Esters Wine Shop and Bar is part of the Rustic Canyon Group.
Drew and Brando have been trying to get me here forever. Chef Brando who once worked at Rustic Canyon is a huge fan and patron of Esters. He jumps in a few times month. What a find. Charming, quaint wine shop dedicated to promoting organic, sustainable, and biodynamic wines. Yes, you can buy and drink wines from other countries, but Kathryn is promoting local vintners and by that, I mean West Coast. California, Oregon, Washington. If you know my palate, I am not the biggest fan of these young west coast wines, but I can tell you Ms. Kathryn knows what she is doing and who she is promoting.
This Wine and Cheese shop is warm and inviting. We had a cozy velvet couch in a corner that was fantastic. Though there is plenty of seating at the bar and outdoors. Esters is very safety conscious regarding the pandemic. Masks are required as is proof of vaccination.
The store is well stocked with all kinds of packaged yummies to buy. A perfect stop to pick up gifts for homes, birthdays and/or holiday gifts.
Chef Brando ordered us beautiful cheese and charcuterie platters and if you want something a little heartier, try the mac and cheese and grilled cheese. You won’t be disappointed.
Drew and I are wanting to head back and try the Sea Bass en croute and some of the salads.
For a moment I thought I was in an apothecary shop when these small tasting bottles were served. We oversaw our own pourings. I had a blast with that. You became more involved in understanding what you were tasting. So fun. Check out the pics.
Fortunately, they managed to cut me some creamy stinky cheese from Indiana (go figure) that I could take home and continue the revelry. (Drew is from Indiana). It will become a regular on my homey cheese platters. The cheese is from a cow , its name is Ameribella and it's from the Farmstead called Jacob and Brichford in Indiana.
The cocktail menu is quite impressive as well. Drew had a most delicious night cap...Esters Old-Fashioned with earl grey and sage. Divine. Next time I go I will definitely make room to have one. Definitely an upgrade from the well known classic.
Utterly a pleasure, to sit back with friends, taste some local wines, eat some tasty finger foods, and giggle and laugh for a few hours.
We were having such a great time, just wish it could stay open longer.
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