55 Degrees

So, a wine cellar called 55 Degrees Wine opened in nearby Atwater Village. It's not "officially" open until March 1st, but it soft-opened today, with complimentary wine tasting. Me being the hip wine lover that I am, I picked up my wife from work and promptly swung by.

It turns out, 55 Degrees is located in a strip mall, sandwiched between a pizza shop and a Starbucks. But certainly don't hold that against it. After all, what isn't next to a Starbucks these days? Death Rows have Starbucks--though don't run the electric chair and the cappucino machine together; you're asking for a short.

Anyhow, 55 Degrees, despite its trappings, has a marvelous interior. The "shop" area is a very well-used space, with a very conveniently organized selection. The setup, organized by geography and fullness, belies the fact that the owners have a genuine desire to educate on wine, not just sell it.

But that isn't all. Go down a flight of steps and you'll find this gorgeous, exposed brick and wrought-iron tasting area. It's kind of like learning about wine, whilst on break from a 19th century British factory. The tasting menu changes nightly, so I've heard, so I'll certainly be back. And I strongly recommend you try it as well.

In fact, I'll do a full-on plug:

55 Degrees Wine Cellar
3111 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village
323.662.5556

Store: 11am - 10pm
Tasting Room: M-F 6-10pm, Sat/Sun 5-10pm

Do it!