Blue Table Wine & Cheese Bar

At Blue Table Wine & Cheese Bar, a selection of over 60 global wines are poured generously by the friendliest of barkeeps, drawing both sophisticated and novice 30- and 40-somethings to this homey little hideaway nestled in the Whizin’s Center in Agoura Hills. Sip offbeat vino like Chile’s crisp, citrusy Vina Ventisquero reserve sauvignon blanc (part of a $12 flight of three tasters) or bargain gems like an oaky, buttery Educated Guess cabernet ($10 a glass) that hails from Napa Valley, all the while digging into hunks of aged Swiss cheese and truffle salami. If imbibers really like what fills their glass, they can take home a bottle, as well as whatever they’ve been nibbling on. The owner has gleefully filled every nook of the pantry-sized space with all of the essentials for a well-stocked picnic, so you’ll never leave empty handed.

Vitals

Great for: This charming little wine bar is a fantastic place to meet friends for a mellow night out, or to impress a date. There’s a constant buzz of convivial conversation from open to close at this intimate and inviting enoteca, but make sure to get there early—with a cramped space of just a few two-tops, you’ll be hard-pressed to grab a coveted seat at the bar.

The scene: This nook is laid-back and constantly bustling with locals. Some wine bars tend to take themselves a little too seriously, but not Blue Table—this is Agoura Hills, after all. Packed with casually-dressed folks striking up conversation with strangers, it feels like home here—or maybe some neighbor's walk-in pantry.

The playlist: You’ll find none of the typical wine-bar jazz. Without the presence of a sound system, loud chitchat is what dominates.

The bartender says: The joint closes at 10pm, but most stay until 11pm—and that’s understood by the staff. No one’s going to kick anyone out.

Drink this: Wine flights are definitely the way to go. Sip plump and peppery Paso Robles cabernets (three for $14), or crisp and bright sauvignon blancs with roots that span from New Zealand to Chile—all with a superb velvety finish for $12. For a blend, Palmina’s Alisos—a bright and full Santa Barbara varietal—is worth the $13 glass. You also can’t go wrong with any of the six beers on tap (all $5). The Uinta Hop Nosh IPA from Utah and a Mission Blonde from San Diego are two standouts.