AJA Vineyards

On our list of the best wine bars in Los Angeles.

Named for the three children of its founders, Amanda, Alec and Jack, AJA is a Malibu Coast winery that runs its tasting room on 2nd Street in Santa Monica, the city's first. The space stays small on purpose: limited seating, no private rooms, just a bar and a handful of tables for pouring. A full flight runs six generous glasses, typically a cabernet, two syrahs and a rose. Reservations are accepted, but most people simply walk in, making it an easy stop for a pre-dinner glass without much planning.