Ellen’s Wine Room is one of those places that leaves you with mixed feelings. On the positive side, they have a good selection of bottles, especially French and Italian wines. The staff is friendly, and the vibe is quirky, there’s always plenty to look at, and it certainly has character. There is music on weekends.
That said, the space itself is not for everyone. It’s dark and cluttered, almost claustrophobic at times. There are two rooms, but the second one doubles as an office and is filled with random items, making only about half of it usable. The amount of “stuff” everywhere is overwhelming, and instead of cozy, it feels a bit chaotic.
The night we visited, the atmosphere was lively with locals, but also a little unpredictable. One man had a large dog sitting in a chair, and a young woman (clearly overserved) started secretly feeding the dog cherries, which can be harmful. When the owner of the dog realized this, there was a scene. Earlier, the same woman had walked in with a shopping bag of jello shots she’d picked up from a bar across the street and was handing them out like she worked there. The whole situation felt strange and not very well managed.
Overall, Ellen’s Wine Room does have some nice wines and friendly staff, but the clutter, tight space, and chaotic vibe weren’t to our taste.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 4
JFox “Jonboy23”
Ellen’s Wine Room has a chill vibe. The Sommelier really knew her stuff and made our group feel welcome/at home. Great Wine, outstanding Charcuterie Board. Would definitely recommend to those who are looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of downtown and want to be able to hear each other talk.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ju JJS
Fabulous place
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Michael S
Ellen’s Wine Room is an absolute gem tucked away in Historic Downtown Sanford—and it’s so much more than just a place to enjoy a glass of wine. Ellen and Syuzanna are the heart and soul of the experience. Their warmth, knowledge, and genuine hospitality instantly make you feel like part of the family. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just learning the ropes, they guide you with enthusiasm and passion, always ready with a great recommendation or a fun story behind the bottle.
The atmosphere is cozy, inviting, and full of character—perfect for date night, a catch-up with friends, or even a solo wind-down. The curated wine list is both approachable and impressively diverse, showcasing hidden gems and unique finds you won’t see at your typical wine bar.
Ellen’s Wine Room isn’t just a place to drink wine—it’s a place to make memories, share laughs, and connect with great people. Five stars doesn’t feel like enough for the experience these two incredible women deliver. If you’re in Sanford, this is a must-visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J D
We love everything about this wine room. The wines are phenomenal and at a really good price. The atmosphere is really whatever you feel like. It could be a romantic evening out or a place to meet new and interesting people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrea
I read the previous review by the man named Giovanni. I actually happened to be there that night. It was my first time in Sanford and I was enjoying a glass of wine with some friends. It was quite busy, there was some sort of festival going on and the man walked in and demanded service immediately. The bartender (I think his name was Tim) very nicely told him that were people in front of him, and he would be with him as soon as he could. The man then got very aggressive stating he wanted to be served at that moment. He then went on to say Tim was being disrespectful. The man actually pushed me out of the way to insist that Tim serve him first. Even his wife was embarrassed of him. At no time did the Tim raise his voice. I watched the entire situation unfold. I thought Tim did a great job considering the bar was very busy and was the only one working. Great wines and service. I will be back. Tim recommended some great wines
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Giovanni Gonzalez
Yesterday, March 1, I was at Elen wine bar and we had a very unpleasant experience with the bartender Thom, a very rude, disrespectful person. I asked him a question in a respectful manner and he started yelling at me, saying that I had to wait for me to ask in a violent way, he almost hit me and I couldn't stop shouting. Elen, this type of person working for you is a failure. Don't have that type of employee. Thom, you are disrespectful.funy thing I bring to this place every other weekend more then 4 people to show the place in a good standing sorry Thom you do not deserve me bring you my people there . Check with your doctor I think you need some attitude problems not good for no body around you.
Atmosphere: 3
joann Harbour
Cute little place. Thirsday Ellen cooks! Had a nice evening
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Amanda Kent
This place is great! The gentleman that took care of us was so nice and helped find a Petite Sirah that we would like and didn't try to upsell us. They have a wide variety of wine selections and accessories and are very knowledgeable about their products. We will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paula Costa
Great wine selection and service. Tom is an excellent host who makes you feel at home.
Love Ellen's always a great time great wine selection and Tom is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Apostle Pat
If you blink you’ll miss it. Excellent atmosphere and Tom knows his stuff. Great way to end an evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Todd Sanders
First time and impressed! Amazing drinks and the atmosphere is one of a kind. Imagine an affordable friendly wine version of the cheers bar & friends coffee restaurant vibe, where the owner will sit and laugh with the guest. And Tom is great, kind, helpful stand up guy!! Try this place out
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Wyatt
Ellen's is a gem in Sanford for lovers of wine (and music and special dinners on certain nights). Intimate, beautiful interior surrounded by walls of unique wines. Seating on comfy couches, wine bar or patio. Lots of wines by the glass, and the bottle prices are so good you should just get bottles (including bottles To Go). Some nice beers for beer lovers. Frequent Events on the website, like special dinners and wine tastings. Great live music Fri and Sat nights with Chuck and his guitar. Tom, Ellen, Chuck and lots of regular customers and friends make you feel welcome. We travel a lot and Sanford is lucky to have such a unique place as Ellen's. Highly Recommend, and we will be there whenever we're in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
moni lynn
very cute spot , i loved the live music and my server suggest a nice wine we did
Ellen’s Wine Room is one of those places that leaves you with mixed feelings. On the positive side, they have a good selection of bottles, especially French and Italian wines. The staff is friendly, and the vibe is quirky, there’s always plenty to look at, and it certainly has character. There is music on weekends.
That said, the space itself is not for everyone. It’s dark and cluttered, almost claustrophobic at times. There are two rooms, but the second one doubles as an office and is filled with random items, making only about half of it usable. The amount of “stuff” everywhere is overwhelming, and instead of cozy, it feels a bit chaotic.
The night we visited, the atmosphere was lively with locals, but also a little unpredictable. One man had a large dog sitting in a chair, and a young woman (clearly overserved) started secretly feeding the dog cherries, which can be harmful. When the owner of the dog realized this, there was a scene. Earlier, the same woman had walked in with a shopping bag of jello shots she’d picked up from a bar across the street and was handing them out like she worked there. The whole situation felt strange and not very well managed.
Overall, Ellen’s Wine Room does have some nice wines and friendly staff, but the clutter, tight space, and chaotic vibe weren’t to our taste.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 4
Ellen’s Wine Room has a chill vibe. The Sommelier really knew her stuff and made our group feel welcome/at home. Great Wine, outstanding Charcuterie Board. Would definitely recommend to those who are looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of downtown and want to be able to hear each other talk.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fabulous place
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Ellen’s Wine Room is an absolute gem tucked away in Historic Downtown Sanford—and it’s so much more than just a place to enjoy a glass of wine. Ellen and Syuzanna are the heart and soul of the experience. Their warmth, knowledge, and genuine hospitality instantly make you feel like part of the family. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just learning the ropes, they guide you with enthusiasm and passion, always ready with a great recommendation or a fun story behind the bottle.
The atmosphere is cozy, inviting, and full of character—perfect for date night, a catch-up with friends, or even a solo wind-down. The curated wine list is both approachable and impressively diverse, showcasing hidden gems and unique finds you won’t see at your typical wine bar.
Ellen’s Wine Room isn’t just a place to drink wine—it’s a place to make memories, share laughs, and connect with great people. Five stars doesn’t feel like enough for the experience these two incredible women deliver. If you’re in Sanford, this is a must-visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We love everything about this wine room. The wines are phenomenal and at a really good price. The atmosphere is really whatever you feel like. It could be a romantic evening out or a place to meet new and interesting people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I read the previous review by the man named Giovanni. I actually happened to be there that night. It was my first time in Sanford and I was enjoying a glass of wine with some friends. It was quite busy, there was some sort of festival going on and the man walked in and demanded service immediately. The bartender (I think his name was Tim) very nicely told him that were people in front of him, and he would be with him as soon as he could. The man then got very aggressive stating he wanted to be served at that moment. He then went on to say Tim was being disrespectful. The man actually pushed me out of the way to insist that Tim serve him first. Even his wife was embarrassed of him. At no time did the Tim raise his voice. I watched the entire situation unfold. I thought Tim did a great job considering the bar was very busy and was the only one working. Great wines and service. I will be back. Tim recommended some great wines
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Yesterday, March 1, I was at Elen wine bar and we had a very unpleasant experience with the bartender Thom, a very rude, disrespectful person. I asked him a question in a respectful manner and he started yelling at me, saying that I had to wait for me to ask in a violent way, he almost hit me and I couldn't stop shouting. Elen, this type of person working for you is a failure. Don't have that type of employee. Thom, you are disrespectful.funy thing I bring to this place every other weekend more then 4 people to show the place in a good standing sorry Thom you do not deserve me bring you my people there . Check with your doctor I think you need some attitude problems not good for no body around you.
Atmosphere: 3
Cute little place. Thirsday Ellen cooks! Had a nice evening
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
This place is great! The gentleman that took care of us was so nice and helped find a Petite Sirah that we would like and didn't try to upsell us. They have a wide variety of wine selections and accessories and are very knowledgeable about their products. We will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great wine selection and service. Tom is an excellent host who makes you feel at home.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Love Ellen's always a great time great wine selection and Tom is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
If you blink you’ll miss it. Excellent atmosphere and Tom knows his stuff. Great way to end an evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time and impressed! Amazing drinks and the atmosphere is one of a kind. Imagine an affordable friendly wine version of the cheers bar & friends coffee restaurant vibe, where the owner will sit and laugh with the guest. And Tom is great, kind, helpful stand up guy!!
Try this place out
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ellen's is a gem in Sanford for lovers of wine (and music and special dinners on certain nights). Intimate, beautiful interior surrounded by walls of unique wines. Seating on comfy couches, wine bar or patio. Lots of wines by the glass, and the bottle prices are so good you should just get bottles (including bottles To Go). Some nice beers for beer lovers. Frequent Events on the website, like special dinners and wine tastings. Great live music Fri and Sat nights with Chuck and his guitar. Tom, Ellen, Chuck and lots of regular customers and friends make you feel welcome. We travel a lot and Sanford is lucky to have such a unique place as Ellen's. Highly Recommend, and we will be there whenever we're in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
very cute spot , i loved the live music and my server suggest a nice wine we did
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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