New San Carlos Hotspot Alert, Rouge Lounge

San Carlos is about to welcome a new wine bar. Rouge Lounge is opening soon at 890 Laurel Street, offering a different kind of experience. Instead of a big grand opening, owners Sema and Steve are taking a slower approach, inviting people to discover the space over time. With this soft launch, Rouge Lounge is setting itself apart. It’s not just another wine bar—it’s a relaxed space for people who want something more intentional and low-key in the local food and wine scene.

A Lounge, Not a Restaurant

Rouge Lounge is not a restaurant in the traditional sense. It’s a curated wine lounge offering fine wines and gourmet small bites in a relaxed, stylish space. “We wanted to create the kind of place you might stumble upon in Europe—comfortable but elegant, where people can slow down and enjoy the moment.” says Sema.

There’s no full-service menu here. Instead, the focus is on thoughtful pairings, conversation, and quality over quantity.

Inspiration from Abroad and at Home

The concept and name were inspired by a recent trip to Paris. “The word Rouge just fit—it was simple, distinctive, and had the European feel we were after.” But the influence goes deeper. The owners, originally from Türkiye, wanted to subtly incorporate personal and cultural elements into the space’s design.

The logo, designed by the owner herself, has a personal twist. “It wasn’t supposed to look like me, but somehow it does,” she laughs. “It makes the space feel more connected to who we are.”

What’s on the Menu?

The wine list highlights a mix of European wines and local favorites, including small-batch selections from Napa and surrounding areas. “We’re working with distributors who specialize in high-quality, hard-to-find wines. That’s important to us.”

The food offering is small but intentional: shareable plates, cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and chocolates—all chosen to complement the wine rather than overshadow it. “It’s not meant to replace a full meal, but it enhances the experience.” As for the full experience? You’ll have to find out once the lounge opens—so watch out for the announcement and be sure to follow them on social media for the latest updates.

A Space with Purpose

The idea for Rouge Lounge began with a personal wish. “We always wanted a place like this to exist—a place to unwind without the structure of a full restaurant. When we couldn’t find it, we decided to build it.”

Their goal for the first year is simple: create a space that feels natural, welcoming, and well-loved. “We hope Rouge becomes the kind of place people return to—not just for the wine, but for the experience.”

Beyond Business, a Commitment to Giving Back

The team behind Rouge is also committed to giving back. Many in the community know the founder through her nonprofit, Fund A Need, and Rouge will serve as a continued partner in that work. “For us, this is about more than business. It’s about building something lasting—with intention, creativity, and connection.”

Plans for Live Music and Events

While the space isn’t designed to be a nightly music venue, occasional live performances are in the works. “We’ve supported the local arts scene for years and plan to continue that here—intimate performances, collaborations, and community events.”

Rouge Lounge also plans to host pop-ups and private gatherings, creating opportunities to partner with other local businesses.

Rouge Lounge

About Us

Rouge is the vision of Sema and Steve Tosun, a husband-and-wife team who set out to create an exclusive wine lounge inspired by their love of European culture and connection.

Designed to feel like your favorite hidden gem abroad, Rouge offers a regal yet relaxed experience with a curated selection of fine wines and gourmet bites. It’s a space to unwind, reflect, and savor—right here in San Carlos.