Wine Sips: A Tasting Tour of LA

Carolina Bonetti

Whether you’re a connoisseur or a neophyte, Los Angeles has a selection of wine tasting venues that transform an experience into an art-form. With seminars on the subject presented at DomaineLA on Melrose, and events at Malibu Wines including live music, even veteran lovers of the vine will be satisfied.

Silver Lake Wine 
This small, artisanal wine spot boasts a small production wine list that spans from Portugal and Spain to Eastern Europe, Italy, and even the Southern Hemisphere. In addition to wine tasting, they also host Friday night wine tastings at Barnsdall Park and proceeds go to charity.

Covell
On the east side, this unconventional location carries a massive wine list and a staff that caters to the personalized experience of its customers. In this adventurous setting the selection is provided for based upon individualized taste rather than a wine list.

Malibu Wines
This beautiful vineyard is located on the Pacific Coast highway, tucked aside as the perfect venue for special occasions. On Thursdays the outdoor patio becomes the setting for a movie night, with live music through the weekends and food trucks for your culinary cravings.

DomaineLA 
Open since 2009, this wine shop is ideal for those hopelessly in love with European wines. With two distinct clubs for the avante-garde preference or the traditional, and even a wine blog online, they boast a colorful and idiosyncratic selection of foreign beverages.

AOC
This wine bar pairs your cravings with gourmet tapas selections as a perfect date night experience. You can choose their outdoor seating and allow the cozy fireplace to add to the ambiance.

Vinoteca Farfalla 
Located on trendy Hillhurst in Los Feliz, this small wine bar does not disappoint. With over 200 wines by the bottle, and another 45 by the glass, you’re sure to find your perfect glass. You can catch their happy hour from 4-7pm every day with a great selection of $5-$9 wines and $3-$4 beers. The interior reflects a more sophisticated clientele and you can choose between the elegant long bar and high top tables or their full dinner experience of hybrid Italian/Brazilian cuisine.

Tapas Wine & Bar C 
Downtown has been hiding this eccentric spot between Little Tokyo and the Art District. Located in a strip mall, this wine bar offers the added experience of a giant Santa Claus lurking in the entrance and waitresses dressed as French maids.

Los Angeles Wine Tasting
If you regularly go to wine tasting events and have a craving for a new experience, this website was made for you. They host themed events that allow you to taste wine from different regions while enjoying the entertainment of a special event. You can choose from wine dinners, classes, and soirees to attend.