The Colonial Wine Bar

Time Out says

Tue Jan 1 2013

This intimate West Hollywood, colonial-themed wine bar (formerly TiroVino) from sisters Mary Anne and Carolyn Reyes boasts gorgeous antique lighting, velvet chairs and cozy banquettes with a global wine list and food menu. Susan Brink of Venokado wine shop has developed a rotating and seasonal wine list that focuses on family-owned vineyards. Grab a lounge chair at the back of the dining room or in front of the cellar and, on warm nights, opt for the enclosed patio.

Vitals

Good for: Take a trip to wine country in the heart of WeHo with a list favoring two-ounce pours. Translation: Wine-lovers can try a diverse set of wines.

The scene:  Weekends see well-dressed Angelenos congregated in groups, while dim lighting and velvet chairs make for a romantic, weekday date spot. Take advantage of happy hour from 5-7pm when $12 gets you three small plates paired with wine or beer, the perfect segue for a lighter dinner of more shared plates—try the creamy, flavorful risotto with mushrooms ($12) and don't miss the cheese plate of generous portions for $15.

The playlist: Every so often a live two-piece jazz band will serenade the room into an impressionable atmosphere fit for romantic evenings and special nights out.

The bartender says: Stay tuned for a wine maker dinner series.

Drink this: Try the 2006 Aster Ribera del Duero Tempranillo ($16), a powerful, well-balanced wine with soft tannins and a pronounced nose of blackberries, spice and cedar, or 2009 D. Bouissiere, "Les Amis" ($13), a Grenache/Syrah/Merlot blend from Gigondas, France that’s a personal favorite of the owners. There’s also bottled beer, sakes as well as a few rotating beers on tap, like Silly Scotch ($10), a red-brown bitter ale and California-brewed Scrimshaw Pilsner ($7/pint).  

By Jonathan Cristaldi