How to Choose a Wine Store in LA

Because my interest in wine was spurred by visits to a Boston wine shop, it's only fitting that I review Los Angeles wine shops.  It's a topic that comes up often enough and, although the Internet provides other options for purchasing wine, there is something special about meandering around a wine shop, and asking the staff and other buyers about any new discoveries.  My list is not exhaustive and does not include Bev Mo, Beverage Warehouse, or any new monster stores, because I don't shop there.

The Big Four - I've spent a lot of money over the years at these stores; some have special relationships with local and direct-import European wineries, plus carry wines of the rest of the world; all have good, knowledgeable staff.

Wally's is homey; it's more cramped than the others in the Big Four, which are more like warehouses, and it's pricier. 
 -  Intimate $10 Saturday wine tastings
-  Central Coast Wine Celebration
-  Cheese Shop (love Jennie)
-  Email club (better prices than normal)
 http://www.wallywine.com - Westwood

K&L is the Hollywood branch of a 2-store No Cal chain I discovered while searching for a wine.  Good selection, fair prices.
-  $20 Saturday tastings (& Thursdays)
-  Good wine cabinet prices
-  Some email specials
 http://www.klwines.com
  
The Wine House also offers a good selection, fair prices.  Sells cheese, condiments, chocolates.
-  Great email specials
-  Wine dinners, classes, tastings
-  Taste dispenser to sample wines
-  Santa Barbara Futures event
-  Upstairs 2 small plates restaurant/wine bar
http://www.winehouse.com - Westwood

My nephew Randy introduced me; good people, nice selection, fair prices.
-  Saturday wine bar selection
-  Good email specials
http://www.whwc.com - Woodland Hills, of course

The Specialists - Smaller outlets, but generally with a particular focus.  And, yes, I've spent my share at these fine stores, too.

Wine Expo - I've known Roberto for about 15 years, back when he had long hair.  He and his shop embodies everything that is Italy; he even drives an Italian sports car, which shows his spunk.  He and his email newsletters are entertaining.
-  Specializes in Italian and Sparkling wines, but also has beer
-  Wine tasting bar (with small plates) and Wed/Sun Food Trucks
-  Classes
http://www.wineexpo.com

LA Wine Company occupies what resembles a storage unit in an office park; no frills, but often good deals on a limited selection of wines.
-  Good email specials
http://www.lawineco.com


Silver Lake Wine - Tend to specialize in limited selection of smaller production boutique and value wines; they have a loyal following.
-  Monday, Thursday tastings are $12; Sunday tastings/food pairings are $20
http://silverlakewine.com

This is a newer discovery for me, but they are friendly folks and offer a decent selection of boutique and well-priced West Coast, European and South American wines.  Worth dropping in, while in Venice.  http://www.wineaccess.com/store/lincoln

Du Vin Wine & Spirits - This store, which specializes in European wines, probably most captures the inspirational experience I first had back in Boston.  I don't love their website, and I haven't shopped there for some time, but the memory lingers, so I will return.  http://www.du-vin.net  

This value-priced digital store is the brainchild of the captivating Etty Lewensztain, a food and wine obsessed Los Angeles native who is certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and the American Sommelier Association.
At http://www.plonkwinemerchants.com, Etty offers her own video review of each of her wines.  Great fun!

Okay, so those are my suggestions.  Please let me know yours.  Hopefully, there's a new one or two for you in the bunch.