Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Inside Sunshine Wine: Tucson’s Newest Wine Bar & Outdoor Patio Hangout

Spritz, Barbacoa Beets, and Pinto Hummus at Sunshine Wine (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Inside Sunshine Wine: Tucson’s Newest Wine Bar & Outdoor Patio Hangout

Jun 10, 20252 min read

Sunshine Wine officially opens Wednesday, June 11, at 15 N. Santa Rita Ave. on Tucson’s Sunshine Mile. The bungalow-style wine bar blends intimate hospitality with curated wines, draft cocktails, and local-centric small plates.

Sunshine Wine patio (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Sunshine Wine patio (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Inside the cozy adobe bungalow, warm wood floors and soft lighting invite guests to linger. A central bar anchors the space, surrounded by shelves stocked with unique bottles, making it easy to sip and shop. The staff pours with ease behind a sleek counter, adding a vibrant hum to the compact interior.

Dining room at Sunshine Wine (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Dining room at Sunshine Wine (Photo by Jackie Tran)

In the adjoining dining room, original artwork and windows lend light to quiet tables tucked away for conversation. Outside, a lush patio with yellow umbrellas, herb gardens, and a firepit welcomes sunset sips and neighborhood hangs. The space offers both lively communal energy and serene corners for slower-paced evenings.

Sunshine Wine patio (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Sunshine Wine patio (Photo by Jackie Tran)
A Bottle Shop and Sip-Spot in One

Patrons can enjoy curated wines by the glass or purchase bottles to-go. The wine list includes Old World Rieslings, Grüner Veltliner, natural Syrahs, and domestic standouts like Dr. Konstantin Frank and Fogscape Vineyards. Among the menu Spritzes, the options including refreshing melon and grapefruit variations alongside the berry-forward Pasubio Spritz.

Spritz at the Sunshine Wine patio (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Spritz at the Sunshine Wine patio (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Beyond wine, the bar offers draft cocktails such as a smoky mezcal Negroni, cucumber-forward Aloe Me, and house Sunshine Sour with bourbon, peach, saffron, and bitters. A tight beer list features local favorites like Dragoon IPA and Pueblo Vida Cereus along the classic Weihenstephaner Helles Lager and other regional brews. For non-drinkers, mocktails like the St. Agrestis Phony Negroni and Parch Spirits Co. Desert Margarita keep things festive.

Seasonal Small Plates Made to Pair
Spritz, Barbacoa Beets, and Pinto Hummus at Sunshine Wine (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Spritz, Barbacoa Beets, and Pinto Hummus at Sunshine Wine (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The kitchen turns out a focused menu of snacks and shareables ideal for pairing. Expect creative salads like Little Gem with miso dressing and Shaved Veg with cucumber and chili crisp. Tartines, house pickles, and olives aguachile round out lighter bites.

Confit Squash Tartine at Sunshine Wine (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Confit Squash Tartine at Sunshine Wine (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Heartier plates include goat cheese-stuffed Gilda skewers, house-made gougères with chive and Dijon, and barbacoa beets with feta and pepita dukkah. Local produce features prominently — including squash with ricotta and chamomile oil. Desserts like roasted wheat ice cream or sugar-preserved mulberry sherbet end the evening on a sweet note.

Plan Your Visit

Sunshine Wine opens its doors from 4–9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4–10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 4–9 p.m. Sundays. Whether you’re picking up a bottle, sharing a tartine, or enjoying a sunset spritz on the patio, Sunshine Wine brings a warm new glow to the Sunshine Mile.

Sunshine Wine is located at 15 N. Santa Rita Ave. For more information, visit thetapandbottle.com/sunshine-wine and keep up with Sunshine Wine on Instagram.

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer and photographer. Best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments and petting pets.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. No spam.

Take us with you.

Discover the best local spots, browse the dish database, build and share your to-visit lists, support local, and join the Foodie Club when you're ready.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.2K followers
IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
Anne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. 

Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com