Thirsty? In the last month, a new crop of wine bars has opened around town. Here are three spaces for an after-work sip or an evening of entertaining.
1. Opened in late April, Pourtal combines the traditional wine bar concept with a self-service tasting room, allowing guests to sample wines at their own pace. The venue features 40 varieties for tasting by way of Enomatic machines—the dispensing systems popping up everywhere—and an additional 20 wines available by the glass. All wines are available to purchase by the bottle for drinking on the spot or for takeout. Wines rotate frequently. For events, wine director Peter Birmingham can design custom tasting tours and can work within a theme, such as organic or local wines. There are three large flat-screen video displays to use for video clips and signage. The space is available for buyouts and can host tastings for 20.
2. This month, Culver City wine bar BottleRock opened a second location downtown, inside the Metropolitan Lofts building, steps away from L.A. Live. BottleRock downtown is a magnified version of the original wine bar and retail store. The new space occupies 4,000 square feet and offers a wine list of close to 1,000 selections, an extensive beer list that includes a dozen different microbrews on tap, and a full open-air kitchen manned by executive chef Jared Levy. All wines, bottled beers, and beverages are available for take-home purchase as part of BottleRock’s retail shop. For events, there is additional courtyard space in the Metropolitan Lofts Building. Total seating capacity at BottleRock downtown is 124. Outside seating will be available in summer 2009.
3. Opened early this month, Barbrix is a wine bar built in a former house, creating a cozy, homey atmosphere. The venue has a square bar in the front where seating is available on all sides. Outdoor seating on the patio offers views of the Silver Lake hills. There is a small 40-seat dining room with rustic dark wood chairs and tables. An open kitchen in the back has counter seating so guests can view and chat with the chef, Don Dickman, while dishes are being prepared. Menu items feature smaller tasting dishes meant for sharing, made with seasonal ingredients from local farmers markets. Many of the wines offered are from lesser-known producers from around the globe, including choices from Slovenia and Croatia, all under $50 a bottle. With a capacity of 120, Barbrix is available for special events.
