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Vinatero Wine Shop
Categories: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Beer, Wine & Spirits, Wine Bars [Edit]
6531 Greenleaf AveWhittier, CA 90601
(562) 464-9463
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 4 pm - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 12 pm - 12 am
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
112 reviews for Vinatero Wine Shop
Review Highlights
112 reviews in English
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Review from Chris S.
Whittier, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Always enjoy vinatero for a nice adult night out.. a little more grown up that most of the other places in uptown Whittier. Always have great wine selections, good music, and the staff is friendly. I love the cheese platter, awesome sampling of some fine cheeses! You can never go wrong here!
If your looking for cheap beer/drinks go to Steve's bbq or Poor Denny's! -
Review from Socal C.
Los Angeles, CA
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not only is this place nearby, it's not the only spot on this block!
Ambiance is good, friendly patrons and the staff if any nicer it would not feel right.
You have options to go or to enjoy on the spot. See ya by the end of the week! -
Review from Cesar R.
Corkscrew Boners and Day Drinking Duff Beer
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
They also had some pictures of my uncles on the wall
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Did I mention the CHEEEEEEESE!?
CHEESE SAMPLER ($15)
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also includes Warm Fresh Baked Bread
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Humboldt Fog was a mild cheese made from goat's milk....pretty good.
The Manchego was firm with a sharp flavor...my favorite.
The Double Cream Brie was creamy and rich...yum.
Smoked Gouda was standard...nothing special.
Derby Sage is that distinctive looking green one, it was firm with a medium flavor similar to cheddar but without that "bite"... you do get a nice herb taste from the sage, but it is not overpowering. Unique, I liked it a lot.
The sampler went great with their wine tasting which was all 6 of their local wines for only $10. Their Pinot Noir was great. The dude working there was VERY helpful in terms of suggestions, pairings and just an all around nice guy.
Anybody willing to steal that Duff Beer for me?
I'll make it worth your while and you can keep the corkscrew boner.
Thanks in advance. -
Review from Al P.
Whittier, CA
1/17/2012
WOW!!! A true gem in the city of Whittier! All of the staff and owners are so friendly! Check the calendar of events, my favorite night is vinyl night!!! Some of the best music you will ever hear alongside a relaxed vibe and some exceptional wine and beer. I do enjoy a great glass of wine, but want to point out that as a wine bar, this place also has an awesome selection of beer on tap. Try the Rince Cochon which is one of my faves. They also have a great selection of bottled beer for sale. Wine,Beer,Cheese,Chocolate,Music, and nice people.....this is what it's like in heaven...or just another day at Vinatero!
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Review from Jacob V.
Avalon, CA
12/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Completely enjoy this place! Great wine, cheese plates and great company. Have been here many times and I always have a great time. Everyone there is very knowledgeable about all the wines they serve and sell. I recommend this place to anyone that is looking for a calm atmosphere to hang out and enjoy a glass or glasses of wine. Oh and Ernie and Lisa are AMAZING!
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Review from Lori R.
Whittier, CA
11/24/2011
Super friendly, knowledgable staff with a great selection of wines and beers. Can't beat tastings for $1.50 each!
They have lots of different themed nights and now offer other things to pair with your wine like cheese plates and chocolate.
Parking is abundant on the street, in a side lot or behind the business, and the location is convenient to some really nice dining a few blocks away. Buy your wine here and take it to your fine dinner later!
Lisa and Ernie Ceja, the owners, and incredibly sweet and sincere people. Make sure you take the opportunity to meet them!! -
Review from Jean W.
Anaheim, CA
Updated - 5/30/2011
I am really disappointed =(
Vinatero used to be such a cool tasting room where you can find great wines that are unknown at amazing price points. But my husband and I went to Vinatero a couple of weeks ago on a Friday night and was told that they no longer do tastings on the weekends???
I don't get it. We have a 6 months old at home and can only get out once a week on our date night with a sitter, we don't have the time or the luxury to go wine taste on a Wednesday night. My husband and I literally went in and out of the wine shop this time.
This place used to be one of our favorite places but now this place is useless to us, since we pretty much will never get a chance to do wine tasting there, discover great wines, and buy a bunch like we used to.
We were one of the first people to frequent this joint when it first opened, *sigh* so sad...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/20/2008
This place is a gem. The owners, Lisa and Ernie, are down to earth, genuinely friendly people.
My… Read more »
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Review from Adriana M.
Whittier, CA
9/28/2011
I'm so glad that this place is nearby because they are definitely great for when you want a wine tasting but don't want to go to the Temecula or Santa Barbara way. They have a great selection of wine and beer and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. You can also hang out at the bar and taste away (they also have cheese platters too). I definitely want to go back and try their selections of beer, but you can also go down the block and try the Bottle Room for that - after you've had your tasting at Vinatero of course.
Listed in: Calling all my fellow winos
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Review from Tony C.
Whittier, CA
10/26/2011
Professional staff in my opinion, and good collection to choose from. Since it is on my way to work, I be a guest from time to time. Good place to buy wine as a gift or just a dinner drink.
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Review from Abel R.
Whittier, CA
9/24/2011
This place used to be awesome but lately they've been lacking bottles and some of the new guys that work there don't even know what's in stock. But it's still a good place to try wine.
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Review from Jackie B.
I like this place for the recommendations the staff can give. I wouldn't sit here to drink at the bar the entire night. Most of the people who frequent this place seem like locals, middle-aged ones. A little old for me, but, like I said, the staff is knowledgeable.
They have beer, as well as wine, for sale. Also they feature iPod nights, during which you can bring your iPod to play. They have special tastings, too, that are pretty good deals. -
Review from Nicole U.
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cute little wine shop in a fun part of Whittier. Friendly staff and great air conditioning, which is always a plus when sampling wines.
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Review from Deb k.
Whittier, CA
5/23/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Very knowledgable staff, relaxing atmosphere. We like to go in on Sunday afternoons when it's quieter, & try a couple of the beers on tap. Lover that you can just buy a tasting of a beer, so you can learn what types you enjoy the most & why.
Good rotation of background music, adds to the relaxing mood.
Jeff & Tony are great, they will educate if you'd like, or just let you relax & chill if you want to.
Nice selection of wines & beers to purchase to go also. Great place to buy a nice host/hostess gift. -
Review from Donald P.
Downey, CA
8/10/2011 13 Check-ins Here
Vinatero is the perfect place to go for a glass or bottle of wine, some cheese, and great people. They have an amazing and very knowledgeable staff. The owners Ernie and Lisa Ceja welcome everybody with open arms and a smile. Without a doubt my favorite wine shop in all of Southern California.
Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Mari B.
2/6/2011
Wow such a great place to stop in for a glass of wine! My friend & I ended up buying a few bottles. Came here on a Sat afternoon & a few people at the tasting bar. We opted for a table to gab at.
Staff was super friendly & helpful. We tried a very yummy red wine - believe it was a blend. It cost less to buy the bottle than 2 glasses. Plus they had a yummy cheese plate & warm baguette. How could you go wrong??? -
Review from KC O.
Sunset Beach, CA
7/15/2010
Rose are red
Violets are blue
Been here five times
And I'll go back
KC typically hits Vons and BevMo for dollar stretching KC's vino jones. That said, there is something to be said for hitting a wine shop. Unfortunately, the flip side of a typical wine shop is akin to buying a pop record at a hipster record store. You remember the scene...circa 1989:
KC: Do you know where I can find Forever Your Girl? I looked in the P section and the A section but couldn't find it.
Record Store Snob wearing SubPop t-shirt: Paula Abdul? Are you freaking kidding me?
Back to 2010... wine shops are eerily similar to this. Fortunately, the employees and crowd at Vinatero aren't so harsh. Lounging in their shop, KC chilled in the A/C sipping some sauv blanc and pinot while listening to the sweet sounds of Interpol and The National. They must have The Editors playlist on Pandora. Solid. KC picked up 6 superb bottles and a sterling cheese plate at Vinatero.
Nearly gave Vinatero 4 stars because it's in Whittier and therefore lacks the beautiful people KC is accustomed to consorting with on a weeknight in Newport Beach. Thankfully, they have a mirror in the bathroom so KC could bolt in there periodically to get a glimpse of pulchritudinous in an otherwise plain crowd.
Nevertheless, 5 stars for you Vinatero. Well played! -
Review from Daniel F.
El Monte, CA
12/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
We love this place. We love their $10 wine tasting. The tasting consists of 6 different wines and they change twice a week. Really nice clean place with friendly staff. They also have beer on tap, if you want to taste their beer flight. Staff is very knowledgeable about the wines. Great to go in a group for the wine tasting, then get yourself a bottle and continue the "party" ;) BTW, they are not limited to wine. They have a lot of imported beers as well. It's a must check out place.
Cons: None
Conclusion: Can't wait to go back. -
Review from Paddy O.
Pasadena, CA
7/13/2010
Heh heh heh. We are hooked on this place. Very friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. Inexpensive wine tasting ($10 for a flight of six wines, are you kidding me), good bread/crackers and the cheese plate is to die for. We just do-the-cheese and call it dinner. Lisa, Ernie and the entire staff are always so gracious and inviting. You feel like honored guests.
Truly a unique and lovely experience in Uptown Whittier. -
Review from Michelle P.
Los Angeles, CA
6/13/2010
One of the best wine bars ever!
For a date's graduation celebration a week ago, he arranged for a group of people to meet us at Vinatero on a Friday night. The selection of wines and beers was magnificent. Since he ordered everything, I'm sorry I can't be more specific about the cost or choices. However, the staff are friendly, the cheeses are scrumptious, I had the best sausage ever, and really enjoyed the vibe of this place. I can see why he chose it, and even though the guy eventually ended up being a disappointment, the wine bar was not. A woman can always count on a good wine bar, right? =) People are easy to talk to and very friendly. I look forward to going back another time. -
Review from Joseph R.
Monterey Park, CA
8/22/2010
Came here with a few buddies for a bday party this past Sat.
First impression: the place was quite nice, wooden floor and somewhat modern looking. It could have been a bit darker, better music. But all in all it was a good 20'2/30'ish crowd of people mingling around, no issue here.
Went to the bar to order two glasses of wine - nothing special, nothing they had to pull from some kind of "special reserve" - just two Cabs that they had sitting there on the counter.
When the bartender told me the bill - it was a hefty $43 for just two glasses!! WTF!!
No wonder I saw quite a few people drinking beer. I dont know how you can run a "wine bar" when everyone you discourage everyone from buying wine. They didnt even carry Riesling, whats up with that?
Overall, it was okay, I would probably come back ......though this time for beer. -
Review from Marisol G.
Whittier, CA
5/25/2011
ok, so far all my reviews are 5 star.. don't let this detour you from taking my word on this review..
I have been here roughly 10 times in 3 yrs.. and they remember me! The staff is beyond helpful and educated in the wine and beers offered at the bar as well as the stocked shelves in the shop. Ernie the owner recently passed his Sommelier Exam.The staff is VERY friendly.. My fave is Gabe!
As far as the alcohol.. They have an extensive array of wine to tickle even the most novice wine sipper.. The beer on tap changes.. but is ALWAYS on par.. you won't be served Miller Lite.. so if that's a problem..suck it up.. I promise you won't regret it. There is a walk up bar.. that usually gets pretty packed, but even so promises friendly conversations with both locals, regulars, and first timer;s alike. There is table seating.. but I recommend the counter for the lively experience.
There is always breath taking art displayed around the shop featuring new artists, and are for sale.
Hubby and I are just now able to do date nights and I look fwd to frequenting Vinatero more often! -
Review from Mark H.
Lake Forest, CA
2/16/2011
Love Vinatero! One of places that makes Uptown Whittier so great!
The owners, Ernie & Lisa, are wonderful people and the staff is SUPER knowledgable and always helpful.
They stock some of my all time favorite wines. They also have an excellent beer selection and they sell my favorite coffee, Monkey & Son.
Living in Lake Forest means we don't get to go as often as we'd like (its a minimum 45 minute drive) but it always seems to end up being worth it when we get to hang out with the Vinatero staff and some of the regulars that we've become friends with. -
Review from Brandi K.
Whittier, CA
7/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic service and friendly staff, Very accomodating and helpul. Extremely knowledgeable about beer and wine. They have a great selection of lower priced nice wines as well as premium beer. I love the venue in uptown, quaint area.Great for gift giving!
And they have Teacher Appreciation Night too! -
Review from Joan E.
San Diego, CA
3/24/2008
Oh, Thank GOD.
This neighborhood is looking up and the anchor of it is this wine shop called Vinatero.
I am so happy to see young business entrepreneurs with a vision take a chance. In this case, this friendly couple seems to have constructively channeled their passion for wine into a friendly wine shop and tasting bar.
Me?
I stay quiet.
Why should I divulge my sommelier/culinary education knowledge/skills......it's not the point. I just go and enjoy the goods!!!
I know what I like and luckily this store is stocked pretty full with a diverse collection from all parts.
But for those that are not so familiar w/wine......I LOVE that everybody there is laid back, friendly and educated on what they are serving. This is key. They have gladly shared that knowledge but have not been condescending in any way.
The tasting area is clean, big and there is also a space to sit, if you like.
Oh....the icing on the cake....A CHEESE PLATE.
6 different cheeses on a board, bread and olive oil..... generous portions for 10 bucks. YAYYYYYY!!!
Sign me up!!!!
We just bought a bottle of champagne and drank it there with ...of COURSE...a cheese plate thanks.
High five, Vinatero....you guys rock!!!!!Listed in: City of Angels
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Review from Monica P.
2/4/2008
I'm not a wine connoisseur. I don't even drink grape juice. When I hear people talk about wine with all their fancy terminology I think they're silly. I figure either you like something or you don't. I'm a simple girl like that.
So John H. decided to take me to Vinatero to sample some wine. Maybe he thought I was more sophisticated or cultured than I really am. Or maybe he just wanted to get me drunk so I would pass out and he could rifle through my purse...again. (We have a somewhat dysfunctional friendship) Anyhow, I didn't realize I was in for a very special treat.
This wine bar located in uptown Whittier is not pretentious or snooty, no...it's where the everyday man can get some wine without all the hype. I was warmly welcomed by the owners and staff who were pouring samples of wine. With each pouring they took a moment to share a brief description how the wine was made or who the winemaker was. It was informative, educational and so much fun!
I should mention that I'm somewhat of a light-weight drinker. It doesn't take a lot to get me tipsy and talkative. Not only is the staff at Vinetero friendly so are all the customers. I chatted with other wine drinkers and thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. It really has a warm neighborhood vibe, I'm sure all the wine helps make everyone friendly though.
I left with the experince that I had learned a little bit about wine and had made a few new friends. Don't be intimidated by the wine-tasting experience. If you're a wine newbie like I am, this is the place you need to visit. -
Review from Annette N.
Alhambra, CA
3/27/2010 13 photos
Went to Vinatero's last night with my friend Espi, she has never been there, so I figured I'd introduce her to a fabulous establishment in Uptown Whittier. As always, Ernie and Lisa [owners] were there and more than helpful to help her choose a wine to her liking. I always know what kind of poison I'm in the mood for, but did sample a new wine to indulge in [actually, I bought two bottles, one to drink there; and one for home (Malbec 2007 Lodi from the Peirano Estate Vineyards)].
I may as well tell ya all what else I bought: A bottle of Young's Luxury Double Chocolate stout, a French baguette from Tribeca Oven, Carmel Popcorn and Dark Almond Clusters made by D's Delights, and a bottle of Italian wine called "Stella Rosa."
Can I tell you, I was so famished when I got home and ate almost half of that damn loaf of bread w/butter. It was that damn delicious!!! Hehehehehehe, what a hog I was.
Okay on to my review: The clientele is an intelligent group of people, not a grip of people where there as I've experienced in past visits, although I did notice quite a few people coming in to purchase stuff and leaving, which is cool just the same. Ernie told me that they no longer charge a $5.00 "corkage fee," which I thought might have had something to do with the lack of clientele. Honestly, a corkage fee? I'd think that since a patron is there, why would you charge them to open a bottle of wine that they're there to enjoy? Anyways, they no longer charge that fee, which I think will be beneficial to them in the long run. [Ernie/Lisa: If you're reading this, you may want to post that info re: no corkage fee on your website].
As always, they've got some great tunes playing, the A/C is at a good temp and I can't tell you enough about this fabulous business, I'll let the photos I took last night speak for themselves. Oh yeah, and now their Thurs/Fri. hours are now till 12:00 a.m., opposed to 10:00 p.m., back in the day. Yahooooo!!!!
Oh wait, I read a review below wherein someone said their prices are a tad higher than Bevmo? WTF?!? Does Bevmo provide the ambiance that Vinatero's does? Hell to the no!!! If you don't want to pay a buck or two more, then shop at Bevmo . . . see who'll give you the time of day to assist you on your selection of wine . . . hiss, hiss!!! Oh yeah, and although they don't have bar stools at the bar, they do have a sitting area away from the bar, which is cool just the same. I believe the reason why they have it set up like that is so that other people can squeeze in at the bar, and get their wine (education and service), and if they choose to sit at a table to the rear, they can just take their wine and have a seat, as we did.
Oh, and if you're an art lover as I am, they have independent artist's artwork hanging in the shop for purchase. I had the opportunity of meeting Adam, whose art was being displayed. I started a conversation with him, he looked like an interesting person to chat briefly with, and he was way cool. (I've been hanging out so long at art events and with my artist friends, I can spot an artist a mile away) .
With regards to Ernie & Lisa: As I read in the reviews below about what great people they are. I'd like to add that I hadn't been there in a year [or less], and they made me feel as if I'm there every weekend, like no time had passed since I'd been there; and they remembered me too. They've got that "welcome home" personality, which I love about them.
Okay now for my photographic moment at Vinatero's, enjoy the pictures . . . Cheers to life everyone!!!! -
Review from John H.
Long Beach, CA
6/11/2007 16 Check-ins Here
Update 9/6/07:
For the purists: they also sell Chimay and Affligem Goblets and well as pilsners and I think I saw a champagne flute in stock with a BEER brand emblazened across its proud chest. The name of the beer escapes me. I recently found the perfect gift for a buddy of mine there the other day: a bottle of DEUS and a Chimay Goblet (rimmed in silver). Very nice! High Five!
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I was having friends over, and we are true beer snobs. Negra Modelo, Behemia or Grolsch, just won't do. I wanted something GOOD. Then I remembered! Vinatero! I read the review and decided to get up here.
They get five stars just for having Chimay (White) on tap.
Not only that, Beer Lovers, they carry IN STOCK: Hitachino Nest White Ale, Delirium Tremens in the four-pack, Chimay (All three) of course, Delirium Nocturne, and many other specialy beers you, I guarantee, will NOT find anywhere else remotely close to Whittier or the surrounding areas.
To find a beer selection like this you'll need to hit up Bristol Farms. I'd much rather give my business to this small hubby-and-wifey business.
The amount of wines can be intimidating and I know nothing about wine, so I didn't really check them out. But the beer selection will have me coming back again and again. Oh, if you're lucky, the owner Ernie will show you DEUS. He and his wife, Lisa are truly passionate about good wine and good beer.
Thanks, Vinatero! -
Review from John R.
El Monte, CA
Updated - 3/2/2010 1 photo
How many "yelp" updates does this make???
I loose count~~~~
Why?
To many great bottles of wine and to many more to come...
To me this is what tasting and enjoying wine is all about...
Your True wine friends!!
Looking you in the eye and explaining a great bottle of wine to you..
I am not an expert!! I just wanna drink and share the greatest bottles of wine with my best friends.
Not to mention the most knowledgeable people that I know in the industry.
That is what makes me happy!!!
I may think I know a lot about varietals or wineries, but it still comes down to the knowledge from owners or staff of this great wine shop, that taste and taste and taste wine over and over and over again....
You become an expert "yourself" by way of this knowledge.
You are taught by an expert staff; Gabe, Tony, Peter, Jeff, Dean.
Oh and did I mention the Bosses Lisa and Ernie Ceja?????
You learn, by way of there expertise not your own...
You listen, which I have "never" been good at.
But yet!!
You take in as much information that you can!!!!
In the end~~~~~~
Here we are!!!!!!!
3 years later!!!!!!!
Enjoying a perfect bottle of 2004 Bordeaux which came right off of the shelf from Vinatero Wine Shop!!!!
There is nothing better in the world~~~~
Happy "3rd" Anniversary Vinatero!!!!
In our old age, many many years from now; may we be able to open and share the best of the best to bring us ALL
"Wine Tears"
Cheers~~~~~~~~~~Listed in: The Places I Go Out
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/27/2009
Another year and half and another few hundred bottles later. Here I am again writing my update to my… Read more »
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Review from Anthony V.
Montebello, CA
10/8/2010
Great variety and selection? Yes. Great customer service? Yes. Can it be a little expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes.
I love Vinatero. I don't even come here for the wine as I used to love wine until I jumped headfirst into the world of craft beer and imports. The beer selection here is pretty great. The rotation of beers on tap which are few at any given time (usually 3) are usually pretty good selections. They constantly stock the shelves with a good mix of import and local craft brews.
At this incredible establishment Ive had my first tap pours of Duchess de Bourgonge, Samiclause and Blanche de Bruxelles.
There is a warm and welcome feeling at the bar. The ambiance is nice, subtle and not overly pretentious. Best of all Ernie, Lisa and Gabriel are all great people that treat their customers with respect.
This is as good as it gets in the area. A great place to explore the world with your taste buds.
***The Hackers-Pschorr oktoberfest on tap is pretty great. Highly recommend it! -
Review from Alexandra B.
San Diego, CA
3/16/2007
Yet another five stars for Vinatero.
I visited this place for a small wine tasting and fell in love right away. They have an amazing specialty-wine selection. Reds, whites, pinks... This shop will definitely have something to suit your tastes.
Ernie and Lisa - the owners of the shop - are incredibly helpful. Both of them seem extremely savvy in their recommendations. Ernie asked me a few questions and immediately knew which wines to give me during the tasting. I ended up leaving with a nice bottle of Red Electra - a fantastic, fruity and sweet red wine. It was just what I wanted!
Vinatero also has a few specialty beers on tap. I'm not much of a beer drinker myself, but I did try a bit of their brews. Verdict: pretty good! One of their beers actually smells like honey! Yum! -
Review from Gina Q.
8/20/2007
I came here for a wine tasting recently. It was on an event suggestion posted here through Yelp. I thought, it's in my area and something I've been wanting to do for a while (wine tasting). So, why not.
Vinatero Wine Shop looks inviting from the moment you see it's store front window. As soon as you walk in, you see walls full of wine bottles. They sell all kinds too. Everything from sparkling to red, white, and rose. Even in the sparkling section they had some roses. Many of the free standing shelves have imported beer. I saw beer that I'd never seen before.
I made it towards the back and (at the time didn't realize it) talked with the owner's wife. Very friendly woman who helped me right away. I told her I was there for the wine tasting and she wanted to know if I was already on the list. I didn't know there was a list, but soon found out there were some open spots. Yippee!!! I paid for the event and started wandering around the shop looking at the merchandise.
The wine tasting experience was amazing. This time it was Brassfield Estate Wine and Vineyards (http://www.brassfielde...). We sampled 8 wines (2 whites, 5 reds, and a dessert wine). The woman hosting the event was knowledgeable and an absolute kick. She explained about each of the wines, how they're made there at Brassfield, and if it is the last of that vintage or not. The Vinatero staff provided yummy snacks for all of us to eat while sampling. There was proscuitto, salami, and another kind of italian sliced meat. In addition, they provided 6 different cheeses (parmesan, feta, muenster, gorgonzola, grueyere, and another I can't think of right now). There was a bowl of mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries) as well as the traditional italian bread rounds with olive oil. I think I was in gourmet food heaven!! I was totally lovin' it.
Afterwards, they let us continue tasting at the bar with purchased bottles of wine, had the chance to buy tastings of other wines or beers they have on tap. The owners are very friendly and are just so appreciative of the business they have received thus far. They kept encouraging us to come back.
What I really liked about this wine shop, other than the amazing wine tasting, was that the owners know their stuff. They've tasted everything in that store. They know what wines or beers go with what food and can answer any questions you have. In fact, when I was talking to the wife, she started throwing out some terms I didn't know. She took the time to explain everything to me so I understood. I'm still a newbie when it comes to wine and I found this tremendously helpful.
I had no idea this place existed in Whittier. I guess they've only been open for about 3-4 months (course I think it's been that long since I've walked down this section of Greenleaf).
From what I've been told, there is in the planning stages a chocolate and pastry shop that will hopefully be opening by the end of the year a few doors down. You can find these chocolates in Vinatero already. When tasting the dessert wine (it was a late harvest Riesling), they paired a caramel pecan delight with it. OMG, it was out of this world.
I'm definitely looking forward to coming back to this wine shop in the future. But don't worry about sampling wines only on special tasting days, because they have tastings every day of both their wine and beer. I can't wait to go back.
UPDATE: I've been back several times now. Lately it's just been for the daily wine tastings. However I came in one day on a mission. I must find a bottle similar to a late harvest Chardonnay I sipped after dinner with my boyfriend one night. We needed a dessert wine for the Hollywood Bowl. After describing what I was looking for, Lisa walked me right over to a section and began describing all the wines that were similar to what I needed. Such a great help. I never would have known which to choose. The late harvest Riesling wasn't exactly like the Chardonnay, but it was close and served it's purpose. -
Review from Heina D.
8/18/2010
I came here for the First Uptown Whittier Zombie Pub Crawl. It was my second stop, and I was made a very happy girl. Why?
Well-priced wine, a splendidly friendly clientèle, and an unpretentious owner who will gab with you, that's why! I had no idea places this friendly and down-to-earth existed for us wine lovers. I definitely will be back. -
Review from Regina L.
Iowa City, IA
1/18/2008
Like Paul L., I'm a "total noob" when it comes to wine, but I decided that wine would make a good Christmas present to my coworkers anyway for our Christmas gift exchange. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. The staff asked as to what the general type of wine I liked, what qualities I'm looking for in a wine, what price range I was willing to spend and she came up with excellent choices that my co-workers liked.
As for the wine I bought, I have yet to pop it open for a special occasion, but I would not hesitate to come back here. 4 stars for now since I only bought wine here and I want to be able to add the 5th star after I review their wine bar and wine tasting at a later time. -
Review from Libby R.
Los Angeles, CA
2/12/2009
One of the best businesses in Uptown Whittier!
I have frequented Vinatero since it's opening and have always been impressed. Not only do they sell a large selection of wines and beers, the staff is really friendly and helpful.
Don't miss the tasting bar. Tastings of wine are $1.50 and there are even specials involving chocolates...YUM!
Let them know what you like, and they'll make sure you leave satisfied.Listed in: It's purtier in Whittier!
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Review from Eric H.
Whittier, CA
Updated - 8/14/2009
I finally bellied up to the bar last night and tasted through the 'menu' (six wines, $2/taste or $10 for the lot), and found a winner. It's a great way to sample things you've probably never tried before -- I avoid most Chard and Merlot, and I'd never seen (much less tried) a California white made from Albarino (Spanish grape). Took home the Albarino, for $20 should go very well with spicy shrimp.
The staff is really helpful, and they know their stuff -- also, they all pitch in, so you will probably get more than one 'opinion' on most of the wines you taste, and you don't have to wait for 'your server' to get free to try the next wine. Their "iPod Night" is a great idea - next one is August 27 ("cover" songs only)... you just add your name/song to the clipboard and taste wine until they play your song.Listed in: Great Places for Wine (and…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/3/2009
Their selection has grown since they opened, along with the crowds. The owners and staff are very… Read more »
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Review from Analily V.
Commerce, CA
7/9/2008
I had my first wine tasting experience tonight and it was nothing short of amazing. My boyfriend and I decided that we needed to figure out how to drink wine properly since we're leaving to Europe in a week.
The ambiance was great with music playing in the background and the place was dimly lit. It was pretty crowded for a Wednesday evening but I'm sure it was due the Street Fair going on in Uptown (and probably also due to the great service.)
We were greeted warmly by Ernie who introduced us to everyone at the bar. We said we were wine virgins and he proceeded to introduce all 5/6 wine on the taste list. Now let me get this straight: I get buzzed just smelling it, so by my 5th taste I was just a tad bit dizzy but having an awesome time.
Every single wine was explained to us: where it came from, what year it was made, who made it, and what was in it. Also, by the 5th one I realized that they were all too strong and Eddie showed us some fruit wines. I was HOOKED!! Fruit wines for life!
I will definitely come back here again. I felt very at ease. -
Review from Andrea G.
Norwalk, CA
3/18/2009 2 Check-ins Here
My daughter bout me a gift certificate for Christmas. I gotta say, this was the best EVER!
I stopped in for one glass and stayed for about 4. The owners are really nice people. Great selection of music. They even gave us some bread!
I will make this one of my regular stops. -
Review from Nate W.
Whittier, CA
5/25/2007
Updated 7/7/08
Ernie and Lisa are great. I'm so glad that they've invested in this little corner of Uptown. Their wine selection is more comprehensive, and they have tons of amazing beers now, at least twice as much as when they opened. They are really creative in having different kinds of wine tastings, even a sake tasting, and they support local and unique breweries like Skyscraper in El Monte and Cucapa in Mexicali.
There's always a good group of people there, and it really brings a great atmospehere to Uptown. Keep going there!
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Great wines, fun to taste new ones every day. The beers on tap are rotated every so often, and they're interesting. The beer selection is a bit overpriced and not as diverse as it could be, but maybe that will change in the future.
Ernie and Lisa are good at making people feel comfortable and informing them about wine. This is a great place to come in Uptown, and we need more places that are this classy and inviting at the same time.
I hope they stay in business for a long time. I'll be back for sure....Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Patricia G.
Whittier, CA
5/22/2009
I live up the street from Vinatero and I needed a bday present for my friend. I was all stressed because he loves chocolate beer and I thought I was going to have to brave Whittier Blvd. and head to Trader Joe's to get some for him.
My very informed wine expert step father recommended Vinatero and lo and behold! They had a whole bunch of chocolate beer! The owners were there and walked me through the different types of chocolate beer and even offered to special order me some other type that they didn't have in stock. How helpful!!!
It's so nice to have gems like this place in my area so I don't have to drive all over the world. I can't wait to go wine tasting there! -
Review from Heather C.
Whittier, CA
6/8/2008
I anticipated the store's arrival in the somewhat stagnant Greenleaf strip in Uptown Whittier. When opening day finally came, the place did not disappoint!
The atmosphere and decor is inviting while the selection is a phantasmagoric arrangement of delightful treasures of wine, beer, cheese, exotic waters, sodas and more. Vinatero manages to look incredibly glamourous and upscale without the stuffy elitist feel similar establishments often drip with.
If you live in Whittier, or are just passing through, you'd be doing yourself a great disservice should you choose not to visit this fabulous store.Listed in: My Neighborhood
