"Drinking in downtown Santa Monica generally means hanging out in retro beach bars, kitschy British pubs, and hotel rooftops. But tasting rooms pouring locally produced wine? Not so much. It’s why you should know about AJA Vineyards. The family-run winery is based in Malibu, but also operates a modern tasting room on 2nd Street. If you have some time on your hands, order the full flight. For $45, it comes with six generous pours, including a cabernet, two syrahs, and a particularly refreshing rosé. They take reservations, but most people just walk in, making it a great option for pre-dinner drinks when you aren’t in the mood to negotiate with a bouncer." - Brant Cox
Amanda Rubin
