Summer 2011 Outdoor Wine Events in Los Angeles

This summer, Los Angeles wine enthusiasts can get out of the cellar and out on the town with these casual and quirky wine events.

Cowboys vs. Mimes and Colorado Wine Company: This wine tasting event at Eagle Rock’s Colorado Wine Company pits American rosés (the cowboys) against French rosés (the mimes). Attendees are encouraged to dress up in either boots and spurs or white face paint and a beret. The winner of this “battle of epic pink” is determined by how many of each country’s wines are left unsold at the end of the night. “The mimes almost always win, says Colorado Wine Company co-owner John Nugent, “just like they do in real life.” The ticket price includes the six wines and a selection of artisan cheeses. In September, the shop also hosts a White Trash Wine event which pairs cheese balls, Spam, and ho-ho's with high-end wines.
May 21, 5pm, $20
2114 Colorado Boulevard at Caspar Avenue, Eagle Rock, (323-478-1985 or www.cowineco.com)

Friday Nights at Barnsdall Park with Silverlake Wines: Silverlake Wines sponsors this summer evening event at Barnsdall Art Park. The tasting features four wines -- one rosé, one white and two reds -- and more than 500 people a week show up to quaff the selections while taking in the views from Olive Hill. Good eats can be procured from an assortment of food trucks, and various DJs provide the night’s soundtrack. This family friendly event benefits Barnsdall’s Frank Lloyd Wright designed Hollyhock House, and free tours of the facility are offered during the event.
Series begins Friday, June 17, 5:30pm, $25
4800 Hollywood Boulevard, at (323-660-4254 or www.barnsdallartpark.com)

In-N-Out Pairings at Wally’s Wines: Forget stuffy sommeliers and white linen tablecloths, Wally’s wines is hosting an afternoon tasting event that will pair more than a dozen fine wines with every Los Angeleno’s favorite indulgence: an In-N-Out Double Double.

The high/low event was inspired by a Saveur Magazinereview that commented on how well Margerums Wine Company’s M5 blend would pair with the fast food classic. Wally’s heeded this sage advice and threw an event pairing this spicy syrah based blend with the legendary burger. Hundreds are expected to show up to Wally’s parking lot for this second annual foodie fantasy. The price includes a Double Double, chips, soda and a full tasting of more than a dozen wines.
May 22, 1pm - 4pm, $30 ($40 day of event)
2107 Westwood Boulevard, at Mississippi (310-475-0606 or www.wallywine.com)

Photo Courtesy of iheartvintagecouture.com