Wine Tasting in Los Angeles - October 2006

Since we began our Web site on California Wine Country, we have had numerous requests for recommendations on where to wine taste in Los Angeles. Since we were venturing off to Paso Robles and Santa Barbara wine country, we decided to wander further South to see if we could find places to taste wine in the Hollywood Mecca of Los Angeles.

Through research and friends' suggestions, we discovered four spots we can now recommend to folks who want to wine taste in L.A.

Top Places to Taste Wine in Los Angeles

San Antonio Winery - Los Angeles' Only Operating Winery

This is the one and only winery operating in the city of Los Angeles. Little did we expect to find any wineries in this city. The San Antonio Winery began operation in 1917 and is now in the fourth generation of the Raboli family ownership. Apparently, vineyards once were part of the landscape along the banks of the Los Angeles River. Now nothing resembles a vineyard or a grape in the area. The winery is still making wine, getting grapes from family-owned vineyards in Paso Robles and Monterey. The family also has long-term contracts with various well-known wine growers in California. Besides a tasting room, there is a restaurant and lots of memorabilia posted on the walls that give a glimpse of the wineries past.

wineries in Los Angeles

We found the tasting opportunities to be overwhelming. The winery makes several different brands. We had a difficult time deciding what to try. We ended up tasting about five wines, each from a different line of wines. Some were good, but nothing really jumped out at us. All in all, it is a fun place to visit and, of course, the only winery one can visit in the city of Los Angeles.

The San Antonio Winery is located at 737 Lamar Street in Los Angeles

Silver Lake Wine Shop - Wine Tasting Events in L.A.

Several people recommended this wine shop in L.A. for their wine tasting events. On a Sunday afternoon on this getaway, we attended one of Silver Lake's wine tastings. For $20 a person, we tasted five wines imported from France’s Languedoc region. Each wine was paired accordingly with a tasty appetizer. The wines were described in detail by shop owner Randy Clement, telling us how he chose each wine for the wine shop at a wine tasting in France.

This wine shop focuses on wines from small production wineries throughout the world. They have a very nice selection of boutique California wines. At least three days per week this wine shop offers a wine tasting of some sort. If we lived in L.A., this wine shop would definitely be a favorite and regular stop.

The Silver Lake Wine Shop is located at 2395 Glendale Blvd. In Los Angeles.

wine tasting in L.A.

Vinoteca Farfalla - Los Angeles Wine Bar

This is a very fun and popular wine bar in L.A. Vinoteca Farfalla offers several wines by the glass or one can order a full bottle of wine from an extensive list of choices. One of the issues that all wine bars have is keeping their wines fresh. We noticed at Vinoteca Farfalla that they have dispensers that keep the opened bottles filled with an inert gas that keeps the wine from spoiling. One interesting aspect of this wine bar is the food menu of small plates available. The menu offers both Brazilian and Italian fare. The place is very festive and was crowded on our Monday night visit.

Vinoteca Farfalla is located at 1968 Hillhurst Ave in Los Angeles.

Du Vin Wines & Spirits - Great L.A. Wine Shop

Although, Du Vin Wines & Spirits does not have wine tastings, they do have one heck of a collection of European wines. It’s a neat wine shop, one that rivals any wine shop we have seen for their selection of wines from Europe. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, and not in the least bit wine pretentious. It’s a wonderful wine shop where you can find something for any occasion or food menu. Find something different at the Du Vin fine wine shop.

De Vin Wines & Spirits is located at 540 N. San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood.

Wine Tasting 101: Introduction to Basic Wine Tasting (with Fantastic Wines and Appetizers)
Thursday, March 27

Are you ready to learn the fundamentals of wine? Are you curious as to which wines go with what foods? Would you like to know what types of wines will impress your boss, your family, or your significant other?

Then join TTD‚s renowned wine expert as he answers the what, where, when, and how with regard to wine, including such interesting tidbits as:

the basic differences between the preparation and tasting style of each wine
which wine you want to pick for which occasion
how to tell what wines are overpriced
what wines go best at what time of day
how terms such as "mellow," "dry," and "sweet fortified" are best applied

Each attendee will sample and rate SEVEN different glasses of wine, including

Sonoma County Chardonnay
Gurmisterminer, California Blend
Rosa D‚ Loiodice, Russian River Valley
Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valle
Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
Merlot, Russian River Valley

In addition, light hors d'oeuvres will be prepared , including: Gourmet cheese platters and flat bread; Italian Bread stickers wrapped with Proscutto; Seasonal fresh fruit platter; Toasted Crostini with mozzarella and basil; Margarita pizza with Basil and Mozzarella; Assorted Chocolates and Nuts and dried figs.

Suggested Attire: Smart Casual

Directions: D‚Argenzio Exclusive Wine Tasting bar
1204 West Burbank California
Burbank California

Los Angles area Exclusive Wine Tasting Bar
In The Tuscan Room
Cost: $30.00 if you purchase by 5 pm Friday, March 21.
For more information, visit Things to Do LA