Rumi

On our list of the best wine bars in San Diego.

Sholeh Abounasseri named her North Park wine bar after the 13th-century Persian poet, drawn to his lines about being drunk on the wine of life. She'd already run a charm-and-boutique shop next door before opening Rumi in a 700-square-foot space that seats about 48 people between the indoor room and the sidewalk tables. There's no kitchen, so the pairing is chocolate rather than a plate, on a wine list that leans toward smaller, women-owned producers.