The Best of Long Beach—

Wine & Cheese, Please! – A Guide to Long Beach Pours & Treats

In nearly every corner of Long Beach, you can find a wine bar stocked with interesting selections, from trendy natural wines to fine French vintages and standout sips from California’s top wine regions.

Enjoy a leisurely tasting at one of these local wine bars, or stop in for a bottle and visit a nearby cheese shop to create the perfect spread for a picnic or party at home.

Downtown

District Wine (144 Linden Ave) is a great destination for an evening in Downtown Long Beach, given the couch-laden environs that feel like a comfy den. The staff is terrific with suggestions, and there are lots of tasty small plates to accompany your wine flight, including a dandy selection of flatbreads. And be sure to try their famous prosciutto-wrapped dates with goat cheese.

ZAFERIA

The latest addition to the LBC wine scene, Buvon’s Natural Wine Bar + Shop (1145 + 1147 Loma Ave) specializes in small-production, natural and low-intervention wines, taking special pride in its selection of French champagne and sparkling vintages. You’ll find it just off of Anaheim Street in the Zaferia neighborhood, its front door painted with a whimsical green octopus holding wine bottles. Inside, you’ll find walls of expertly sorted wines; venture in and enjoy a tasting or a rotating selection of wines by the glass. Indoor and outdoor seating offer warm, inviting vibes, and staff sommeliers are happy to help make your selection.

RETRO ROW

A cozy spot that shares a wall with the Art Theatre, Art du Vin (2027 E 4th St) has a lovely outdoor seating area on Retro Row. Specializing in “low-intervention” wines, it features vintages created naturally without additives. Across the street you’ll find Oh La Vache (2112 E 4th St), a French-inspired cheese shop offering cow, sheep and goat cheese. They create beautiful platters with cheese, charcuterie, pickled veggies, and olives, as well as a rotating menu of sandwiches. Down the block, you’ll find a hip crowd at Vine (2142 E 4th), a bar offering natural wine, craft beer on draft, and live music most nights. Their back patio area is an ideal evening hangout.

BELMONT SHORE & NAPLES

Wine on 2nd (5640 2nd St) is a family owned wine bar on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore offering wines by the glass along with small plates and charcuterie boards. Stop in on Wine Wednesdays for 25% off any bottle (join their Wine Club for an even steeper discount), or come on Fridays or Saturdays for live music. Located next to Alamitos Bay, Marina Wine (194 N Marina Dr, Ste 101) is a great place to take in the sunset. With its friendly vibe and cool interior, it has a terrific selection of wine, beer and live music, including open mics. There are even painting classes every now and then. No wonder it’s known for having a loyal, very friendly, customer base.

BIXBY KNOLLS

Willmore Wine Bar (3848 Atlantic Ave) is located in Bixby Knolls, a retail, dining and entertainment hub in the northern part of the city. When Ernie Henson opened his shop a decade ago, he said he wanted it to be an upscale experience with a neighborhood feel. He’s accomplished that by offering not only award-winning wine but tastings and unique menu items like Pastrami Flatbread Pizza and Thai Peanut Chicken. Just up the street, you’ll find The Vintage LBC (4236 Atlantic Ave), offering gourmet cheese and charcuterie boards and a menu of cheese-centric dishes, including flatbreads, salads, and sandwiches. Drop in for a cheese flight and glass of beer or wine, or sign up for one of their classes or tasting events.

Author

Claire Atkinson
Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.

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