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Gary Parker, Chairman/CEO, is also the founder of The WineSellar & Brasserie. Gary discovered the culinary arts while supporting his studies in Architecture and Art at San Diego Sate University. He worked at the acclaimed Mon Ami and Mille Fleurs Restaurants, before joining Emissary Ltd., where he excelled in international wine sales.
In 1984 Gary helped open, and partnered in, the popular "926 Restaurant" in the Pacific Beach area of San Diego. Gary also created a wine storage facility and a premium wine shop that was to become the developmental model for The WineSellar & Brasserie. It was the first commercial wine storage facility to open in San Diego county.
In 1988, he and his wife Lori, opened The WineSellar & Brasserie. Gary pioneered the concept of combining a fine wine shop, a state of the art wine storage facility, in which he used his architecture skills, and a highly regarded French restaurant, The Brasserie, under one roof. The restaurant's acclaimed cuisine and a wine list of 2,500 classic wines brought The WineSellar & Brasserie instant notoriety. The wine list won Wine Spectator "Grand Award" (one of the 75 best wine lists in the world) in its first year, and has garnered the same award for 23 consecutive years.
In 1995 Laurel Restaurant & Bar was opened, San Diego's only Mobil 4 Star award-winning restaurant at that time. Rave reviews once again were bestowed upon the restaurant not only for the fine cuisine and award winning wine list, but also for the sleek decor. Laurel was sold in 2005 to concentrate on The WineSellar & Brasserie.
With an entrepreneurial spirit that is a tribute to the industry, Gary subsequently created The WineSellar Club(s), added on wine tours, which were started in 2001 and run by Lori Parker, and added The Casual Side Bar to the The WineSellar.
Gary is recognized as a leading authority in fine wine, and is active as a spokesperson, Union Tribune column writer, appraiser, auctioneer, and panelist in the industry.
Larry Carter
2026-01-17
Chef's mercy menu was extremely well paired with the wines and offered a unique dining experience with plenty of pleasant culinary surprises. The staff and service are second to none in the San Diego area.
T
2025-12-21
Amazing food, outstanding service and quite the wine collection!! All of the dishes we had were delicious, high quality, and had a beautiful presentation. I loved the fresh warm bread served on the side as well. It is a hidden gem and I highly recommend it if you’re in the area! 10/10
Ed S
2025-12-13
Wow! Fantastic dinner and experience! Sophia really showed her sommelier skills during of meal!! We ordered many things of the menu and asked for a pairing that she felt complimented the food choice. It was so so good. All the staff were friendly and professional. A wonderful place to get dressed up and celebrate!
Krystle Cramer
2025-11-13
A Hidden Gem in an Office Park: A Night at The WineSeller & Brasserie You wouldn’t expect to find a culinary treasure tucked away in an office park, but The Wine Cellar defies all expectations. Downstairs, it’s a literal wine cellar where patrons can store their own bottles. Upstairs, you step into a dining room that feels like a delightful throwback to the ‘90s—nostalgic in the best possible way. What made our experience truly exceptional was the personalized seven-course tasting menu. Our friend had a collection of his own wines stored there and gave them to Lisa, the warm and welcoming owner. She and Chef Oscar then crafted a menu specifically to pair with those wines. The result was simply unforgettable. Every course was amazing, but a couple stood out as pure genius. One highlight was a half lobster served two ways: one side topped with beef tartare, the other with lobster tartare. As someone who loves tasting menus, I was blown away by the creativity. Another standout was the clams with chorizo in a broth that was just out of this world. And who knew chicken could be so extraordinary? The chicken roulade was unbelievably tender and flavorful. Finally, the venison with mole sauce was cooked to absolute perfection and left us all speechless. Chef Oscar’s talent and humility shone through each dish, and Lisa’s hospitality made the night even more special. While we didn’t try the regular menu, I have no doubt it’s just as delightful. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with a personal touch, The WineSeller is a must-visit.
Martha Garcia
2025-10-26
Always an exceptional experience. This time we sat on the (casual side) at the bar and had dinner there. I had the Brazilian lemon drop - a must try! And an amazing Miro cab with dinner. Chef Oscar blew us away with the flavor and presentation. The lamb was delicious and tender.