Heaping piles of ever more scarce and singular bottles, the rarest of whiskey recreates and expands the Tanners Post 18th-century air within the store. Founded by Gavin Newsom in 1992 in San Francisco’s Fillmore District, PlumpJack Wines—under its guiding principle, buying wine should be approachable, friendly, and fun—became emblematic of unpretentious yet exceptional wines, an ethos that remains largely intact today.
PlumpJack Wines: The Adventurous Spirit
Named for Shakespeare’s rambunctious character, Sir John “PlumpJack” Falstaff, this fun-loving wine pays homage to Napa’s Carneros region and the winery’s art-loving, politics-savvy, reverential, hip, irreverent patron of the good life. It’s this spirit that compels PlumpJack Wines to provide wines, whiskeys, and spirits that surprise and delight to the seasoned collector and the curious novice. This philosophy has since grown from a tiny wine shop to an impressive collection of companies including some of the best wineries in Napa Valley, luxury hotels, Michelin Star Restaurants and members-only clubs.
Rare Whiskey Stores: A Collector’s Treasure Trove
PlumpJack Wines is a bright light for those looking for rare whiskey stores in San Francisco, and outside it too. Their retail and vibrant online presence appeals to connoisseurs who are after everything from heritage single malts to limited-edition American whiskeys. Staffed with a team of specialists who track down rare bottles, you’ll encounter bottles from the big-name icons to small, under-the-radar distilleries. The shop often gets access to exclusive drops, allocated casks and special bottlings that aren’t schlepped around much further than the corner, making it an unparalleled trove for those with whiskey tastes.
Rare Whiskey Bottles: Daring to be Different
Besides for its wide range of options, PlumpJack Wines is renowned for its profound appreciation of craft and rarity in the whiskey sector. These include rare whiskey bottles — highly desired single malts from Scotland, the most wanted Japanese labels, and small-batch American whiskeys. Their collection includes wines both for collectors — investments in exclusive finds, gifts of a memorable bottle, or the sipping of an exceptional spirit on a remarkable evening. Private barrel programs and whiskey tastings add to the shopping experience, which is not only informed and educated, but offers inside access to special releases.
Uncompromising Quality and Expertise
Each bottle of whiskey or wine is hand-selected, as is every deal in general—PlumpJack Wines is a stickler for high-quality plonk. From their Perfect rated Cabernet Sauvignon (rated by Robert Parker among others) to their well source, rare spirits, PlumpJack consistently raises the bar of quality paired with approachability. The team is knowledgeable about both whiskey and wine, and they tailor recommendations to you, so each visit is educational and enlightening.
Takeaway: Start Your Journey
For those who love the thrill of the hunt for hard-to-find whiskeys and other stellar bottles, PlumpJack Wines & Spirits calls. Enjoy a bespoke experience — online or in store — where a friendly staff member will help guide you to the ideal bottle for your taste or collection. With a strong private club offering and members-only occasions, PlumpJack welcomes you to be a part of a family of like-minded supporters. Visit their website or stop in for a visit and the connoisseur in you will roam free; allow PlumpJack Wines to assist you in finding that rare, exquisite bottle that will make your next soiree unforgettable.

