LAist: Wine Novice: Starting Out Slow

Broken

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 20:41:44 -0800

Ya, a whole article series that started because of me. @Andy: I have had a few Temecula wines and so far I have not been impressed with them. I have not had the ones you mentioned however and will at some point have to make the trek back up there for them. I did however have one out in Escondido, Belle Marie that was quite outstanding, but a bit high priced. Callie, I hope you can remember those two wine shops you took me to that had quite the selections. I cannot unfortunately, it has been sooo long. You will need to take me around to all the new places you have been to next time I come up.

samkim

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:01:38 -0800

is the new bodega in santa monica open? i ve been meaning to check it out but im broke...

harrybeanbag

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:35:51 -0800

Wine Expo off of Santa Monica(and Berkeley, I think? Somewhere in that neck of the woods). Check it out, the guys that work there are crazy nice, informative, and have great recommendations.

fabooj

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:26:21 -0800

Sternberg is reading my mind! Every place I was going to suggest he already did. We met Chris at Mission Wines and he was probably the nicest wine vendor we've ever met. Since I've moved to the eastside, I've discovered a number of good wine shops/bars in the Pasadena area: Chronicle Wine Cellar: If the sign is out, the place is open. That means in the past 10 months, we've managed to find it open about 4 times, but it's been worth it. The Nose Wine Cellar good wine, though the guy (owner maybe?) who is there usually could stand with an attitude adjustment. And a suggestion, do not ever, never, ever take suggestions from the guy at Gerlach's on Fair Oaks. Every wine we've bought from that place on his suggestion has been utter piss.

Carrie Meathrell

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:23:56 -0800

ooooh...Andy just gave me a great idea...LAist road trip to Temecula! We can do one of those wine-party busses. And how about the Baron Herzog winery in Oxnard?

debaser

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:04:12 -0800

i know the day is quickly approaching when charles shaw is no longer acceptable to offer company, so i look forward to this journey!

Andy Sternberg

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:44:09 -0800

hmm. Some great wineries in Temecula if your bro is up for a little day trip and some truly great California wine. My favorite winery is the smallish Palumbo Family Vineyards. Yum. Also, Frangipani is a nice spot to end a day of tasting... beautiful outdoor space and some good old world juice. And when in South Pasadena, visit Chris Meeske at Mission Wines and talk wine -- he was previously sommelier at Patina and Charlie Trotters among other fine spots. That said, I have to mention my two fave tasting shops -- Silver lake Wine and Colorado Wine Co. in Eagle Rock.