Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar (Reported Closed)

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Jaci S

Joined 3 years ago

The Best Pourtal in a Storm. 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)

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Shannon R.

Joined 11 months ago

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

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Dena G.

Joined 11 months ago

Great way to taste and savor different wines. 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.

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winesforlife

Joined 4 years ago

Good Wine in Santa Monica. 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.

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Mar Yvette

Joined 6 years ago

Self-serve wine and tasty small bites in Santa Monica.. 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 another 20 wines by the glass. Complementing the vino are the small and shared plates--designed with wine pairing in mind, of course--like the fig and burrata flatbread and sliders with tots. Cheeses come from just up the road courtesy of Andrew’s Cheese Shop on Montana and produce is sourced from the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Best of all, if there's a particular pinot or Chardonnay you just can't live without, every label in the house is available by the bottle to take home.

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BonBon

Joined 4 years ago

IT'S FINALLY OPENED!!!. 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.

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ScarletPimpernel

Joined 4 years ago

Great atmosphere and wonderful wine selection. I 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. It's a great place to take a date - very classy. The owner, who is frequently there, is a real wine buff and loves to answer questions about wine.

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whabron

Joined 4 years ago

Great place to try different wines & good food too.. Finally there is a place to try a whole variety of wines without spending a fortune. I finally found a few wines that I really liked. The Staff is very helpful in suggesting wines to try, based upon your reaction to what you are tasting. It is a fantastic experience. Plus, there is great food to snack on while trying the wines. A totally incredible experience.

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christophertin

Joined 4 years ago

Great place for a wine newbie. 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. Would definitely come back.

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marasimmons

Joined 4 years ago

Great place to meet friends and enjoy fabulous wine. Pourtal offers a selection of fine wine for the developed and novice palette. The ambiance is inviting whether there are a lot of folks inside or not. The staff are very knowledgeable and enjoy talking about the wine but also know when not to go into detail. The food adjusts to what is available in the farmer's markets and is delicious. 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. The cost is truly up to the customer given that there are tastes for under $2.00 up to $10. Definitely check it out.