WINE TO GO

Bar & Garden, Culver City

Culver City has long been in need of a great wine retailer, and Bar & Garden delivers. The shop, named for purveying wine and spirits in addition to a collection of ultra-hip mounted staghorn ferns and airplants, focuses on small production organic and natural wines, both domestic and Old World. It’s also the perfect place to outfit your home bar; the assortment of small batch tonics, bitters, and shrubs is truly enthralling.

Silver Lake Wine, Silver Lake and DTLA

For more than a decade, Silver Lake wine has been improving the palates of Southland residents. The wine retailer set up shop in the now uber-trendy Eastside neighborhood of Silver Lake, long before suspender-wearing mixologists and bearded baristas were slinging beverages. One of the first to promote small-production, boutique wines in Los Angeles, they continue to uncover great wines with remarkable stories.

Domaine L.A., West Hollywood

Jill Bernheimer is intensely selective about wine, which means you’re one step ahead of the game. Her retail shop, located in a strip mall on

the border of West Hollywood and Hollywood, prides itself in finding great wine outside the antiquated points system. Domaine L.A.’s slogan, “More Wine. Less Attitude” is an apt description of Bernheimer’s approach: find grower-producers who are offering quality and innovation, and stop trying to impress with labels. Pop in for one of many tastings on offer throughout the week, and stock up on their killer selection of rose and sparkling wine

Buzz Wine Beer Shop, Downtown LA

Rounding out our To Go list is Buzz Wine Beer Shop. Located in suddenly trendy DTLA, Buzz shares some of the energy and vitality of the burgeoning downtown food and wine scene. The wine buyer at Buzz focuses on wines from sustainable vineyards and isn't afraid to bring in less well know varietals. There is a wine/beer bar in the back of the store with a rotating selection of bottles to taste. They also host special tasting events there once a week. This is a great place to stop if you are looking to explore new wines or just want a cool place to stop for a glass of wine.

WINE FOR HERE

Augustine Wine Bar, Sherman Oaks

This intimate, vintage-obsessed bar from the team behind Bar Covell, is a casual neighborhood spot for intermediate to advanced wine drinkers. Peppered with early 20th century artifacts like a 1912 upright piano and a 1938 Royal typewriter, the wine menu reflects a charming, bygone-era theme. Augustine offers an incredible selection of vintage wines, with a handful available by the glass. But time travel doesn’t run cheap -- vintage glasses are between $20-$125. To be fair, it’s not really something you’re just there to knock back. Bring a friend, split the glass, geek out, and follow up with one of 75 options by the glass.

Marvin, Beverly Hills

Variety is one of the great features of the wine selection at Marvin on Beverly Blvd. The quintessential neighborhood bistro offers a full spectrum of styles and price points, with a European focus. There are only 20 wines available by the glass, but they all are carefully chosen carefully and delightfully approachable. From the bemusing aluminum can-decorated ceiling, to the casual outdoor cafe tables, this quirky, homey bar is just the place to grab a glass and call it a day.

A.O.C Winebar, Beverly Hills

As far as wine in L.A. goes, you don’t get more classic than a visit to A.O.C. wine bar. 15 years ago restauteur Suzanne Goin introduced Angelenos to the “small plates” concept that now defines the way we eat. Goin’s partner Caroline Styne is responsible for A.O.C’s award-winning wine list which includes 50 wines by the glass, both domestic and international. It’s the perfect place for a chic urban wine experience.

Bar Covell, Los Feliz

If you want options, Bar Covell in Los Feliz has a staggering 150 wines available by the glass. The trick is, there is no exhaustive menu for your to peruse. In order to find the right wine for the occasion, you describe what you are in the mood for to one of the bar’s knowledgeable staff, and they make suggestions. It almost feels as if, instead of picking a wine, the wine picks you. The innovative approach requires you to step outside the comfort of a familiar label and get you closer to what’s in the bottle.

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