The counter-culture destination for wines from small and obscure producers, the DTLA shop is known for an impressive, rotating stock of new and exciting craft beers from malts to beers aged in bourbon and Pinot Noir barrels. "We're like a record store, not a museum," says Jamil Williams, Buzz’s wine buyer. The result: the store stocks its shelves with wines that are "real" (think terroir-focused funk and the like). The wino-punk attitude attracts a young, diverse clientele, eager to try something new.
Good For: End of the week events. The Thursday Flight Nights and Friday tastings ($10-$15) are more of a party than a tasting, and the good times roll well into the night (the store closes at 2am) with great beats and snacks.
In & Out Factor: The store admits that parking is tough Downtown, but on Spring Street there is usually a stray space near the store or more spots a short walk away. The store is also a block away from Persing Square—definitely worth taking a pit stop to check out—and its metro stop.
TOLA pick: Drink whatever Williams is drinking, like a BROC Luna Matta Vineyard 2009 Mourvedre ($31), a Central Coast Rhone varietal that pairs well with cold-weather foods like braised and smoked meats. For beer drinkers, try a something different like brews made from cranberries and cherries to go with turkey dinner.