Where To Celebrate National Wine Day In L.A.
“My only regret in life is that I did not drink more wine.” –Ernest Hemingway
National Wine Day is May 25, which means the sound of glassing “clinking” will be heard from coast to coast. Whether you are a bonafide vino connoisseur or just a casual sipper, it’s the perfect day to indulge in some bold reds, crisp whites or even try out some exotic oranges. And while Los Angeles isn’t exactly known as the wine capital of California, there are still plenty of fabulous wineries and tasting rooms ready to pour their hearts out (and more). Check out a few of our favs below.
Wally's Beverly Hills
The only thing better than the people watching at Wally’s is their wine. A favorite of countless celebs, this sophisticated Beverly Hills staple boasts a list of over 100 wines by-the-glass for guests to explore from all over the world, plus a mouthwatering menu of gourmet bites. While there is a westside Wally’s in Santa Monica (plus a Vegas location), the 90210 outpost is really the toast of the town, encompassing a luxury cheese and wine shop and spirits retail store within an elegant yet casual restaurant setting.
447 N Canon Dr., Beverly Hills @wallysoffical
San Antonio Winery
San Antonio Winery is a historical landmark in DTLA and a family owned institution since 1917. At this hidden gem, guests can sip wines from the family’s estate vineyards at The 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro, take a tour of the winery and learn the rich history of winemaking in Southern California. Guests can also dine among the wine casks in the Maddalena Restaurant featuring fresh gourmet Italian entrées.
737 Lamar St., Los Angeles @sanantoniowinery
Rosenthal Wine Estate
Just steps from the beach in Malibu, Rosenthal Wine Estate is the only wine bar and tasting room on the Pacific Coast Highway. The Rosenthal and Surfrider wines found here are derived from grapes grown in a scenic valley four miles inland, 1,400 feet above the coastal fog known as the AVA Malibu Newton Canyon. At the beachside tasting room, you’ll find what only can be described as a day drinker’s delight, complete with an exquisite garden patio with ocean views. On the weekends, Rosenthal features live music and food trucks, although guests are welcome to bring their own food or picnic.
18741 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu @rosenthalwines
Mirabelle Wine Bar
Nestled north of Hollywood in Valley Village, Mirabelle Wine Bar is the brainchild of vino vets David Gibbs and Nick Caballero of Augustine Wine Bar in Sherman Oaks (which is sadly closed at the moment due to a fire). The upscale yet chill spot boasts a low key, dim setting adorned with deep blue booths, plus a charming outdoor patio. In addition to an eclectic wine list, Mirabelle offers small plates, cheese charcuterie, craft beer and daily happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Oh, and their Sunday Oyster brunch shouldn’t be missed.
12518 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village
Urban Press Winery
A boutique winery in downtown Burbank? Sign us up. Urban Press Winery was opened in 2017 by Giovanni D’Andrea who started making California craft wine almost 20 years ago out of his garage in Los Feliz. Today, Urban Press guests can feel transported to a bustling tasting room in Italy inside a space designed with beautiful red brick, reclaimed wood walls, stunning chandeliers and a sun-soaked patio. This year on National Wine Day, Urban Press is offering 35% off all bottles while dining in. Score.
316 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank @urbanpresswinery
Vinovore
Sure, everyone knows their astrological sun sign (and let’s be honest, their moon signs, rising signs etc.) but do you know your Vinovore Spirit Animal? Perhaps you are a big and bad Bronze T Rex who has a thirst for huge reds, or maybe you are an elegant Silver Fox who has a nose for crisp, briny and mineral wines. You may even be an exotic Orange Tiger whose curiosity leads them to unexpected skin-contact wines and rosés. Find out at Vinovore, now with two sip-and-shop locations in Eagle Rock and Silver Lake, offering up all natural, women-made wine you just have to get your paws on. This beloved wine retailer, which also offers nibbles and thoughtfully curated women-made items from local and international artisans, is not only good vibes all around, but they are also knowledgeable AF when it comes to all things vino. Check out their podcast Winesplaining which peels back the layers of the women’s journeys that are shaping the wine business.
Silverlake: 616 N Hoover, Los Angeles
Eagle Rock: 4627 York Blvd., Los Angeles @vivovorela
Bodega Wine Bar
Not a wine connoisseur? No problem. Bodega is a comfortable neighborhood spot in Santa Monica to relax and share some vino with friends. With the ethos that wine doesn’t have to be taken so seriously, this spot has an approachable yet impressive bottle list, tasty shareable snacks and a fun happy hour five days a week offering $8 wines.
814 Broadway, Santa Monica @bodegasantamonica
Melanie Restaurant and Wine Bar
Self described as “a foxy little W. 3rd St restaurant, wine bar and burger joint,” Melanie Restaurant & Wine Bar is a bustling spot in the Beverly Grove neighborhood. Giving off moody café vibes, décor elements include vintage wine bottles fashioned on steel-piped shelves, dimly lit Edison bulbs and votive candles. Indoor seating options include the cozy, brown leather-upholstered banquettes and “MWB” engraved wooden two-top tables, as well as the white Carrera marble wine bar. There is also a treś chic outside patio area. On the menu, the wine program has an emphasis on wines from France and Italy and is built to allow for a regular rotation of new wineries and varietals to be offered. While you are there, be sure to try their famous Melanie Burger made with two patties, pepper jack cheese, arugula, onion jam, melaioli and pickles on potato roll.
8310 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles @melaniewinebar