can park on the opposite street near the Hester School there are ample free public parking here - that's where we parked & then just cross the street ( they have a pedestrian crossing signal here so it's safe to cross). Once we reached we saw the music setup was outside so choose to sit outside since we wanted to listen to Blue music which me & my husband love listening to!!! We were promptly seated by William & he served us nice cool bottle of water with glasses which we really appreciated given the warm weather we needed it. We ordered some small bites - Jalapeño poppers & Buffalo Mozzarella stack along with couple of Beers to cool down. Food was good & went perfectly we didn't wanted anything heavy for dinner. We loved listening to great music provided by John Rybak & John Hosking on upright bass while eating. I love listening to upright Bass that's one of my favorite instrument. Overall we had a lovely Saturday evening here ... we are definitely coming back here we loved the vibe here all locals coming & chatting with each other & staff which was so good to see. Plus we will return to sit inside & check their happy hour too !!! Also we have never checked this side of San Jose given the dinning options would love to explore more !!!

Very nice place. Friendly atmosphere, delicious snacks and professional bartenders.👍🤘

Awesome local beer and wine spot, great spot to enjoy the company of good friends or date night. Ask for Claudia. She’ll get you on the right path to the night. If you see me at the bar, first round on me 😉

Food, Wine and beer selection were delicious, the place gets busier outside generally on happy hour so plan ahead and arrive early , we got so much to drink on a Friday afternoon for a pretty good price