Slideshows

First Look at Wine Expo’s Tasting Room, Opening Next Week in Santa Monica

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It’s been a long time coming, but the oenophiles at Santa Monica’s Wine Expo are finally ready to open their wine and cheese tasting room next week. They’ve scrapped plans to use recycled wine barrels for tables, replaced by granite and wood tops, but are including a landslide of specialty foods to create a destination for food and drink lovers of all stripes. These tequila aficionados will stock Mexican coke and Jarritos, as well as artisan sodas, natural mixers, and Italian mineral waters in what they’re calling their “West Wing.” Kern’s nectar will be used in Bellinis, while all food products like hot sauce and spreads are sourced from Viola’s Gourmet and Venice-based All-Spice Cafe. The business seeks other local companies to supply non-perishable products, with the promise that fridges will be installed for fresh foods “after the holidays.” All this in addition to curated wine tastings, salumi, cheese, and the usual personable service that these guys are famous for. Check out our slide show of the space and prepare to start drinking here next week upon opening.

First Look at Wine Expo’s Tasting Room, Opening Next Week in Santa Monica