A Guide to the Best Wine Stores in LA

You're a worldly soul. You know the difference between Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio…or maybe you just want to look like someone who does. Well, if that's the case, you're going to need a little help. And we know just where to find it.

We went looking for the best wine shops in Los Angeles - the ones with the widest variety; the most carefully curated selections; and the most knowledgeable staff. And whether you're looking for an inexpensive bottle of wine to accompany a homemade meal; willing to spend a fortune for interesting addition for your cellar; or just looking to pick up a stellar (but not crazy expensive) bottle of wine for your hostess, you are sure to find what you need at one of these stores.

And be sure to check out their websites for event information. Most of these places offer tastings, classes or other events that will help make you more knowledgeable and look even more worldly to your friends! L'Chaim!

For many Santa Monica-ites, this wine store is a neighborhood staple. From the outside it might look like you're buying wine from the Seven 11, but inside is a very knowledgeable team and a great selection of beer and wine perfect for everything from beach BBQ's to elegant dinner parties.

Wally's is a West Side institution. Phenomenal selection, helpful staff, great prices (and lots of specials!). And if you're looking for great accompaniments, you definitely want to check out the Cheese Box next door!

This slightly larger wine store also has a restaurant upstairs where they do dinners and pairings. The selection might look overwhelming, but the staff is so incredibly knowledegable that they can bee-line you right to exactly what you need. I also love that they sell cheese, crackers and hard salamis imported from Italy. YUM!

Specializing in European wines, this tucked away little store has an amazing selection of wine, but you may want to know a bit about wine already if you go into this store – they don't take particularly well to "plebs".

Quite possibly the hippest wine store you've ever been in. They recently opened their brick and mortar store on Melrose after building their on-line presence and they have some of the most fun tasting events in town. Check 'em out.

They're big, but they know their wine and they are very reasonable.

Flask is a Studio City gem. One of the best wine-tastings in the Valley.

Perhaps the best wine shop on the "East Side," this store focuses on "boutique, small production wine" as well as a really interesting variety of spirits, microbrews and sake. Bonus: Free delivery to Silverlake, Los Feliz and Echo Park on orders of $50 or more.

Red Carpet has a GREAT and incredibly wide selection of wine and beer! Additionally, not only is the staff very informed about their stock, but they're incredibly helpful and super friendly. Their weekend tastings, are a definite must-hit!

Simon at Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese is the sommelier's sommelier. He knows every wine in the shop and is known throughout town as one of the most informed wine sellers in the County. It can be hard to get their attention – mostly because they are SO PACKED with people buying sandwiches – but I challenge anyone to find a more knowledgeable wine seller in LA.

The selection of wine is small, but very well curated. Additionally, it is all selected to pair beautifully with their cheese selections. The staff is so amazing and they host one of the best wine and cheese tastings series in LA. Their Grand Poobah, Norbert, is a wine and cheese rock star on the West Side.