A San Francisco wine bar is bringing together the winemaking heritage of Moldova and the culinary traditions of Peru through the personal story of its co-founders, Natalia Morarasu and Joel Arias.
Frenchie Wine Bar, on Guerrero Street between Noe Valley and the Mission, was established by the couple as a neighbourhood venue centred on carefully selected wines, seasonal food and the histories behind each bottle.
Morarasu grew up in Moldova, where her family kept a small farm and vineyards. Her early experiences among the vines helped shape her understanding of wine as part of family life, agriculture and place.
After moving to the United States, she spent almost a decade working in hospitality before joining Arias in creating the bar. Her experience helped inform the warm, informal atmosphere they wanted Frenchie to offer its customers.
Arias was born and raised in Peru and moved to San Francisco after building a career in the city’s restaurant industry. He previously worked at One65 and Foreign Cinema, and later served as wine director at La Mar SF.
At Frenchie, he oversees a list focused on small, often family-owned producers, with particular attention paid to organic, biodynamic and low-intervention wines. The selections are designed to reflect the character of the land and the people who farm it, rather than following short-lived trends.
Frenchie Wine Bar links Moldova and Peru
The food menu is planned alongside the wine list, with dishes intended to complement particular pours. The approach reflects the couple’s belief that food and wine should be considered together rather than as separate parts of the experience.
The bar’s name comes from Dolcetto, the French bulldog Morarasu and Arias adopted early in their relationship. The dog became their first shared responsibility and the symbol of the partnership that eventually led them to open their own business.
Frenchie Wine Bar opened in 2025 and has since positioned itself as a relaxed, community-focused space where customers can explore wines from different regions while also encountering the couple’s Moldovan and Peruvian backgrounds.
