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
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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
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Back to the place: Store Front, Santa Monica, toned down. \r
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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