Sippin’ on the Dock of the Bay

Wine taste on the Bay at Riggers Loft in the East Bay

Definition of a relaxing afternoon? Sipping bubbly and sampling wines right on the bay! Riggers Loft is a hidden gem located in the historic Richmond Shipyard. Owners Kevin and Barbara Brown have honored the roots by restoring the original building’s naval architecture.

Person sitting on the outdoor patio overlooking that Bay at Riggers Loft in the historic Richmond Shipyard

Woman pouring wine at Riggers Loft in the historic Richmond Shipyard

The result: an urban-chic relaxing atmosphere, with stunning views of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline. Relax by the water on the open-air patio, or challenge your friends to a game of ping pong, giant Jenga, or corn hole. The outdoor bocce court is also a crowd-pleaser.

Two musicians at Riggers Loft in the historic Richmond Shipyard

Young man tasting sparkling wine at Riggers Loft in the historic Richmond Shipyard

Or head inside and take a seat in the expansive loft—you’ll still have Baymazing views! The panorama of Angel Island and San Francisco is a stunning backdrop.

Young woman tasting sparkling wine at Riggers Loft in the historic Richmond Shipyard

A wine flight is the perfect way to explore the menu. (Heather’s top picks are R&B Cellars’ “Portamento” Pinot Noir and “Sarabande” Chardonnay.) Pair your vino with locally sourced, in-season dishes from chef Frank Miller’s Kitchen Loft. The wood-fired pizzas are superb.

Sample wine, get a bite to eat, and listen to live music. Riggers Loft is home to R&B Cellars, Kevin and Barbara’s brand, and hosts three other wineries, as well as Far West Cider Company. As musicians, Kevin and Barbara wanted to instill their love of music into the space. Every weekend, guests can enjoy an eclectic range of live music while they sip. Jazz, rock, modern Celtic—it’s all there.

TIP: Riggers Loft has upcoming live music events and shows.

BONUS HIKE: Head out to Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline for a nearby beautiful hike to a beach.

Riggers Loft is located at 1325 Canal Blvd. in Richmond. From I-580, exit onto Canal Blvd. and drive south for 2.7 miles. The road dead-ends at the parking lot. Enter through the red door. The ferry from San Francisco also stops at Richmond Point. There’s a $5 cover charge on days with live music. Dog friendly!

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner. *Outdoor patio photos by Barbara Brown.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View
  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View
  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View
  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View
  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View