Where to Drink in LA Right Now

Wine bars LA locals love span everything from moody Los Feliz haunts to sunlit Santa Monica patios — and the scene has never been more interesting.

Here are some of the top spots to start with:

LA's wine bar culture has come a long way. When Bar Covell opened around 2010, it helped push the city past tired cheese boards and generic pours into something more alive — intimate, sommelier-led, and genuinely curious about wine. Since then, the scene has kept evolving: sustainable lists winning international awards, neighborhood shops doubling as bars, and chefs pairing natural wines with everything from Pinsa Romana pizza to Thai fusion.

Whether you want a cozy corner to read, a patio for a long Sunday pour, or a serious list from a certified geek behind the bar — Los Angeles has it.

Wine bars LA word list:

When we look at the landscape of wine bars LA offers today, a few names carry a weight that transcends neighborhood boundaries. These are the institutions that have garnered international acclaim, not just for their extensive lists, but for their commitment to sustainability and the art of hospitality.

Establishments like Esters Wine Shop & Bar and Bar Covell have redefined what it means to drink wine in Southern California. While one offers a meticulously curated retail-to-bar experience, the other famously operates without a menu at all. This diversity is what makes the Los Angeles scene so vibrant. We’ve also seen historic partnerships, like that of Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, whose work at A.O.C. has powered the city’s wine culture for over 25 years.

Opened nearly 15 years ago by Dustin Lancaster and Matthew Kaner, Bar Covell revolutionized the way Angelenos interact with wine. Located on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Feliz, it remains a favorite because it removes the intimidation factor. Instead of scrolling through a massive binder of regions you might not recognize, you simply tell the bartender what you’re in the mood for.

Are you looking for something "funky and effervescent" or "dark and moody"? They’ll find the perfect pour among their 150+ rotating selections. This personalized approach is a masterclass in Cultivating California History: Wine Los Angeles, proving that great wine doesn't need a stuffy atmosphere to be respected.

On the Westside, Esters Wine Shop & Bar stands as a beacon for those who want their wine served with a side of environmental consciousness. In 2024, Esters was named the International Sustainable Wine List of the Year, a testament to their commitment to producers who prioritize the planet.

Esters isn't just a place to drink; it's a place to learn. The space functions as a high-end retail shop where you can browse bottles under $30 or find rare splurges. Whether you’re staying for a platter of local oysters on the patio or grabbing a bottle to go, Esters captures that perfect Santa Monica balance of elegance and approachability.

The "natural wine" movement—focusing on organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention methods—has found a permanent home in Los Angeles. Many of our favorite spots prioritize "skin-contact" (orange) wines and pet-nats that offer a wilder, more expressive tasting experience. As we’ve explored in our discussions with local experts like Kathryn Coker, the philosophy often boils down to letting the fruit speak for itself—a sentiment echoed in Our Grapes Just Need to Have Sex: Kathryn Coker and Adam Huss Talk Wine.

In the heart of the Historic Core in Downtown Los Angeles, Mignon serves as a quiet refuge for those weary of the typical loud bar scene. This cozy spot specializes in boutique, mostly natural and biodynamic wines. It’s an intimate space where you can pair a glass of French-heavy red with gourmet cheeses and charcuterie. They only accept walk-ins, making it the perfect spontaneous stop during their daily happy hour from 6 PM to 8 PM. You can find more details on their website.

Moving over to Echo Park, Bar Bandini has become the quintessential neighborhood hang. It’s known for its dark, minimalist aesthetic and its impressive selection of natural wines on tap. This approach not only keeps the wine fresh but also aligns with the eco-friendly ethos of the natural wine world. Whether you're after a funky chilled red or a crisp pet-nat, Bandini offers a curated experience that feels distinctly "Eastside."

One of the best things about the current crop of wine bars LA is that the food is no longer an afterthought. We are seeing a surge in "food-forward" venues where the kitchen is just as important as the cellar. From the 72-hour fermented dough of Pinsa Romana to the spicy, aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine, the pairings in this city are world-class.

In the Arts District, Propaganda Wine Bar offers a masterclass in Italian-inspired hospitality. Founded by Claudio Villani, who brings experience from Michelin-starred venues, Propaganda focuses on "Vineria Naturale." Their standout dish is the Pinsa Romana—a traditional Roman style of pizza with a crust that takes 72 hours to prepare, resulting in a light, airy, and incredibly crispy base.

With over 20 wines available by the glass and a heated patio, it’s the ultimate spot for an urban food and wine experience - Propaganda Wine and Tapas. Their aperitivo hour from 3 PM to 6 PM is a local favorite, featuring spritz cocktails and artisanal cheese pairings.

If you’re looking to venture off the beaten path, Los Angeles’ micro-neighborhoods hold some of the most rewarding secrets. In Chinatown, Enoteca Del Re is a grassroots, woman-owned gem. The owner has poured 20 years of hospitality experience into this space, focusing on organic and low-intervention wines from small producers who truly care about the land.

Over in West Adams, Adams Wine Shop & Wine Bar is a must-visit. Founded by the late sommelier Ruben Morancy, the shop places a beautiful emphasis on wines produced by women and BIPOC winemakers. It’s a community-centric space where you can enjoy wine flights on Wednesdays or grab a bottle to pair with food from the adjacent Alta Adams. Learn more at their website.

Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a glass of wine isn't at a loud party, but with the company of a good book or a quiet sunset. Los Angeles has embraced the "slow life" movement, with several wine bars catering to those looking for a "main character" moment.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like the protagonist of a period novel, head to 1894 in Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena. It’s a tucked-away wine bar inside one of the city's most iconic bookstores. Similarly, Bar Covell in Los Feliz offers moody lighting that is "total romcom material" for a solo reading session.

For those who prefer the outdoors, Force of Nature in Venice provides a serene setting perfect for deep-diving into a page-turner. Meanwhile, Little Ripper in Glassell Park is open all day, meaning you can enjoy a funky skin-contact wine with your book from brunch until dinner. You can explore their vibe here.

If you’re looking for a more social atmosphere, the "aperitivo" culture is thriving. This Italian tradition of pre-dinner drinks and light bites is perfectly suited to the LA climate. Stanley’s Wet Goods in Culver City is a standout for this; you can post up at the bar for an early happy hour and then browse their market for a bottle to take home. Check out their offerings on their website.

It varies by neighborhood. Downtown spots like Mignon are strictly walk-in only, fostering a spontaneous "oasis" vibe. However, popular Westside and Studio City spots like Cosette Wine Bar or Esters often recommend booking via Resy or OpenTable, especially on weekends.

For intimacy and atmosphere, Bar Covell (Los Feliz) and Bar Bacetti (Echo Park) are hard to beat. The moody lighting and focused service make them ideal for conversation. Mignon in DTLA also offers a very romantic, "hidden gem" feel.

Yes! Many wine bars with outdoor patios are very welcoming to furry friends. Venice Beach Wines is a classic neighborhood favorite for dog owners, and many of the newer spots in the Arts District and Silver Lake offer ample outdoor seating.

The world of wine bars LA is a reflection of the city itself: diverse, creative, and deeply rooted in community. From the pioneering spirits at Bar Covell to the sustainability champions at Esters, these spaces are more than just places to drink—they are where the story of L.A. food and culture is told, season by season.

At Edible L.A., we believe in supporting the small producers, the independent owners, and the sommeliers who make our city so delicious. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just looking for a new neighborhood hang, we invite you to explore the rich tapestry of our local wine scene.

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