Before we all go off for a glass of wine, here are some simple definitions:

Wine Bar — a place to have a glass of wine.

Wine Tasting — sample wines of a type (as in, all Chardonnays, but from different wineries or from a different country) or a region (say, different wines from all over South Africa). Among other places, you might go to a wine bar for a wine tasting.

Wine Shop or Department — a place where wine is sold. You might have a wine tasting and/or class at a wine shop.

Wine Pairing — you can do this at some wine bars or restaurants having wine events or at wine shops having the facilities to do this type of event. Some wine bars and wine shops may hold these jointly with a restaurant. A wine pairing simply lets you enjoy wine along with exceptionally tasty and wine-compatible food.

Wine Dinners — the full boat of food and wine: many courses and their appropriate wines. Obviously, these are held at a place with a great chef, and Long Beach has many of these.

Wine Classes — held in wine bars, shops, etc. The best ones have exceptional people to teach the classes — these may even include a wine pairing.



Attending all the wonderful establishments offering these events may be my life’s work; however, limits and constraint were required so that you could read about them here. It’s up to you to explore and enjoy.

Wine bars include the truly funky 4th Street Vine. This no frills former storefront business offers different reds, whites and a selection of imported beers. The service is both personal and friendly. The wine served is also available for purchase by the bottle, making this place a bar/tasting/shop combo with emphasis on Wine Bar.

Visiting on a Sunday, the chalkboard offered Sangria as well as reds and whites. Two visitors from Fullerton were disappointed that the Sangria had been consumed before their arrival, but told me they loved the Crush, saying that they felt they were “hanging out in a friend’s garage.” Parking isn’t easy, but then driving wouldn’t be recommended if you enjoyed hanging out for too long at this cool place. Enjoy the original art on the walls and the expertise of Evan, my host for the afternoon. The Chardonnay/Viognier blend Evan poured for me was excellent, and the prices are terrific.

Naples is, of course, home to Morry’s of Naples, a bar/shop/pairings combo. Opened originally as a wine shop, it has grown and evolved over the many years of operation. Moreover, we have learned they are continuing to evolve.

Today, you can shop as well as visit their “back room” for a glass of any number of fine wines. You can pair the wine of your choice with some lovely appetizers or “appe-teasers” prepared by their wonderful chef, Cynthia Madrid. This woman can really cook. Wine flights are offered, and wine events include specialty food and wine duets guaranteed to please. There are also beer and cheese pairings, for dates that prefer foam to finish. If you haven’t experienced the ambiance of the Backroom, you have missed something very special.

As of this writing, the evolution process may include a second Morry’s location in downtown Long Beach, as well as a Naples metamorphosis.

Across the street from the main Long Beach post office on Redondo sits The Wine Country. Providing ample parking and an easy in-andout location, this giant wine, beer and spirits shop is nevertheless staffed by very friendly and wonderfully knowledgeable people usually found in smaller sized establishments. The vast inventory is laid out by country of wine origin, and then by type. Seasonal wines such as rosés or sparkling wines may be prominently featured, as are sale items. Gift items to complement any purchase are also available.

Wine tastings are a Thursday evening feature. “Our tastings not only let you know which wines you like, but tell you which you don’t like,” said Ronnie Grant. Wine classes are informative and definitely make up for the lack of décor. Classes are held covering wines of a region, wines presented by the wine master of the winery, and wines by type.

Their web site, regularly updated based on current stock, allows you to shop on your own for the wine fitting both your taste and purse. Information on tastings, classes and wine/food events is available by visiting the shop or signing up for e-mail notices. Special note: at this writing, a Port and Sherry tasting/class will be held this fall. A first come-first served principle applies, so check it out and check in soon.

Without driving or even walking very far, we are very fortunate to be able to wine and dine in style. Great and good places to enjoy a glass, a bottle, and friendship, can be found all over town. From L’ Opera to Delius and from Ferraro’s Cucina Italian to Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, wine complements and completes each experience. Onestop shopping from bottles to boxes is available at our supermarkets (many of which have managers who know their stuff). So, taste, learn and enjoy — Long Beach has it all.



Vin de Pays
252 Elm Ave.
562.495.4499
vindepayswines.com


The Wine Bar
250 W. Ocean Blvd.
562.590.5300
lbwinebar.com


Ristorante daVinci
2801 E. Spring St.
562.685.8113
davincilb.com


Brix Wine Bar
16635 Pacific Coast Hwy.
562.592.3167
brix4wine.com