Remember the times of our youth playing those silly kissing games like "Spin the Bottle" and "Seven Minutes in Heaven"? Yeah, apparently we thought being promiscuous and kissing several random people in a short time span was cool. Sorry, I digress in my old age! As adults, we different bottles to 'play' with: wine bottles. Arguably, this may not be any healthier but again: I digress! For those wanting some bottle service, there is Spin the Bottle Wine Studio in Toluca Lake.
Spin the Bottle is a small winery spot nestled on Riverside near the intersection of Forman (next to Malbec and Forman's Tavern). It is somewhat difficult to find because the lettering on the awning doesn't stick out (at least not so much when it is dark out). Once inside, claustrophobia may slightly kick in as the interior is mostly a compact (longer than it is wide) wine shop with a tiny bar/seating area to the right. Consider it more of a small neighborhood shop with no bells or whistles. In fact, that is precisely the ambiance: Spin the Bottle feels like a casual visit to your friend's house who has some knowledge in wine and wants to give you a tasting of his/her supply.
After a quick browsing of the wine and beer selection for sale; we grabbed a couple seats at the bar to imbibe in a glass of wine. Spin the Bottle offers wine and beer by the glass, some flight options, and 'snacks' for munching (or soaking up the alcohol?). The female on duty (I forget her name, unfortunately) was friendly and informative about the selection and was quick to offer samples of any wine we wanted to pre-taste before purchase. We ended up choosing a glass of Beckmen (Red Syrah-- $10) and Mobius (Red Zinfandal-- $13). We also fell victim to the Rosemary Marcona Almonds ($6) and the famous Truffle Potato Chips.
The wine was served in a well-sized glass (they didn't skimp) and was delicious! I loved my Beckmen and the Mobius was equally delightful. However, wine is subjective so let's speak more of the snacks: the Rosemary Almonds are too die for, addicting! Perfect blend of the Cadillac nut of the almond world with herbs while the Truffle Potato Chips? HEAVEN! The chips are crisp, kettle style with a heavy truffle flavor. Great for those who secretly wish they could own a pig who finds the truffles in Italy (I heard pigs are no longer used though cause they were eating the truffles. I don't blame them!). You MUST try these chips! The servings are small but perfect to complement a glass of wine as they are a snack and not a full plate.
It can be a little difficult to hear your neighbor inside Spin the Bottle as it seemed to get a bit loud and the tight quarters doesn't lean towards intimacy. Again, this spot is more casual but still conducive to a light-hearted date.
Let's be frank: alcohol makes you have to use the restroom. Ladies, the restroom is large and has purse hooks so you won't be stumbling in some stall. Spin the Bottle hooks you up.
Spin the Bottle also features happy hour specials which are worth checking out such as $5 glasses of wine.
There isn't much more to say about Spin the Bottle. It's not mind blowing, standout, and may not be as fun as a game of Spin the Bottle as a kid. But it's a nice spot to grab a glass of wine if in the neighborhood and wanting to "be out" versus at home. Spin the Bottle isn't necessarily a destination wine studio but decent otherwise. If nothing else try the truffle chips! read more