Where to go wine tasting in Los Angeles

Long before natural wine was all the rage, Jill Bernheimer’s Melrose shop had cultivated a fierce and extensive collection of pétillant naturel, a.k.a. pet-nat. From bottle to bottle, this class of wine varies in effervescence and offers a host of funky flavors and aromas—though, if you’re no stranger to this city’s wine bars, you probably know this by now. For tastings, Sunday is the day to go, when Domaine uncorks five to six wines from a given growing region or country, or perhaps a particular style. The atmosphere is laid-back and conversational, so bring a friend or two and hang or pick up your favorite for your next social gathering.

When: Sun 2–5pm
Cost: $15 for five tastings
Reservation needed: No
Snacks: No

Though this stylish Santa Monica wine bar typically sells wines by the glass alongside a full food menu, it also offers tasting all day on Sundays curated by in-house sommelier Randall Middleton, plus the opportunity to try a different rare and vintage wines each Monday evening. On Sundays, tasting includes a flight of four wines and a small cheese pairing; exact bottles for each event can be found on Esters’s online calendar.

When: Sun noon–9pm, Mon 4–10pm
Cost: $25 on Sundays, $25–35 per glass on Mondays 
Reservation needed: No
Snacks: Yes

This national chain with locations in Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Pasadena, Northridge and Woodland Hills has “total” in its name for a reason—it carries everything from bargain bottles to high-end magnums. Each week, Total Wine hosts sampling hours, where guests can try up to five different wines, with exact bottles changing on a weekly basis. About once a month, Total Wine also hosts $20 wine classes, though these sell out online two to three months in advance—so plan and book ahead for something a little more substantial. 

When: Thu 2–6pm, Fri 2–8pm, Sat noon–6pm
Cost: Flights cost a nominal single-cent fee (it would be free, but state laws dictate that retail shops must charge something)
Reservation needed: No
Snacks: No

Known for its truly impeccable selection of international wines, this upmarket Beverly Hills wine bar with a second outpost in Santa Monica offers occasional ticketed tastings—check their website calendar for future dates. The number of wines offered vary, but it’s generally never less than four wines and it could be as many as nine or 10. The focus is often on one region, or a broader theme like “eclectic,” and is usually led by a vintner or other knowledgeable industry representative.

When: Varies
Cost: $50+, depending on event
Reservation needed: Yes 
Snacks: Yes

Directly off the 405, this wine lover’s paradise in West L.A. offers a newly opened upstairs restaurant (the Wine House Kitchen) as well as a warehouse of wines organized by country with countless varieties and a wide range of price points. From time to time, the Wine House hosts scheduled tasting events; previously, the shop also had an automated in-store tasting dispenser, though it remains closed until further notice. 

When: Varies, but typically after store hours—see the Wine House’s classes and events page for more details.
Cost: $45+ 
Reservation needed: Yes
Snacks: Yes

One of three locations in California (the others are in Redwood City and San Francisco), K&L’s wine selection in Hollywood is global by design but heavy on French, Italian and Californian staples. The selection of bubbles is divine—you’ll find everything from well-known champagne producers to sparkling wines and cava from smaller houses. Each Friday tasting includes a selection of five wines, while Saturday tastings often feature up to 10. 

When: Fri 4–6pm, Sat 3–6pm
Cost: $15–45 
Reservation needed: No
Snacks: No

Though this locally run shop with a focus on ethically sourced, more sustainably produced wine has other locations in Silver Lake and Echo Park, only the Arts District flagship offers Thursday evening tastings of unique wines alongside three cheese pairings. Though the tastings are currently on pause until February 2023, interested parties can then buy tickets online and RSVP once they're being held again.

When: Thu 5–8:30pm
Cost: $25 
Reservation needed: Yes 
Snacks: Yes, cheese and charcuterie

We know, BevMo! is kind of the Barnes & Noble of this list, but chains carry good wine, too. Each location offers their own flight options for wine tasting, and while there’s no lounge atmosphere or mood music, these tastings are ideal if you’re looking to discover a bottle to bring to a weekend dinner party. Tastings will vary by location, but usually include five to six wines.

When: Fri 4–7pm
Cost: 5 cents per flight
Reservation needed: No
Snacks: No.