Place Category: Delis, Delivery, Market, and Wine Shops
Friend of a Friend, located in the heart of North Beach, is more than just a wine shop—it’s a true slice of San Francisco culture. The space is warm and welcoming, with shelves that showcase thoughtfully curated natural wines and spirits alongside an eclectic mix of premium spices, pantry items, and even fragrance. What makes it stand out is the focus on underrepresented winemakers, while still offering a wide range of styles and price points so there’s something for every palate. Visitors quickly feel at ease here; the shop lives up to its name, creating an atmosphere that feels like being welcomed by…a friend of a friend.
The vision behind the shop comes from co-founder Chris Renfro, a rising star in the wine world who was recognized by Wine Enthusiast as part of the “Future of Wine: Tastemakers” and profiled in The New York Times for his innovative approach to community-driven viticulture. Renfro gained recognition for founding the Two Eighty Project, where he revived a hillside vineyard beside Interstate 280 and turned it into a training ground for BIPOC youth, offering hands-on education in viticulture and winemaking. His path—from acclaimed restaurants like Liholiho Yacht Club to studying horticulture and building an award-winning urban vineyard—has been guided by a deep commitment to equity, representation, and social justice in wine.
Friend of a Friend brings that vision directly into the visitor experience. Chris curates tastings that pair wines with foods from neighborhood vendors, making wine exploration approachable, communal, and fun. For travelers, it’s also one of the most convenient ways to enjoy San Francisco: pick up a bottle for a picnic in Washington Square Park, grab something to sip along the waterfront, or have wine delivered straight to your hotel. Nestled among North Beach landmarks like Graffeo Coffee, Tony’s Pizza, and Victoria Bakery, Friend of a Friend is both a destination in its own right and a perfect stop on a day of exploring one of the city’s most storied neighborhoods.
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