Wine Expo

Rock Star Wine and Food Pairing, or Tequila or Beer or whatever crazy liquor pairing. Quite simply the best at getting us to do what we should do, what is right, and what is traditional is best. You gotta love Roberto who speaks from the heart when he says this wine or that sparkling pairs with everything from delivered thai food to your mom's thanksgiving dinner. It's pretty easy to tell he's tried it and came out smiling. Pros: speaks the truth to power Cons: don't look for multi-national corporations more

Since the day they opened at the site of a 70's liquor store, Wine Expo has been an incredible resource for the right wine for whatever I was serving. Robert understands budget and gets more ""cluck for the buck"" wines that outperform the most renown labels every time. We served his recommendations at every major event in our life: wedding, baby showers, wedding showers, anniversary parties, receptions, wakes, among them, and we've sent gift baskets that wowed the recipients every time.\r \r You cannot beat their expertise or their economics. They were in front of the import curve by years...whether with south american, australian or other sources; and the newsletter is a hoot.\r \r We did a ""high low"" blind wine tasting two years ago---the wine expo bottles won hands down! Pros: Service, quality, value, selection, expertise Cons: Parking. If people knew about this place, it'd be around the block. But they walk the cases to the car, so no worries. more

These people are great. They are outspoken in their love for a full spectrum of wines that can be enjoyed with food. They carry a good selection of Italian wines and they usually stock numerous selections priced below $20 (as of 2009). They don't just try to steer you to Barollo, Barbaresco, Brunello, or Amarone. Instead, they offer wines made from dozens, if not hundreds of grapes, many of which you probably haven't heard of.\r \r If you're looking for big new world wines that are very 'big' and fruit forward, this is probably not the place for you. If you're looking to explore and enjoy variety, this is a great shop for you.\r \r If you tell them what you're having for dinner and your budget, they can find something that works well for you.\r \r Note: If you're used to the new world style, it could take a tries to get used to the new flavors and styles. Remember to ask if the wines you are selecting benefit from decanting or otherwise open up. A number of them are best after they've been open a couple hours.\r \r Enjoy! Pros: Service, honesty, Italian wine selection, price range Cons: Focused selection means not finding many domestic non-sparkling wines here more

I can only comment about the wines I tried and I am not a huge expert on their collection. I am however, a very difficult customer because I am allergic to oak and my reactions range from serious migraine to serious asthma attack. Most places I go to look at me when I am crazy when I ask for unoaked wine, especially red. I have been to this place twice and bought cheaper and more expensive wines with my special issue, and thus far their suggestions have been great. Not only have the italian reds they recommended been delicious, they have left me symptom free. Thank you for your service and understanding! I wish I would have bought a case of that Seiano... :( Pros: parking, knowledge Cons: smallish, out of the way more

First: I am not a professional reviewer. I am an amature critic. Now about the Wine Expo. I was introduced to the Wine Expo about 6 years ago by a coworker. His comment which got me interested was, ""YOu'll like this guy. He is a loudmouthed Chubby Italian ,,like you"". Well I did not take that as an insult so I went.\r \r Look folks this is NOT a fancy, schmancy , fru fru, wine emporuim. THis is a wine store. It has a lot of wine in a small space, anda good it of liquor too. Do not expect frills, self serve wine bars, snack areas, etc. Not this place. YOu want the expensive motif, etc, remeber you pay for it too.\r \r Back to the place: Store Front, Santa Monica, toned down. \r \r Very large selection of good wine at good prices. These folks know wine. If you walk in you will be confused, no big signs from the Wine mag oof the day...nope. Cases of wine, champage, cava, proseccos, ciders.\r \r And folks who KNOW there product. If you are looking for a well reviewd wine, go else where, if you want a wine to ipress you, come here.\r Irst time, would up with 4 fizzy wines, better than any I had (not talking Boones Farms here, i am talking Grand Cru Champagne! At $25 to $ 50 per. Excellent off the main drag Frenc and Italian wines at very good prces, and a great sense of humour.\r \r I have had no bums in a bottle yet. Problem is, Hard to get to. I live in OC, but the drive is worth it.\r \r Liquiors...need I say more than WOW. Turned me on to some Gran Mariner Killers (at 1/2 the prie), wonderful pear and cassis based desserts, etc.\r \r Try it out .TOo bad he has now website. His emailer is a great one though. And he has worked out some deals with restaraunts to waive corkage fees with his wines. Oh yes and great tatsing dinners...for the price of others tastings..no dinners. Pros: Parking, Knowledge, fun Cons: no web site, hard to get to. more