Whether you’re a Tourist or a Townie, there’s always something different and fun to do in the Los Angeles area. But the cost of fun in the City of Angels can add up fast. Below is number 15 in a series of 25 things to do in Los Angeles that will cost $25 or less.
California is known around the globe for its world-class wines. If you’re an oenophile and are visiting Los Angeles, you probably will have a yearning for some of the best of that poetic, thought-provoking vintage. But just because you’re a wine-lover, it doesn’t mean you have deep pockets. One way to satiate both your palate and your wallet would be to “taste” wine, rather than buy a full glass of wine or a bottle in a restaurant where the vintage may be substandard and definitely overpriced.
The Wine House on the city’s Westside is one of the best places in town to buy wine. What’s more, they have an automated in-store wine tasting area. You can select among their 32 different current offerings, ranging from $1.00 for 2012 Brassfield Serenity (California), 2011 Oliveras Altos De La Hoya (Jumilla) or 2011 Tormaresca Neprica (Puglia) to $5.00 for 2010 Vieille Julienne Trois Sources CDP (Rhone).
Now remember, this is not a full pour; it’s just a tasting. But the beauty of that is if you don’t like a wine just pour it out into one of the buckets provided. You’ve only spent a dollar or so. When you find a wine you really like, why not go in for a second pour? If your budget will allow, you can buy a bottle of the wine right there in the store. It’s not such a gamble since you’ve already tasted it and know you like it. Take a bottle back to your hotel room, and you’ll enjoy an excellent beverage without the tremendous mark-up at a hotel or restaurant.
Wine Tasting Hours:
11 AM to 6 PM Mon thru Sat
12 PM to 5 PM Sunday
The Wine House also has a line-up of more formal tastings and wine classes. These are fairly expensive. But occasionally, they have a lower priced tasting, such as the In-Store Tasting with Giorgio Rivetti of La Spinetta on Friday March 14 for a mere $15.00.
The Upstairs 2 Restaurant, just up the stairs from the ground-floor-level store, offers amazing dinners with wine. Zagat Surveyors ranked it one of the “8 Best Wine Bars in LA”. OpenTable diners named the restaurant one of the Top 100 “Notable Wine List” in the United States, the only restaurant in LA to earn this distinction.
Again, if you have to be careful with your budget, watch for some of the special dinners that include wine, such as Chef’s Whim on Thursday, March 13. It’s only $25 per person plus tax and gratuity. You’re sure to have a memorable evening without going broke. Reservations are a must.
The Wine House and Upstairs 2 Restaurant are located at 2311 Cotner Avenue, Los Angeles, right next to the 405 Freeway. Parking is free in the upper level lot behind the store. Store Hours are:
Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday open until 8 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
For more information, check their website at http://www.winehouse.com/.
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 1
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 2
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 3
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 4
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 5
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 6
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 7
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 8
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 9
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 10
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 11
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 12
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 13
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 14
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 15
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 16
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 17
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 18
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 19
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 20
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 21
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 22
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 23
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 24
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 25