Los Angeles, a city known for its sunshine, celebrities, and vibrant culture, also boasts a thriving wine scene. From intimate, dimly lit cellars to chic, modern tasting rooms, LA offers a diverse range of wine bars catering to every palate and preference. This comprehensive guide explores 27 of the best wine bars the city has to offer, categorized for easier navigation. This list considers factors like wine selection, ambiance, food pairings, and overall experience to provide you with the ultimate Los Angeles wine bar experience.
Exploring LA's Diverse Wine Bar Landscape: Neighborhood Gems & Hidden Havens
Finding the perfect wine bar in a city as vast as Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the best spots by neighborhood, highlighting unique characteristics and making your wine-tasting adventures easier. We've included options for every budget and preference, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Westside Wine Wonders:
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The Tasting Kitchen (Venice): Known for its farm-to-table cuisine and extensive wine list, The Tasting Kitchen offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Their carefully curated selection features both California and international wines.
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Barrique (West Hollywood): This stylish spot provides a refined ambiance and an impressive selection of wines by the glass and bottle, focusing on both Old World and New World varietals.
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Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. (Santa Barbara & Los Angeles): While primarily a brewery, many locations also feature a carefully selected wine list, often highlighting local Santa Barbara County wines. Their outdoor seating is a highlight.
Downtown Delights:
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The Walker (Downtown LA): Located in a historic building, The Walker offers a sophisticated setting with a knowledgeable staff and a diverse wine selection.
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Cole's (Downtown LA): A historic landmark, Cole's also has a solid wine list alongside their famous French dip sandwiches. The ambiance is classic and relaxed.
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Everson Royce Bar (Arts District): Known for its eclectic atmosphere and artistic vibe, ERB offers a well-curated selection of wines to complement its creative cocktails.
Hollywood Hills & Beyond:
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Gracias Madre (West Hollywood): This vegan Mexican restaurant boasts an impressive tequila and mezcal selection but also offers a well-chosen list of organic wines.
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The Spare Room (Hollywood): A high-end cocktail bar with a bowling alley, The Spare Room also features a curated wine list to match its luxurious surroundings.
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Lucques (West Hollywood): This renowned restaurant, with a focus on Californian cuisine, possesses a beautifully curated wine list highlighting California wines and international selections.
Coastal Cool:
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The Lobster (Santa Monica): While seafood is the main attraction, The Lobster's wine list is surprisingly extensive, featuring a good range of white and red wines to pair with their fresh catches.
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Wine Bar George (Disneyland Resort): While technically in Anaheim, it's close enough to LA and worth mentioning. Wine Bar George is known for its extensive wine list and educational approach.
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Malibu Farm Pier Cafe (Santa Monica): This picturesque beachfront location offers beautiful ocean views and a curated wine list to complement its fresh seafood and California cuisine.
Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences:
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Osteria Mozza (Hollywood): A renowned Italian restaurant with a truly exceptional wine list showcasing the best of Italy's offerings.
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Pali Wine Co. (multiple locations): This popular urban winery boasts multiple locations, offering a relaxed setting to taste their own wines alongside a selection of others.
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No Vacancy (Hollywood): A unique spot with a speakeasy-esque vibe and a carefully curated wine list to match its intriguing ambiance.
Expanding Your Wine Exploration:
The following bars provide unique experiences or cater to specific preferences:
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Rustic Canyon (Santa Monica): Farm-to-table dining with a strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
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Gwen (Hollywood): A butcher shop and restaurant, Gwen offers a surprisingly excellent wine selection to pair with its high-quality meats.
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Pitchoun (Beverly Hills): A charming French bistro with a cozy ambiance and a well-chosen French wine list.
Beyond the Usual Suspects:
Discover new favorites in these diverse venues:
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Republique (Mid-City): Known for its stylish interior and upscale menu, République offers a strong wine program featuring both Old and New World wines.
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Bestia (Arts District): An acclaimed Italian restaurant with a very good selection of Italian wines to pair with their flavorful dishes.
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Gjelina (Venice): Popular for its wood-fired pizzas and Californian cuisine, Gjelina also offers a strong wine list to complement their menu.
Exploring Different Styles:
The next selections cater to specific styles:
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Natural Wine Bars (various locations): Several bars in LA focus on natural wines, a growing trend emphasizing minimal intervention in winemaking. Search for "natural wine bars LA" to find the latest options.
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Wine Tasting Rooms (various locations): Numerous wine tasting rooms throughout LA offer a chance to sample wines directly from smaller wineries. Check local listings for current options.
Expanding Your Search:
These suggestions can help in your quest:
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Use online resources: Explore websites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and OpenTable for reviews, photos, and menus.
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Check local wine publications: Los Angeles magazines and blogs often feature articles on new wine bars and tasting events.
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Ask for recommendations: Talk to local sommeliers, wine shop owners, or friends for insider tips.
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Explore different neighborhoods: LA's wine scene is spread across various neighborhoods, so venturing beyond your usual haunts could lead to exciting discoveries.
This guide is just a starting point. Los Angeles's wine bar scene is constantly evolving, so be sure to explore and discover your own personal favorites! Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the journey of exploring LA's vibrant wine culture.
