Heather Platt

In our eyes, a truly great L.A. wine bar has to have three out of four of these things: A thoughtfully curated bottle list, delicious food to go along with it and a stylishly low-key  ambience that pointedly doesn’t turn into an absolute madhouse on the weekends. (We’re looking at you, Voodoo Vin and El Prado.) Part of the appeal of wine bars is the ability to strike up a conversation with a knowledgeable bartender, so our list excludes fairly crowded wine bars that are better known as places to see and be seen rather than destinations for those who appreciate (or perhaps want to learn more about) wine.  Though the atmosphere at these spots run the gamut from relaxed to slightly pretentious, the complex varietals you’ll sip on will more than make up for whatever’s missing. Whenever you’re not in the mood for yet another upscale cocktail den or a rowdy brewery, these amazing wine bars will be more than happy to pour you a glass. RECOMMENDED: Where to go wine tasting in Los Angeles 

Husband and wife Chris and Christy Lindgren Lucchese own and operate this Glassell Park wine shop and bar. The spot opens in the early afternoon, convenient for those picking up a bottle for dinner or stopping by for an afternoon pour on the lovely enclosed patio. The menu doesn’t stop with its curated selection of cheese and charcuterie: Seasonal plates like heirloom tomatoes and burrata, homemade pasta bolognese and duck breast with German potato salad make this a one-stop date night destination.

The romantic patio at this Valley Village gem is the ideal place to drink a selection of California and French wines. Complete the night by pairing your pours with New York Strip steak, Niman Ranch pork chops with black lentils, or a variety of other savory options from their robust dinner menu.

This giant Beverly Hills wine store is both a formidable New American restaurant, bustling wine bar and an all-around scene. Dine on the patio and admire a 35-plus page wine list that’s heavy on French and California selections, though Oregon, Spanish and Italian bottles are also available. As far as wine bars go, Wally’s food is top-tier with a robust menu from executive chef Ryan Kluver that includes everything from duck to rack-of-lamb to Wagyu steak in a variety of forms (massive 36-ounce bone-in Tomahawk, anyone?). The Beverly Hills crowd is well-heeled and on any given night, fit for celebrity sightings.

With its bright yellow upholstered booths, hand-crafted cocktails and airy 7,000-square-foot multi-faceted dining room, Soulmate fits right in with the party culture of West Hollywood. But the fun doesn’t distract from the food: Chef Rudy Lopez (formerly of the NoMad Los Angeles and José Andrés’s Mi Casa in Puerto Rico) brings a Spanish Mediterranean menu that highlights the best of California produce.