I consider myself a wine novice. I know what wine I like, and I’m comfortable with what I know about wine, which isn’t much. That’s why I always find myself returning to Silverlake Wine time and time again. They have wine for every budget. Get a bottle of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc for 8 bucks or a bottle of Araujo Cabernet Sauvignon for 300 bucks, with everything in between.

On a recent visit to the wine shop I checked out their Sunday Tastings. Twenty bucks gets you four tastings from a single winery (plus an aperitif) and hors d’oeuvre pairing from the featured caterer of the day. A great deal for those looking for a inexpensive night out.

Getting ready for the evening at Silverlake Wine

This Sunday’s featured winery was a special one from Santa Barbara. Bonaccorsi wine was started by former Spago Master Sommelier Mike Bonaccorsi. Mike unfortunately passed away in 2004, but his amazing wine lives on. Bonaccorsi wines are big, structured, and bold reds like Pinot Noir and Syrah.

Paired with the wines this afternoon was food from Love Catering. Located right here in LA, Love uses seasonal ingredients and works with local farmers who provide organic and sustainable grown products. They are known for their delicious food that satisfies even the most discerning palate.

We’re started off with a glass of Domaine Saint Pierre Brut NV New Mexico served with a small bite of Manchego cheese, quince paste, candied walnuts and romesco sauce. The second tasting, a 2006 Bonaccorsi Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills was paired lovely with a Squash and corn blini with harissa aioli. Our next glass, the 2006 Bonaccorsi Pinot Noir “Melville Vineyard” was served with lovely spoonfuls of parmesan grits, lumped with spicy grilled shrimp and salsa verde. Both were favorites of the day.

Manchego cheese, quince paste, candied walnuts and romesco sauce

Squash and corn blini with harissa aioli

Parmesan grits, lumped with spicy grilled shrimp and salsa verde

The fourth tasting was a 2006 Bonaccorsi Syrah Santa Ynez Valley paired with Niman Ranch braised beef shortribs on crostini with wild arugula and horseradish cream. We finished off the tasting with a 2006 Bonaccorsi Syrah “Larner Vineyard” and a plate of assorted cookies and brownies.

Niman Ranch braised beef shortribs on crostini with wild arugula and horseradish cream

A plate of assorted cookies and brownies

The entire afternoon was great, the staff extremely helpful and friendly. Their love of wine and entertaining their guests was very apparent. Along with the Sunday tastings at 3pm, check out their Blue Monday tastings for $12 which features three wines paired with cheese from the Cheese Store of Silverlake. On Wednesdays the head on over to The Standard downtown for a 3 flight tasting (red or white) with snacks and a live DJ for $20. Then on Thursdays check out Thursday Night Flights for $12. Enjoy three wines from a specific region or winemaker and grab a hot dog from Let’s Be Frank parked on the street outside. Sounds like the perfect night to me.

Silverlake Wine is at 2395 Glendale Blvd. 323-662-9024