Between monthly mini festivals, electric summer programming and a growing tally of freshly-opened restaurants, Chinatown doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Adding to the momentum—while offering a calm spot for, fittingly, taking a breather—is LA WINE, the new tucked-away, budget-minded wine bar in the heart of Blossom Plaza.
It’s a taste down the coast, a sampling through California wineries brought to the heart of Chinatown by David DeLuca, owner of DTLA’s Ham & Eggs. The cozy, modern spot is an ode to the state’s farmers and vintages, many of whom DeLuca was introduced to during his own stint in Sonoma wine country, where he harvested pinot noir and chardonnay with MacRostie Winery & Vineyards in his early 20s.
“I tried to focus on producers that really represent where they come from,” says DeLuca. “California has a lot of things going on. It’s big and has so many different microclimates. You can think of our regions here almost as diverse as [encompassing] parts of Italy, Germany, France and Spain—it’s that intense.”
Photograph: Stephanie Breijo
To guide guests through the state’s long and varied landscape, he starts his opening menu in Northern California, specifically Mendocino County, then moves slowly down the coast, ending up in Santa Barbara. The format is set up somewhat like a tasting room: Instead of a single glass or bottle from each maker, you’ll find three or four varieties from five or six vintners at a time, giving guests an introduction to the methods and styles of every showcased winery. It’s an opportunity to learn and to sample—especially given the price points.
Glasses range from $9 to $14, with bottles starting as low as $28. Should you taste something you love, DeLuca will sell you bottles to-go, and take $10 off the cost of each. The $5, $6 and $7 beer selection also highlights California—though not exclusively—and happy hour specials make visits even more appealing with select $7 pours and a beer-with-a-sherry-shooter boilermaker.
Those feeling peckish after all that sipping won’t find much of a food menu, though there are bar snacks and $10-ish “picnic baskets,” a smattering of crackers, pickled goods and cheese primarily made by, you guessed it, California creameries. The local love doesn’t stop there: DeLuca’s gone back to his vintner roots, developing and bottling a Sonoma-made wine soon to be served in the new bar under an "LA WINE" label.
“I developed a very deep, personal relationship with California wine and the people who make it,” he says. “Now here we are today, where I terribly miss making wine, I terribly miss the almost formal wine service, and I just wanted to get back into that. I want [LA WINE] to be approachable to anyone; this door is open for anyone, anytime.”
Take a peek inside, then stop by for a taste through California yourself:
Photograph: Stephanie Breijo
Photograph: Stephanie Breijo
Photograph: Stephanie Breijo
LA WINE is located in Blossom Plaza at 900 N Broadway, open from 5pm to midnight Sunday to Thursday and from 5pm to 2am Friday and Saturday.