Sippin’ on the Dock of the Bay

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

06.21.2023

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. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View

  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View

  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View