Small cozy little spot where a bottle of wine will not break your bank account. Cool art, great live music. "See the live 60's soul review when they do it. So much fun." Â A really cool place for a low key hang. That is unless the afore mentioned music is going on. Then you'll be shaking it.
Review Source:My unbiased review with lack of "colorful words" was removed so, I'm posting a new one because this place needs to get the praise it deserves. I'm going to be on my best verbal behavior as not to piss off any Yelpers. This bar embodies that "sense of community" that a lot of places have lost over the years. It is hard to enjoy an establishment built on fake smiles and talk that will generate the most tips - this place does none of that. It isn't pretending to be something it isn't. Some of the reviews that list things such as the band that night not fitting the ambiance. Well, I'd suggest coming here on multiple nights because it only solidifies the uniqueness that this place encompasses. It's not the same old piano, or the same old screaming - it is different bands, and different voices, and not all of them are perfect but they're embraced by everyone. Bars are a dime a dozen, especially in Long Beach, but on that same token, they are all the same. They have the same specials, the same obnoxious drunk girls, and if I hear another song by "Fun." again, I WILL kill myself. This isn't that bar! I have noticed that some of the issues that people have are with the bartenders talking to regulars. Well, do you ever wonder why a bar seemingly has so many regulars? Maybe you should talk to one of the bartenders and find out. Also, they have a pretty great selection of things to drink. I know it's unfortunate that they don't have PBR specials and box wine, but, hey, no one is perfect. If this bar changed even slightly, I would be very sad. If you hated it once, give it a second chance. If you hate it again, I'll buy you a beer. And by that I mean, a can of natty light, because you have poor taste and clearly suck. Just kidding..ish.
Review Source:Dear 4th Street Vine,
I had a fantastic time drinking 2 pours of yummy Lambrusco in a perfectly chilled glass whilst relaxing on your couch with my man and some friends. It was a great time despite the awful racket the live entertainment was creating that evening. I also appreciate that you have quite a few beers available for those who are not wine enthusiasts. Sorry that my boyfriend spilled a bit of my wine on your floor.
You carry Brachetto d'Acqui, which is my absolute favorite vino in the entire world and I can guarantee I will be back soon to scoop up a bottle.
My only complaint? So much Tempranillo on the wine list! To each his own....glass. ;)
4th Street Vine is a nice breath of fresh air in a town overpopulated by sketchy bars.
Cheers!
Moi
Get there early for a seat and then stay for hours drinking! We got seats at the bar and the bartender Richie was great! He was really knowledgeable about different wines plus had the patience of a saint as we practiced scanning wine bottles with our new app Vivino! There was a guy playing guitar which added to the great atmosphere. Â They could use a few more seating areas.
Review Source:They people that work here are horrible! They yelled at my friend on his birthday because we ask for suggestion on their best red wine and she served us a white wine and then tried to make us pay for both the drink we actually wanted and what we didn't want. Stay clear of the lady with red hair working the bar.
Review Source:Man I lived in Long Beach for 28 years and never been here before, that is until last week. Â Pretty cool spot that had some live music which I really liked (2 acoustic guitars jammin away). Â Also they have bottles of "The Duchess" which is one hell of a beer. Â Thanks for the service Jim! It was good times man.
Review Source:SANGRIA SUNDAYS!!!
delicious. or try a wasted turtle. half sangria half sour ale! they have a great selection of both amazing beers and wines. also the bartenders are super legit on the few occasions I've been. never rude when I've got a question. i recommend it for anyone looking for a different spot on 4th street.
My husband and I were driving down 4th street on our Date Night, when we stumbled across this little jewel. The first thing we noticed was the store front, which is complemented by the unique door. We really appreciated the openness of the bar. We both agreed that the art was not our taste but we appreciate the fact that it is nicely displayed. Â The whole place resembles an old loft in downtown LA, complete with beautiful brick wall, and polished concrete floors. Â Surprisingly on a Monday night there were lots of people, which we liked. And the music was spectacular. The wine I chose was really good, even better than I had expected for the price, which was much lower than any of the other wine bars in the area. The beer my husband chose was an ipa that the bartender recommended. Â My husband loved it. The bartender came to us initially and took our order and then delivered it. Â I got up to get another glass of wine myself,because the bar was full and he was obviously busy and the only one serving.
If you're looking for a place for good, reasonably priced wine and beer, this is definitely the place for you! We really enjoyed the music on the night we went (blues) but I suggest you call ahead and find out who is playing, in case you don't like that type of music.
My girlfriend and I were visiting long beach for a dinner later that evening and decided to grab a glass of wine somewhere nearby. We are originally from the area and had never tried this place before. Upon arriving we found a limited selection, less than welcoming service and a bartender more concerned with making conversation with his visiting friend than tending to any customers.
The environment was cold and unwelcoming. The wine tasted as if it had been sitting out all night, and judging from the fact that it was mid-afternoon on a Sunday and it wasn't very busy and I was poured the last of the bottle, it very likely was.
Unfortunately, I dropped my glass and the bartender rudely came to sweep it up without offering if he could get me anything else. (Not that he needed to give it to me for free, but he didn't ask if I needed anything else)
All in all it was a very unpleasant experience. One of the worst wine bars I've eve been to. I'm surprised so many people on here gave it favorable reviews. I'm normally not too picky, but this place really disappointed.
i have been here a few times since my last review. Each time, the service completely lacked to the point where we were completely ignored the last time we came here. It seems to me they are more interested in hanging out with their friends than their other customers. Maybe if I were a regular it would be different but experiencing this the last few times will have me going to other places.
Review Source:So many things to love about this place:
- great beer!
- cheap wine night on thursdays
- patio!!
Things to not love about this place:
- on busy nights it is almost impossible to find seating
- such a random thing to complain about, but when you are on the back patio the light from the rest room flashing on and off as people use it is super distracting. Maybe they could forcefully leave it on?
But clearly you can see the good outweighs the bad. I have never been on a night with live music, just because that isn't my thing. But I really do enjoy this place and it has a much higher capacity than the lovely Art Du Vin half a block down on 4th. So I for sure come here when I'm with a larger group.
Check it out, I think you will enjoy it. :D
The coolest underrated hangout on 4th street. Eat before coming here and just enjoy Free entertainment (call ahead) and get your drink on. Definitely a must if you love drink deals. Cute outdoor patio on the back. Interesting and somewhat affordable artwork lining the walls. Â Jim is great! Keeping it local!
***Extremely small bathroom, only one for the whole place. Make sure the door is locked!
Caveat: one visit only.
Beer was decent but not spectacular; they were out of the wine my friend wanted (perhaps taking it off/crossing it off the chalkboard would have been a good idea?.) Â The wine she ordered had a terrible nose and didn't taste much better. Â We all tasted and agreed it was between ew and meh. Â She left a third of the glass behind when we left (we aren't hugely fussy; I've never seen her leave an unfinished glass of wine before.) Â Not a big selection of wine; and nothing I recognized.
Service was polite, but more akin to regular bar service -- not what I usually expect at a wine bar (enthusiasm, suggestions, a little information.)
We weren't a big fan of the band playing (they were a little too loud for the size/type of venue -- aka obliterate conversation level -- and they weren't very good.)
Seating wasn't very comfortable for a wine bar and the art wasn't my cup of tea (a lot of it looked like Target-style home decor stuff to me), although my friend liked one of the pieces a lot.
A big part of my two stars is probably due to my preferences/taste -- I prefer a cozy wine bar, and a vibe more suited to conversation than music (music's great, as long as you can still hear the person sitting next to you.) Â But the wine and service didn't counter that, so I feel like two stars is about right for now.
Verdict: For me, it was a two-star experience, but I can see how others with difference preferences might like it more. Â I might go back on another, slower night to see if I liked it any better.
Meh, I've Experienced Better. Â The Place has a weird layout_see Paul F review-
like they did not plan on where to put things, they just ended up there. Â Empty wine boxes in the back bar area and in front. Come on-clean up before you open, you have until late afternoon! Â
The women working HAS NO customer service.  I over heard some say, "she is just that way,"  Well, get out of the service indusry.  Wine was ok, Beer was good. Food. NOPE.  Saw the trader Joes Cracker box  behind the bar too, Hmm. NO thanks I can get that at home. Â
Why 2 stars, Â Service and wine.
Jim and Sophia are the dopest, hands down. Â You get friendly, hands-on service, no matter how much of a train wreck you are, either in personality or approach to personal hygiene. Â And who doesn't dig $3 Thirsty Thursday in this economy? Â I'm a huge fan, for sure. Â Local LB bands Wednesdays and anytime you get a chance to hear Thor perform, it's quite the treat. Â
There really aren't enough exclamation points in the world to do this place justice.
I was expecting something totally different based on the reviews and the name of this place. I guess I was expecting a wine bar in the traditional sense, and that is not what this place is. Walking in I was surprised at all the open floor space and the lack of seating given the space they had. I was also surprised that they had very little wine on display, just a small set of shelves near the rear of the bar. the furniture/seating in this place seemed like an afterthought... Like someone said hey our patrons might want to sit down while they have a drink. The two large beverage coolers behind the bar looked out of place.
I asked about flights and I was told there were two flights, one featured wines from Preston, a California winery and the other flight was an assortment of  wines from around the world. The wines of the world was the better of the two flights. The first Preston wine had a bit of an odd nose (odor), at first I thought maybe the glass wasn't clean, but I discovered that this was a characteristic of all the Preston wines.
The service here was actually pretty good, no complaints. I just can't get over the fact that I felt like this was more of a place to come have a beer than a glass of wine. I can see how this place would appeal to some, just not me.
i don't come here often enough and always say that every time I go. Great vibe. Great live music. Love the art rotation. The owner guy is really nice. There is a younger bartender was a little slow and not really with it.
Great wine selection and great beers too. Loved the outside area (when i smoked).
The cheese plates is yummy too.
Cool art. Â Decent beer. Â Wine seems good too. Â Less hipsters and annoying early-20s crowd- though they do filter in. Â Quaint, quirky art. Â Mostly I like 4th Street Vine. Â They do not keep very regular hours though it seems. Â They also close too early for my taste on the weekends, and when they rush me through my last round it makes me sad. Â Oh- and they have one uni-sex bathroom that is small and always has a line for. Â I've never used it and I am thankful for it, it seems a little creepy even if the glass on the door is frosted.
I need to check this place out in the day. Â I like it, but sometimes I am annoyed by it.
Looking for a place to meet up with friends, have a glass or two, a snack and some conversation? This is the place. I have walked by 4th Street Vine more than a few times over the past year and finally had a chance to go in an enjoy the experience last night. It was an overdue visit, and a place that I will return to, for sure.
Plenty of seating, great lighting, relaxed atmosphere, and open-beamed ceilings add to the ambience of this great little wine bar in Long Beach's Retro Row. Not to mention the warm greeting and smile of Vine's owner, Jim, who is eager to offer suggestions or information about the wine and beer selections. Yes, beer selections on tap as well, something for everyone!
I met up with some girlfriends for an after-work drink. We took a few minutes to look over the options and make our comments. A glass or a bottle, cheese plate or meat plate? Although the wine selections may seem slightly limited, they were certainly good quality. We decided on a bottle of Malbec, the cheese plate and the meat plate. All were delicious and complimented our chat-time very nicely.
A glass ranges in price from about $7-10, while the bottles can go for up to $35 or so. There was also a flight offered of four pours for $12, which seems like a good price for the quality of wine.
Looking forward to coming back for some live music and a chance to experience the outside patio that I have heard about.
Last night, my girl and I decided to finally check this place out. We walked straight to the menu chalk board. Decided to each get the "$10 Spanish wine flight" (which was great). Placed our order with the som/owner and did our rounds. The toughest decision for us was picking a spot to sit. I highly recommend the bar, but there are several seating areas that seem pretty awesome all around the bar. Â
Owner seems down to earth and we will defiantly go back.
This place is a great little treat for Long Beach, and a great start for a night out with friends. Thank you 4th Street Vine for a nice change from our daily routine.
Go here if you like GOOD QUALITY beer and wine. You will love this place after your first drink.
There really aren't any negative about this place. Â The beer is yummy, some of it rare and har-to-find, and all of them are strong and will do the job of getting you buzzed while tasting great. Same goes fro the wine.
I should have reviewed this place sooner as the hubby and I have been coming here the entire time they have been open (about 3 years now) and, yes, the fine wine that they sell, this place just gets better and better. They have expanded the patio in the back which is really cool. Â
The owners are great and they are more than happy to accomodate you with whatever drink you may want. They know their shit- which I love. I hate it when a bartender/waiter/ whoever- works- there doesn't really know about the product. Â Trust. They do!!! They always have a great selection of wine and beer which frequently changes so stop by often.
Just go here. Trust me. You will love it. You will return.
4th Street Vine is a quaint artsy little wine bar on retro row in LB. Â They have live music that sounds more coffee house than wine bar (which I loved) and a crowd of cool peeps just chilling and having fun among friends. Â I wouldn't be surprised if everyone in there was a regular. Â It felt like I was at a friends house. Â The feel is very casual and relaxed. Â They don't have a huge wine selection and only sell cab. by the bottle (random) but I ordered a French white and was happy girl. Â Nice patio, plenty of seating, very cool chill crowd, dope part of town-- yeah, I'm a fan. Â
This place gets extra points cuz the bartender bares a striking resemblance to the character Sam Merlotte from True Blood. Â :)
.., 4th Street Vine offers 3 of my favorite things in life. Tasty beverages, music, & FOOD!
Artsy modern set up w/ a great selection of beers. Not too many from what I had seen (remember),but they were all top notch.
My gf Diane & I hosted our friends Luz & Chris from out of town. Our friend Jessica had also accompanied us, as we set out to taste the Bacon Mania truck hosting the nights incredible edibles.
We had met one of the owners whom I believe is a husband & wife team. I'm pretty sure the husband had said his name was Jim. If it isn't, I apologize good sir, for a buzz was already in my drivers seat.
I was happy to have a Le Cheuffe again. We tried Old Chub for the first time & that set me over the top. The prices are decent, but mind you, there is a $10 minimum. The drinks we purchased ranged from $7-$20ish.
There was an indie duo consisting of a female on the cello, & a male on his guitar jamming out. They did an awesome job, I really dug their music.
Good times indeed. I love how they host a food truck on the weekends w/ a live band to accompany the classy comfortable ambiance this place offers. We will be back soon! Salut!
I don't know about this place...
The wine was a bit pricey $10ish compared to the selection at Art Du Vin across the street, $7ish. Also, I don't think they have any appetizers which kinda sucks.
When I came there was a girl performing some live music and she was great.
What was bothersome was the setup of the space... it just was not conducive to socializing and having a nice time. It seemed a bit stuffy and frigid to me since there was only one small area with chairs for lounging and you had to walk through a narrow area of people standing around to get to the bar. In my opinion, the space could be used much better if someone put some thought into it.
They also seemed to be understaffed as there was only one guy serving drinks and he was not very nice.
What a great place! Â And I am so fortunate to have it in my 'hood. Â
I've come here for different events throughout the past year and I have really enjoyed myself everytime. Â Its a chill vibe and there is really good affordable wine/beer. Â My friend's art was displayed here, they have had events in the back parking lot area which they close off or even for a gathering of my friends to celebrate the new year. Â Awesome. Â Great job on such a local place! Â I'd have to agree with Christopher B about the starkness of the place. Â Its a place I recommend for a group or a friend that you want to catch up with. Â It might not be poppin' but that's not what people come here for. Â Its a perfect venue for good wine/beer and being chill. Â I'll definitely be back.
Sunday $8 unlimited mimosas... Yes. Unlimited.
So I met up with my meetup group here for mimosas... Yum.
I've only heard good things about 4th street Vine but now that I know Sundays are unlimited mimosa days. Â I might become a slush. He's really heavy handed with the champagne pours. Like your drink is 80% champagne... They are delicious.
So we brought our own bread a cheese and he graciously cut it for us. Just be aware that you MUST share with him. And he's so nice... Why not?!
The place is so cute and intimate, perfect for a quick date stop, or a chill day with the homegirls.
They also have a beer selection just in case you have a man you need to worry about. Â The vibe here is so chill. Like not once did I feel like I was in a snooty wine bar.
Evan (?) the owner actually encouraged me to drink more mimosas... He told me I need to get my moneys worth and well... You don't have to tell me twice.
Sundays is Ipod day. So if you pride yourself on your playlist skills you should hook it up. Literally.
I will most defininetly be back here. Â Such a cheap fun on a Sunday thing to do. And FYI I had 4 mimosas.
A friend invited us to check out her art display at 4th Street Vine. Â It is a cute place but feels a bit empty. Â We went on a Saturday night and were able to score seating. Â Overall it wasn't too busy for a weekend night.
The tastings were good but no nibbles. Â Like no cheese or crackers to break it up. Â They did have a giant cake on the counter that looked like bday cake but no one offered anything. Â
It has a lot of potential but something about the whole thing felt empty. Â I did like the selection they had for the tastings and that it wasn't typical.
This amazing space is all anyone could want in a neighborhood wine bar. Not only do they sell wine and beer for you to purchase and take home, you can also hang out and have a glass there if you're having a bit of cabin fever. In fact their exposed brick wall and lovely lighting almost inspires the cabin fever just so you can hang out a while longer.
They also support cool happenings such as a live jazz trio on weekend nights and truffle and wine pairing classes. I'm kind of a sucker for truffles, and for wine so this is pretty much a no-brainer for me.
The selection they sell is pretty varied too. I even saw a sparkling shiraz in there - the first I've seen since moving to California so you know I had to get a bottle.
It's a wonder I remember the name of this place. Why's that? Oh, because they kinda got me drunk. How's that? With their very generous $12 wine tasting flight.
They do wine and beer - accompanied by some very beatnik live music on this particular Friday night - in a small but open, exposed brick walled space that makes you feel like you're anywhere but Long Beach. Brimming with a friendly eclectic crowd, it actually reminded me of some of my favorite wine bars on the east coast. A very good thing indeed. If you happen to be local, they also double as a little neighborhood wine shop with classes and events, like an upcoming truffle tasting.
So how did I end up on my way to boozy town? Well, killing a little time before dinner and feeling indecisive per usual, the very reasonable four wine tasting flight sounded like the perfect answer to my conundrum. That is, until I realized the tasting pours were closer to 4oz than they were 2oz. This isn't the kinda thing I'd typically complain about, but after my quite quaffable first glass of a dry riesling blend, enjoyed in quick succession by a second glass of Dolcetto D'Alba, I quickly realized I may as well be doing shots. Knowing I had about five minutes to get through two more tastings I requested a very light pour on the third, a merlot, something I'm not usually a big fan of, but it was so spicy and peppery and jammy and luscious I told her to go ahead and fill 'er up.
I may have had to throw in the towel on number four, but next time, that entire flight will be mine. Mine, I tell you!
Let's start the review this way: I really don't know shit about wine.
I know it comes from grapes, but I'm not one of those "let it breathe" types, nor want to pretend to be.
I can tell the difference between red and white, but usually, when I go down to Utopia (another fine Long Beach establishment), I tell them what I want, and they recommend. Most importantly, they don't feel like I'm a stupid idiot, and I give them a big tip. That's how it works.
The same deal here. I tell them what I want, they recommend. They don't make me feel like a stupid idiot, and I buy more wine there. That's how it works.
I'm easy -- remember who I am, treat me with respect, you get five stars on Yelp!
That's a great deal, considering they remembered who I was (last time in, I purchased Queen of Hearts, which is a Pinot Noir that was wonderful and another chardonnay, which was also good). Last time in, I picked up another red and white, and they recommended some good choices.
This store is about my speed: a good wine selection where most of them are in the $10 - $25 range so I don't feel like one of those sheep at Trader Joe's. And I get to support a wonderful Long Beach business in the process.
I just wish it was closer to the Noodles and Beer place, so it could take more of the hipsters' money.
$3 glass of wine on Thursday!! Â Where else can you get that? Â
How could I not know this place was here?? 4th on Vine located on the busy strip of 4th Street among the hip vintage stores. It's a small wine shop with a bar in the back where you can get wine of course, or get a beer if you're so inclined.
The guy working the bar, Evan was so friendly and welcoming!
"Oh you're Evan. Did you know people wrote about you on Yelp?"
"Really? What's that? Did they say good things?"
"They said wonderful things about you. You should really check it out."
Then I launched into my Yelp monologue about how it's such a great site and a big promoter of small business and that because of Yelp I discover lots of little hide-aways that I wouldn't know about otherwise. I should get some sort of Yelp Ambassador of Goodwill t-shirt or something. Â Can someone at HQ hook-up a sister?
Then Evan responds "Oh, then I like Yelp. I'll have to look into that."
Don't ask me about what kind of wine they have. By the time I got up to walk around and look at the selection, I was too toasted to remember what I was looking at. Although I did enjoy my $3 chardonnay....
Seriously, $3 for a glass of wine on Thursday!
We totally crashed this place on Friday night.  Eight of us stroll in at 10pm hootin' and  hollerin' for some wine and belgium beer.  Those fancy schmancy folks sitting with their legs crossed on the sofas didn't even see it coming.
Evan was our wine guide. Â He kinda rocks. Â He described each of the wines he had for the evening, and talked with us about each one as we drank up. Â
My new favorite wine is Cabernet Franc. Â Go and ask for it.
So I wasn't paying much attention to the fancy folks sitting on the sofa, but I do remember bitching about the lame music.
Me: "I thought the world's largest elevator music company went out of business... why are we listening to this shit?"
Evan: "Someone complained about my punk rock earlier, so I had to change it."
Me: "Well, they're not here anymore, are they."
Seconds later my favorite Gypsy Punks were blasting on the P.A. and we're dancing a jig around the joint (carefully, of course, not to spill my wine).
Anywho... we've discovered some pretty great wines here. Â The Lucas and Lewellen Cabernet Franc, as mentioned earlier, is my new comfort wine, and they have a sparkling red that is amazing. Â And it's cheap! Â 10 to 12 dollars for a tasting is doable for anyone, even in this economy.
So if you're in for some casual wine tasting, this place is radical. Â Don't worry, the jigging isn't ordinary... and I apologize to those who had to witness it.
What really got me interested in this new wine bar is that you can get a tasting of four wines for only $10! For the "super tasting," which is $2 more, you can get a tasting of a dessert wine. Awesome deal.
We went on a Saturday night and sure enough all the seats in the small seating area were taken. Boo. Even though this was a tasting I still like to enjoy my vino whilst seated. Beer, I'll stand up for but cocktails and wine are best enjoyed sitting down since you've got to savor them.
Fortunately, the man behind the bar, Evan, was sooo nice and accommodating and brought out a couple of leather arm chairs from the back room, which I think is a storage room as it wasn't prettied up.
The wine bar also has a patio in the back and a bar area that has room for some bar stools but apparently the city won't allow that. Something to do with there being a school across the street. Yeah, I dunno what that has to do with anything. Mean, ol' city. You also can't take your wine glasses into the wine store area in the front of the space and you have to carry your wine bottle purchases out of the store in shopping bags. So many rules!
But the wine bar deals with them the best they can and still manages to make it a great place to enjoy some vino on the cheap in a relaxed, low-key setting.
Because of the close quarters it was easy to strike up a conversation with other patrons. This night we chatted with a couple who had just happened by the wine bar on their day of wandering around Long Beach and stayed for the tasting.
Anyhoo, the owners of 4th Street Vine are a husband and wife team -- Jim and Sophia. He admittedly doesn't know much about wine but he does know Belgian beer, thus the impressive beer selection here. Mmm, Grand Cru! She is the wine expert, thus the delicious and affordable (cheaper than BevMo!) wine.
The tasting itself was awesome in that the pours were considerably generous and I managed to get quite buzzed at the end of it. Good thing bf's place is within stumbling distance of here.
The wines we tried:
  * Stone Paddock Sauvignon Blanc: My least favorite of the bunch. Kinda bitter.
  * Mont Albano Merlot Refosco: I LOVED this one. A very smooth finish, very light.
  * Entrecepas Riserva Rioja: This was so buttery. It actually smelled like a buttered popcorn Jelly Belly but fortunately didn't taste like one. Very smooth but almost watery.
  * Stama Zany Zin: I love Zinfandels in general so appreciated the full body of this wine.
I was going to buy the Zany Zin ($17) but ended up with a bottle of Matanzas Creek Pinot Noir ($20) since that's a wine I've been on the lookout for at my favorite wine shops and haven't been able to find anywhere! And online I've seen it priced for $26-$35. "Come back and let us know what you think of it," Evan said. They only had two bottles of it and I guess haven't tasted it yet. I also purchased a bottle of Buffalo Belgian Stout because it just sounded so yummy considering I loves me some stout.
If you're hoping for a bit of nosh with your wine you're welcome to help yourself to the small plate of cheeses at the bar.
I have passed by this place so many times and finally came in here yesterday afternoon for a peak. We were strolling the shops on 4th and decided to pop in here for a glass. I phoned another friend who lives down the street to meet up... Location is perfect but there is another wine bar just further down the street..
My friend and I skip on the tasting and decided on a South African wine... Which was amazing.... There is not enough seats in here however... But, I must say I like the vintage decor that they have in here..That's probably why I love it here... This place turned out to be the meeting place.. Once our first group of friends left we decided to just chill chat and enjoy the Sunday afternoon.. Then we get phone calls and friends end up meeting us here.. The wine bar soon began to get packed. Oh,. they have a private room in the back that is reserved for private parties.. Oh, the restroom here was very clean and smelt nice... The guy that was working was nice and had a nice beard.
Perfect decor.... Love the brick walls and it's funny I don't recall hearing music.. Perhaps if they don't have it they should... Just for back ground noise.. I will be back for sure..
Trying to help out the local shops lately...believe me, it was tough to skip the Trader Joe's cheap-ass-wine-as-gifts aisle. Economy sucks for all (I think? Except maybe for PDiddy? and GWBush? vomit.) and I want this place to stay around, so this shop got my dollars for wine shopping 2008. Â
Not really a wine drinker...but I picked up some great bottles for my friends at this lovely little shop. Since I know nothing about wine, the owner graciously helped me. Poor thing...my lame attempt to help her: "Oh I think I need to get a fruity bottle and a not-so-fruity bottle?" Yeah, lame...I am totally aware of that. Still got my list checked off and was happy to support this shop.
Probably a great place to stop at when 4th Street does their monthly street celebration...shops stay open late...music...BOOZE...you know, just good ol neighborhood fun. I think it's the first Friday's of each month? Or is the the fourth Fridays? I can't remember. Just pull over when you see the oodles of people crawling that block of Long Beach.
Sorry, peeps, but I'm a bit baffled as to why -- within less than a block no less -- Â there are two wine bars. Â Don't get me wrong: I love wine, I think it's great (bring on a good cab or barolo). Â But in a city that doesn't issue new full-bar licenses (hence why so many restaurants here only serve beer and wine), I don't see the point in ANOTHER wine bar, particularly on 4th Street. Â
The place is quite unpretentious; I will give it that. Â The dude behind the counter was chipper and welcoming. Â It had some good wines that aren't stretching the wallet (check out the Big Ass Cab from Napa or the San Vito Chianti -- great wines at a good price). Â There aren't any heavy players (Justin, Silver Oak, Hoopes, Flora Springs) and I suppose that is refreshing... But why bother when you can hit up the Wine Crush and get cheap and luxurious buys? Â And even further, why bother when you can walk ten steps over to the wine bar at the Art Theatre and at least get some grub with your vino? Â
Pick it up, Vine, and you might have something good on your hands that can outshine the mini-wine bar down the way and out-save the more expansive wine bar on Broadway. Â Get some food pairings. Â Add some more couches in the front as it would be great to sip on wine and people watch instead of being in the back corner. Â Simply liven it up.