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Our 
Story

Get to Know Us

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.

OT Badge 2019
Diner's Choice Best Overall
WSB Guru Award
Trip Advisor Certficate
Top 100 Restaurant 2019
The Casual Side Bar Award
Best of Wine Spectator Award 2020
Wine Spectator 2021
Diners Choice Award OT 2024

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.

SPF

2025-10-02

We were down visiting friends and family, and heard this was a nice spot to eat. Not being locals, we hired an Uber and away we went. Why would this matter? Because where the restaurant is located, you wouldnt expect it to be! The area appears "techy/industrial" (is that a description? ) but it was also evening, and I wasn't being extra observant to our surroundings. That said, when we pulled up, there was no question we were at the right place! Great signage, welcoming entrance, AND A WINE SHOP TO DIE FOR! The young lady behind the register was so friendly, we chatted about the shop and the restaurant/ bar upstairs. We purchased a couple yummy wines, and well needed gag coasters (couldn't help ourselves). Next stop, the bar! So, up the steps we went (Did I mention they have this really cool option of leasing your own climate controlled wine locker? SQUIRREL) The bar was really lovely. Lemon Drops were screaming our names. They really take the extra step with their in house mixers. Freshly made! And the lemon vodka that was aging behind the bar... for the lemon drops...WOWSA!! Next to it, the following months pineapple vodka was screaming my name...but too soon! (Yep, they slice up all those little fruits and soak them in vodka for the perfect amount of time to produce heaven!) And the fun conversation at the bar, regulars and staff both! We felt like we had been going for years! Luckily we we're able to make a reservation for a table a couple days prior, and it was ready for us right on time! (Glad we got there early for the shopping and Lemon Drop!) Chairs are comfy and table is presented beautifully. The menu was easy to read, and the options were spot on! We "settled" for Prime Rib and Halibut. And a nice Pinot while we waited...oh, and some sqash soup...and this OUT OF THIS WORLD beef bone marrow that you put on bread and...and...and. OK, clearly I am not a food critic, because I wasn't even aware that I hadn't been taking pictures of the food or menu! Lol. So you will have to take my word for it! The main dishes were, again, so yummy!! Halibut had this perfect finish to the outside, and cooked to perfection! And I would love to tell you about the prime rib, but the other half wasn't keen on sharing! I did snag their veg while they weren't looking... Staff was very attentive, in a good way! And we even met the lovely Lisa, one of the owners and GM, as well as Chef I felt like royalty. Lol. And as we were finishing up, Lisa came by and asked if we were interested in a slice of birthday cake, as one of "The Regulars" was celebrating, and there was more than enough to go around. We'll, not wanting to be rude, we jumped right on it! So, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it! If you are in the area, or even if you aren't, but you want a nice meal, great wine and spirits, and an all around great experience, swing by Winesellers! I know this will be our go-to spot when we are down visiting, and the fact it has been there for 34 years lets me know it is not going anywhere!!

Chuck Herrold

2025-09-23

Underated French restaurant with an outstanding wine selection as well. Fun welcoming staff

Hans Foto

2025-09-14

The WineSellar shop is fantastic! The staff was helpful and the selection is great!! Upscale experience all around.

Ray

2025-07-29

Amazing duck confit!

The Brasserie

Tuesday through Friday*
Lunch: 11:30am-2pm
Tuesday through Saturday
Dinner: 5pm-close

Wine Wednesdays

Every Wed. 4pm-7pm

*on the days of our monthly wine dinners, the Brasserie is not open for Lunch. Please see  Calendar for current events or call.

The Casual Side

Tuesday through Friday
Happy Hour 4pm-7pm

WineSellar Shop Hours

Tuesday through Saturday
10:00am - 8:00pm

WineSellar Locker Hours

Tuesday through Saturday

10:00am - 8:00pm

The WineSellar & Brasserie

9550 Waples St. Suite 115

San Diego, Ca 92121

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