Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar

(310) 393-7693

104 Santa Monica Blvd (Ocean Ave.)
Santa Monica, CA 90401 34.014103 -118.498029

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Neighborhoods: Downtown, West LA

www.pourtal.com

Hours:

Mon-Thurs 4-11pm

Fri 4pm-12am

Sat 2-12am

Sun 2-11pm

(Kitchen and Tasting Machines may close earlier)

Last updated 8.28.11

Category:

Wine Bars, Holiday Events, Food & Wine Events, Certified Green Restaurant(R), Community Events

Restaurant Special Features:

Green, Outdoor Dining, Date Spot, Happy Hour, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List, Private Parties, Bar Menu

Liquor Store Special Features:

Wine Tasting

Special Offers

What People Are Saying About Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar

Featured Review

Mar Yvette

Contributor

The best way to learn about wine is to taste wine. That's the thinking behind this relaxing nook just a block from the bustle of Santa Monica's Promenade. (Hint: It's hidden alongside Sushi Roku's blue awnings.) Warm wood accents, earth-toned pendant lamps and a clean, minimal layout set the scene which combines a traditional wine bar concept with the modern Enomatic self-service tasting room model. The wine list includes everything from award-winning bottles to rare small-batch labels with 40 wines by-the-taste (the self-serve dispensing system keeps wines pristine pour after pour) and…

ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “The ambiance is inviting whether there are a lot of folks inside or not.”
  2. “The atmosphere was very cozy and comfortable and an easy place to hang out.”
  3. “wandered into this new wine bar by chance and have been back many times because of the great selection of wines, the very cool wine dispensing machines that allow you to sample a number of wines inexpensively, and the stylish decor.”
  4. “Great atmosphere and wonderful wine selection”
drinks
90.90999603271484% positive
  1. “Great place to try different wines & good food too.”
  2. “The Staff is very helpful in suggesting wines to try, based upon your reaction to what you are tasting.”
  3. “The staff are very knowledgeable and enjoy talking about the wine but also know when not to go into detail.”
  4. “Great place for a wine newbie”
  5. “I'm pretty much an idiot when it comes to wine, but the staff was very knowledgeable, and took the time to give me a few pointers.”
  6. “Great atmosphere and wonderful wine selection”
  7. “Plus, there is great food to snack on while trying the wines.”
  8. “don't usually order wine that I'm so familar with in case I don't like it but at Pourtal that's not an issue.”
  9. “Great place to meet friends and enjoy fabulous wine”
  10. “We tried a few different wines and really were glad that the staff was so knowledgeable and lead us in the right direction.”
  11. “wandered into this new wine bar by chance and have been back many times because of the great selection of wines, the very cool wine dispensing machines that allow you to sample a number of wines inexpensively, and the stylish decor.”
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. “Plus, there is great food to snack on while trying the wines.”
  2. “The appetizers were delicious and not the usual fare.”
  3. “Great place to try different wines & good food too.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “wandered into this new wine bar by chance and have been back many times because of the great selection of wines, the very cool wine dispensing machines that allow you to sample a number of wines inexpensively, and the stylish decor.”
  2. “Great atmosphere and wonderful wine selection”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “It's a great place to take a date - very classy.”
  2. “We were really amazed at what a nice place it is.”
  3. “Overall I would recommend this place as a great meet-up place for old friends, blind dates, or a meeting spot of a group of people.”
service
100.0% positive
  1. “Overall I would recommend this place as a great meet-up place for old friends, blind dates, or a meeting spot of a group of people.”
  2. “We tried a few different wines and really were glad that the staff was so knowledgeable and lead us in the right direction.”
  3. “The staff are very knowledgeable and enjoy talking about the wine but also know when not to go into detail.”
  4. “I'm pretty much an idiot when it comes to wine, but the staff was very knowledgeable, and took the time to give me a few pointers.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/31/10

The Best Pourtal in a Storm

by Jaci S

As a relative newcomer to LA, I have been disappointed by the number of places where it is possible to get really good wine in an atmosphere conducive to sitting alone, as well as in groups - until I discovered Pourtal. The range of wines is extraordinary, and bartender Rachel is one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever met in the trade. She has introduced me to wines I would never have looked at - in particular, Austrian - as I tend to stick to what I know. The 1oz tasters not only enable you to sample many different grapes, they provide a talking point among the very amiable crowd that inhabits this place. The music is never obtrusive - whether it be recorded or live - and, as I drink gallons of water, I love the fact that you can help yourself to it, rather than have to wait to be served it. Happy Hours are fantastic value, with really good wines on offer, not the usual rubbish that is served during happy hours elsewhere. It's a great place - great wines, food, staff and customers - and has quickly established itself as my favourite place in the city.

Jaci Stephen

Daily Mail (UK)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/01/10

Great place for a date and to hang out with friends!

by DrivThruBandit10

I came here a few weeks ago and it was the perfect place for my date. The way the wine bar is set up is a really great conversation starter. The cheese plates were to die for and an absolute must! Coming back soon with my friends to have a nice relaxing evening.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/24/09

Great way to taste and savor different wines

by DenaG

The concept is so cool. I don't usually order wine that I'm so familar with in case I don't like it but at Pourtal that's not an issue. You put money on a card (my date and I shared a $20 card - it was fine for us) and insert the card into the wine machine and it pours 1 ounce of the wine you select. I'm glad I tried different types than I had tasted before. It was great. We didn't have any of the food but other tables did and it really looked good and they seemed happy.

  • Pros: Great wine selection that changes every few weeks
  • Cons: If sitting outside homeless often stop by to beg for cash
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/24/09

Good Wine in Santa Monica

by winesforlife

A bar in Santa Monica for the locals (and the tourists of course). It's chill, relaxed, and non-wine-snobby. My friend and I stopped in for the first time last week for Happy Hour (M-F 4-7pm) and just had a glass of wine, but I saw how the "tasting" part works as well. Next time, I'll try that. You can taste about 35 or so different wines by the ounce. They do have a Sommelier there to tell you about all the wines, if you're so inclined, otherwise they have tasting notes for everything. Tried a few items from their food menu and they were all fresh, simple, and delicious. I highly recommend the Fig & Burrata flatbread, there is nothing else like it. If you live in Santa Monica and still haven't found that neighborhood spot, this is your place.

  • Pros: Best Wine List in Santa Monica
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/13/09

IT'S FINALLY OPENED!!!

by BonBon

It finally opened. I work in Santa Monica and have waited with great anticipation for Pourtal to open. Didn’t think it would ever happen.

My friends and I went over there one night after work to check it out. We were really amazed at what a nice place it is. The atmosphere was very cozy and comfortable and an easy place to hang out. The woods in the décor were beautiful. I understand the owner is very environmentally conscious.

We tried a few different wines and really were glad that the staff was so knowledgeable and lead us in the right direction. I don’t know that much about wines, but I do know what I like and what I don’t like. What a nice, inexpensive way to find the wine that you really enjoy.

The appetizers were delicious and not the usual fare. I would like to see more inexpensive snacks on the menu, but I loved the idea that there were complimentary appetizers, Monday thru Friday from 4-6pm.

It really warmed my heart that during the month of the July some funds are being donated to the Garden School Foundation as a means of giving back to the community. For a new enterprise, that is really a nice gesture.

  • Pros: Great wine and food selection
  • Cons: Some less expensive food choices

Green Restaurant All Certified Green Restaurants® meet the minimum certification criteria of the science-based standards of the Green Restaurant Association (GRA), a national non profit dedicated to Greening Restaurants since 1990. Certified Green Restaurants® implement transparent and verified environmental steps in seven environmental categories: Energy, Water, Chemicals, Food, Packaging, Waste, and Building. Learn more about the GRA's standards and how to Dine Green.

The Details on Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar

Place Categories:

  • very knowledgeable staff
  • comfortable atmosphere
  • very cool fabulous wine
  • great food
  • fantastic experience
  • nice gesture
  • delicious appetizers
  • great anticipation
  • inviting ambiance
  • not usually order wine
  • great meetup place
  • beautiful woods