May 2026

Every month, we keep you up to date on what’s happening at Wine Stop—new arrivals, upcoming tastings, and where we’ve been (and where we’re going) in search of wines for you. We’ll share what we’re tasting, what we’re learning, and a few wine tips along the way. After 10 years, it’s time to share more than just bottles.

The Drink Better Thursdays are back.

After a pause, our DTLA tastings return on May 8th and May 27th. These evenings (5 PM - 9 PM) are about what Wine Stop does best: opening bottles that overdeliver—wines with clarity, balance, and a sense of place. No gimmicks. No faults. Just clean, honest wines selected the only way we know how.

Tickets are available online only.

From Vineyard to Shelf — What We’ve Been Up To

So far this year, Alvaro has been on the road - because that’s where real wine is found.

In Montpellier, he attended one of Europe’s most important organic wine fairs. Participation is limited exclusively to certified organic producers, making it one of the few events where certification isn’t a marketing term - it’s a requirement.

A stat worth noting:
In 2022, certified organic vineyards accounted for 8.3% globally, while California sits at just 3–4% (source: OIV). The gap tells a story.

Our California wines—produced by Winery Sixteen 600—are part of that 3–4%.

That’s not a label claim. That’s verified farming.

From there, it was on to Barcelona Wine Week in Barcelona—a rare opportunity to meet many of our Spanish producers in one place. These aren’t transactional meetings. They’re conversations about farming, vintages, and decisions that shape what ends up in your glass months later.

And the work doesn’t stop there. We’re currently preparing our next refrigerated (reefer) container, this time focused entirely on French selections—shipped cold to preserve integrity from cellar to shelf.

Last month also took us to Mendoza and across Chile, walking vineyards and tasting at the source. One of Wine Stop’s core principles remains unchanged:

We visit before we buy.

We know where our wines come from—and who makes them.

That’s our Vineyard to Shelf commitment.

The $15 Truth

Everyone wants a great $15 bottle.

Very, very few exist.

Over the past decade, we’ve tasted hundreds in this price category. We’ve selected just eight. That’s not scarcity—it’s discipline.

The good news: we’re adding a few more this year.

They meet the same standard:

• Clean (no funk/kombucha)
• Balanced
• Authentic
• Worth drinking again and again

Austrian Wines — Yes, We Hear You

Our certified organic Austrian selections have quickly become customer favorites.

And yes—we’ve heard the feedback loud and clear:

“How dare you run out?”

More Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and Blauburger (new addition) are on the way.

Two Bottles Worth Your Attention

Let’s close with two wines that perfectly capture what we look for—whether you’re pairing with food or opening a bottle just because.

2019 Piedra Prohibida — Toro, Spain
100% Old-vine Garnacha (50+ years) from the Toro appellation.

This is Garnacha with depth and restraint. Dark cherry and crushed raspberry lead into subtle spice and dried herbs. There’s a quiet power here—structured but not heavy, with a mineral edge that keeps everything in line. The finish is long, clean, and grounded in place.

At $30, it’s a clear reminder of what this historic grape can achieve when treated with respect.

Food pairings (California lens):

• Grilled salmon or cedar plank salmon
• Roast chicken with thyme and lemon
• Mushroom risotto or wild mushroom pasta
• Duck breast with cherry glaze
• Pork tenderloin with herbs
• Charcuterie boards (light cured meats, pâté)

2021 Cairats Origin — Montsant, Spain
41% Grenache, 30% Tempranillo, 27% Carignan

A Mediterranean blend with precision.

Red and black fruits sit alongside wild herbs and a touch of earth. The Carignan brings lift and freshness, the Grenache adds generosity, and the Tempranillo ties it together with structure. Balanced, vibrant, and built for the table—but just as compelling on its own.

Another $30 bottle that earns its place.

Food pairings (California lens):

• Santa Maria–style tri-tip (oak fire, simple seasoning)
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic
• Baja-style carne asada tacos
• Wood-fired pizza with sausage, mushrooms, and herbs
• Ratatouille or grilled seasonal vegetables
• Aged cheeses (Manchego-style, local sheep’s milk)

We’ll be sharing more soon—new arrivals, new stories, and a few surprises along the way.

Wine Stop. Drink Better. 2016-2026.