Packing House Wine Merchants Wine Shop, Bar, and Lounge in Claremont

Located in Claremont, CA at the Packing House where it is surrounded by restaurants and shops is Wine Merchants Wine Shop, Bar & Lounge. Earning the “Business of the Year” award for 2008, Wine Merchants opened in April of 2007 by Sal Medina, a former high school teacher at Monrovia High School formally greets and services each customer with a smile. This lovely establishment is every wine connoisseurs dream, stocked with every wine imaginable from all over the world. There is even a selection of wines from Claremont winemakers.

Don’t feel intimidated if you come in and feel you are out of touch with the wide selection of wines. Sal is down to earth and an open book to questions about wine. No question to him is a stupid question.

Care for an appetizer? Wine Merchants has a menu of special pairing dishes especially created for wine tasting. So, enjoy a single glass or tour several different wines with a tasty pairing treat.

At the bar, a chalk board with a list of weekly wines is selected by Sal himself to taste or purchase by the glass. Since there are so many good wines at Wine Merchants, the chalk board helps to narrow down the amount of choices within the overwhelming selection of wines from the store.

Have no idea how to taste or pair wine? Yes, wine can be complicated, even for an experienced wine drinker. Wine Merchants offers wine classes every other Monday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a reputable wine expert.

Wine Merchants also holds a wine tasting event usually every Friday and Saturday with a special selection of wines each week with weekly live music. Sit at the bar or on the custom couch in the lounge. There is plenty of room to bring a group of guests or enjoy alone and converse with others.

For more information, go to: Wine Merchants Wine Shop, Bar, & Lounge

LA Wine Festival, Saturday June 6th and 7th

In Los Angeles this weekend is the LA Wine Fest. For a limited time, LA Wine Fest is giving away 20 tickets for a free admission for the two day event.

Enjoy wines and spirits from over 14 different countries. Try the latest releases of vintages from vineyards from all over the world including France, Italy, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, China, and of course vineyards from across California and Oregon. In addition, local wine bars will also be bringing their own personal collection for you to taste and purchase.

For people wanting to learn more about wine, tasting and food paring classes will be available for free with your paid admission. Enjoy good food, live entertainment, and of course…wine!

For more information, go to: L.A. WineFest 2009 http://vinvillage.com/event/la-winefest-saturday-festival

Coming Wine Tasting Events in the Inland Empire Area

For seasoned and new wine drinkers alike that want to experience the events of this week, here are the upcoming events:

Event: “Blind Tasting Event”
Where: At the San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room.
When: Tue., May 12 through May 17 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The host, Heidi will be presenting six wines in brown paper bags. With only two hints, this game will have you guessing. Price for this event is $14.99 per person.
For more information, go to: San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room

Located at:
225 W. Bonita Avenue
San Dimas, CA
Phone: 909-971-9425

Event: “Wine Tasting Wednesdays”
Where: dba256 Gallery Wine Bar
When: Wed., May 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. & Sat., from 2pm to 5 p.m.

This week is the taste of Sonoma. Wines in this event are Rutz Cellars Maison 2005 Grand Cru Chardonnay, Lamier 2007 Pinot Noir, Wild Oak 2007 Merlot, and a VinNostro 2007 Zinfandel. Price: $12 per person
For more information go to: dba256 Gallery Wine Bar

Located at:
256 S. Main Street
Pomona, CA
Private wine tasting is available. Call 909-623-7600

Event: “Wednesday New Arrival Tasting”
Where: Pacific Wine Merchants
When: Wed., May 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Pacific Wine Merchants will select from new and old vintage favorites for everyone to enjoy. Price: $12 per person
For more information, go to: Pacific Wine

Located at:
210 East A Street
Upland, CA
Phone: 909-946-6782

Event(s): "Stone Brewing" & “Flight Night”
Where: Azo Vino Art Gallery & Wine Bar
When: Stone Brewing - Wed., May 13 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Flight Night - Thurs., May 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Host Galen Metz takes you on a tour of a specific region and he chooses what you taste for that evening. On Wednesday night is Brew tasting night and Thursday is reserved for the Flight Night wine tasting event. Every event is different and each beverage and wine is hand picked by Metz himself. Event price: $15.99 per person.

Located at:
144 W. Badillo St
Covina, CA
Phone: (626) 732-9827 Call ahead for reservations

Event: “Red, Wine, & Blues”
Where: Packing House Wine Merchants
When: Fri., May 15 and Sat., May 16 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This week is the “Blend of Blends”. Packing House Wine Merchants has selected six different red wine blends from regions all over the world. Enjoy live jazz music from Buck Wildstar on Saturday. Price: $15-$20
For more information, go to: Packing House Wine Merchants

Located at:
540 W. First Street
Claremont, CA
Phone: (909) 445-WINE

Enjoy and drink responsibly!