The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco has partnered with acclaimed winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset to open a refined tasting lounge in the hotel lobby. The new JCB Tasting Lounge offers exclusive wine tastings, thoughtfully paired small plates, and a boutique retail area in an intimate setting.
“We’re excited to be joining with world-renowned winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset,” said Bruce Gorelick, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. “The JCB Tasting Lounge blends California’s wine heritage with our hotel’s contemporary couture design to create memorable experiences for guests.”
Arranged to complement the hotel’s recent multi-phase renovation completed in March 2015, the ultra-chic lounge invites guests to enjoy tasting flights priced approximately $50–$100 per person. Each flight is crafted to highlight rare and distinctive wines and can be paired with dishes from Chef de Cuisine Michael Rotondo of the hotel’s acclaimed Parallel 37. Savory selections include items such as a crispy farm duck fritter with kumquat relish and a flank steak steam bun with horseradish and date jam. Dessert offerings are elegant and seasonal, featuring treats like nectarine and white chocolate bonbons with apricot and chamomile, and blueberry pâte de fruit with dark chocolate ganache.
Designed by Jean-Charles Boisset in collaboration with Joshua Rowland Interiors, Inc., the boutique within The JCB Tasting Lounge presents a curated assortment of lifestyle and wine-related products. Shoppers will find custom-designed jewelry, candles, wine accessories, and perfumes alongside curated pieces from luxury brands such as Baccarat, Christofle, Bernardaud, and Goyard.
Beyond walk-in tastings and retail, the lounge provides an intimate private event space accommodating up to 14 guests, ideal for small gatherings, private tastings, corporate meetings, or celebratory occasions. The setting is intended to deliver personalized service and a focused wine experience tailored to the group.
The JCB Tasting Lounge emphasizes both discovery and refinement: rare bottlings and tasting flights designed to educate and delight, paired with carefully prepared small plates that enhance the wines without overwhelming them. The venue’s combination of elegant design, limited-production wines, and chef-driven pairings creates a distinctive tasting destination within the heart of the hotel.
Guests interested in experiencing the JCB Tasting Lounge can inquire at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco concierge or contact the lounge directly for reservations and private event bookings.