Temperate climate. Wise, passionate people. Surroundings of natural beauty. The briny scents of sea air and a sense of place. These are all essential to making a fine wine. Yet, they are also the essentials of a memorable night around a great bottle.
We rounded up our favorites for popping a cork in West Hollywood.
V Wine Room
There are more than 90 wines by the glass, tasting flights, elaborate cheese platters at V Wine Room, and you have the option to purchase everything “to-go” if you’d rather enjoy at home.
The toughest-to-please people in your life will be impressed both by the staff knowledge and the selections. International wines are promoted on Tuesdays, the winemakers are in attendance every Wednesday and on Thursday, Happy Hour goes until 9pm.
903 WESTBOURNE DRIVE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
310-339-9202, VWINEROOM.COM
Tower Bar at The Sunset Tower Hotel
The elegance of the Art Deco décor, a flickering fireplace, intimate booths, and dim, romantic lights––there’s just something about the Tower Bar that makes opening a bottle of wine an imperative. The list here offers hundreds of options, including half bottles of white, red and Champagne, as well as plenty of home-state pride from Napa and Santa Barbara. Did we mention that on certain nights of the week, they have live Jazz?
8358 SUNSET BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
323-654-7100, SUNSETTOWERHOTEL.COM
Tesse
Tesse is a wine enthusiast’s paradise. First, they offer half-glass pours, allowing you to “adventure through the list.” It features extensive old-world options, from Italy and France, a bevy of Grüner and Riesling Germany and Austria, as well as a nice showing from America. You can also purchase a bottle at their adjoining, ultra-inviting wine shop, Boutellier, with half off of corkage, or, bring your own to pour.
Fun Fact: A Boutellier was the gentleman who held the keys to the King’s wine cellar in the France. You’re guaranteed to unlock the best bottle to complement Tesse’s menu of modern European cuisine. The list ranges from $15 to over $1000.
8500 SUNSET BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
310-360-3866, TESSERESTAURANT.COM
Zinqué
Zinqué a fine place for that celebratory afternoon, where you want to splurge on a nicer bottle, like a 2008 Bodegas Montecillo “Gran Reserva” from Rioja or a Krug Brut Grande Cuvée Champagne. Refined, but beautifully raw, the décor includes high, wood-beam ceilings, charred cedar and rough concrete, and daily Sangrias are also worth perusing.
8684 MELROSE AVENUE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90048
424-284-3930, LEZINQUE.COM
Jones
A classic Chianti and a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs in a classic sauce is something we often associate with a sleepy night in. However, at Jones, the combo pairs with an uplifting soundtrack. “Our wines are perfect for any night out. “If there is a night when you want to have one glass and listen to some Led Zeppelin, we got you. If you want to have three Malbecs and play Tom Petty? We got you. Our vibe is whatever you want it to be,” offers Bartender Matt Gannon.
Jones is also arguably the best place to end a night out. You can eat a post-midnight dinner, or dive into their famous apple pie for two with a glass built for either occasion.
7205 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046
323-850-1726, JONESHOLLYWOOD.COM