Wine Lovers Guide to Dining in Redlands
Nestled against the San Bernardino foothills, Redlands has quietly transformed into one of Southern California’s most charming destinations for wine enthusiasts who appreciate exceptional food pairings. This historic citrus-growing community now boasts a dining scene that rivals its coastal neighbors, offering everything from intimate wine bars to sophisticated restaurants with carefully curated cellars.
Whether you’re a devoted oenophile or simply someone who enjoys a good glass with dinner, Redlands delivers an unexpected treasure trove of wine-focused experiences that deserve your attention.
The Redlands Wine Scene: Small City, Big Flavors
What makes Redlands particularly appealing for wine lovers is its unpretentious approach to fine dining. Unlike some wine country destinations where exclusivity can feel intimidating, Redlands restaurants embrace an accessible sophistication. You’ll find knowledgeable sommeliers who genuinely want to share their passion rather than test your pronunciation of Burgundian villages.
The city’s Mediterranean climate and agricultural heritage create a natural affinity for wine culture. Many restaurateurs here understand that great wine service isn’t about snobbery—it’s about connecting people with bottles that enhance their meals and create memorable evenings.
Top Wine-Centric Dining Experiences
State Street anchors much of Redlands’ culinary identity, where historic buildings house contemporary restaurants with impressive wine programs. Several establishments have invested in temperature-controlled cellars and brought in sommeliers who genuinely know their regions, varietals, and what pairs beautifully with local ingredients.
Look for restaurants offering wines by the glass from premium bottles using preservation systems. This technology allows establishments to serve high-end wines without committing to full bottles, meaning you can sample a Napa cult Cabernet or aged Barolo without the steep price tag of purchasing an entire bottle.
Hidden Gems for Wine Discovery
Beyond the main thoroughfares, Redlands surprises visitors with unexpected wine experiences. Small plates restaurants have emerged as ideal spots for wine exploration, where you can order multiple dishes alongside several glasses to discover new favorite pairings. The tapas-style approach encourages experimentation without overwhelming your palate or your budget.
Several establishments host regular wine dinners featuring visiting winemakers, offering intimate opportunities to learn directly from producers while enjoying multi-course meals designed specifically around their wines. These events typically sell out quickly among locals, so checking restaurant social media or joining mailing lists pays dividends.
Pairing Philosophy: California Meets World
Redlands restaurants embrace California’s wine-forward mentality while maintaining respect for international selections. You’ll discover thoughtfully balanced lists featuring local Temecula Valley wines alongside offerings from Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, and beyond. Many sommeliers here take pride in championing lesser-known California regions that deserve wider recognition.
The international selections often spotlight Old World regions with particular attention to Italian and French wines that complement the Mediterranean-inspired cuisine popular throughout Redlands. Spanish wines, particularly from Rioja and Priorat, have found enthusiastic audiences here as well.
Seasonal Sipping and Local Connections
Redlands’ connection to agriculture influences how restaurants approach their wine programs seasonally. Spring menus might highlight crisp whites and rosés that pair with lighter fare, while autumn brings heartier reds alongside richer dishes. This seasonal consciousness extends to featuring wines that reflect harvest timing and regional growing patterns.
Some establishments have developed relationships with nearby Southern California wineries, occasionally hosting winemaker visits or featuring limited releases available exclusively at their restaurants. These partnerships create unique opportunities to taste wines you won’t find elsewhere.
Wine Education Without Pretension
What distinguishes Redlands’ wine culture is the genuine enthusiasm for education without condescension. Servers and sommeliers approach recommendations as conversations rather than lectures. They ask about your preferences, what you’re eating, and how adventurous you’re feeling before steering you toward selections.
This welcoming approach makes Redlands ideal for wine lovers at any experience level. Newcomers feel comfortable asking questions, while seasoned enthusiasts appreciate staff who can discuss terroir, winemaking techniques, and vintage variations with depth and nuance.
Beyond Wine: The Complete Experience
The best wine-focused restaurants in Redlands understand that exceptional wine service requires equally exceptional food, ambiance, and hospitality. Menus showcase seasonal California ingredients prepared with techniques that honor both tradition and innovation. Farm-to-table isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s reflected in relationships with local growers and attention to ingredient quality.
Ambiance varies from cozy and romantic to lively and communal, but the unifying thread is authenticity. These aren’t restaurants trying to imitate big-city establishments; they’re confidently expressing Redlands’ own identity while delivering world-class wine experiences.
Planning Your Wine-Focused Visit
Redlands offers the advantage of walkability, particularly around the historic downtown area. You can easily plan an evening that includes wine tasting at multiple venues without worrying about driving. This pedestrian-friendly layout encourages exploration and spontaneous discoveries.
Weeknight visits often provide more intimate experiences with staff who have extra time for conversation and recommendations. However, weekends bring energy and special offerings worth experiencing. Many restaurants offer happy hour programs with discounted wines by the glass, providing budget-friendly opportunities to sample premium selections.
The Redlands Advantage
What ultimately makes Redlands special for wine lovers is the absence of pretense combined with genuine quality. You’re not paying inflated prices based on location prestige, yet you’re receiving thoughtful wine programs curated by people who genuinely care. The city offers that rare combination of sophistication and approachability that makes wine exploration joyful rather than stressful.
This historic citrus community has evolved into a destination where wine takes center stage without overshadowing the simple pleasure of gathering around a table with good food and great company. For wine lovers seeking authentic experiences away from the usual suspects, Redlands offers discoveries that will have you planning your return visit before you’ve finished your last glass.
Whether you’re exploring California wine country or simply looking for an exceptional dinner closer to home, Redlands deserves consideration. The city’s wine scene reflects the best of Southern California’s evolving food and beverage culture—confident, creative, and genuinely welcoming to everyone who appreciates what’s in the glass.
About the Restaurant
Tartan of Redlands is a long-standing local favorite, known for its traditional steakhouse experience and strong ties to the Redlands community. Guests return week after week for signature offerings like the Saturday night prime rib, a wide selection of expertly prepared steaks, the famous Redlands Tartan Burger, and a well-appointed full-service bar.
The restaurant first opened its doors on April 15, 1964, when brothers Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau turned their shared vision into reality in the heart of downtown Redlands. As the years passed, the Ctoteau family welcomed Larry Westin as a partner. Larry, along with his wife, guided the restaurant’s growth and reputation for many years until his death in 2003. Leadership then passed to his son, Larry Westin Jr., who continued the tradition until 2015.
In 2015, ownership was assumed by Jeff and Lisa Salamon. Jeff, a Boston native and former U.S. Marine, has remained committed to preserving the restaurant’s heritage and welcoming spirit. Despite the passage of time, Tartan of Redlands has never lost its classic charm and is affectionately known as the “Cheers of Redlands”—a comfortable, familiar place where regulars and newcomers alike are treated like family.
