It's been 14 years since I left my original review I now belong to one of the monthly wine clubs they have -- and it's exceptional value and great wines Every time I go in to buy wine as a gift, I get incredible compliments on the wine I have given. This Thanksgiving week reminded me why I love Mission Wines, Chris, and the staff-- I was in a hurry and so I bought wine at Bristol Farms. It was a winery I'd bought before, I looked at the online ratings for the wine and seemed solid Got it home and meh. I said to myself -- next time I'm just letting Chris and his team pick my wines that way no mistakes or off years for me. With so many wineries -- no way I can keep up. Missions Wines is like a sommelier shop on that there is something excellent at each price point -- bottles under $20 will be terrific. And gift bottles will be special They are no adding high end spirits -- I bought a special Armenian brandy there for a friend that I could not find anywhere else Trust them to pick your wine unless you're an expert and your friends and family will think you've got the best taste ever! read more

Mission Wines - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Very nice little neighborhood wine store. It's not a very big shop, but its well curated and they have a wide selection of goods from wine, sake, champagne and even some beer. The owner is affable and they're very knowledgeable here. We have not been disappointed by any of their recommendations yet. read more

Good selection but what wine store closes at 5P on a Saturday?!?!? The night you're most likely to be heading to a dinner party, bday, holiday party or need a quick gift! There are other options which in-turn has left me loyal to sellers. read more

I've driven down Mission street a million times and never knew this cool little wine shop was here. I stopped in a few weeks ago for their last Friday of the month Premium Champagne Flight. So glad I did. The flight featured three high-end Champagnes that were very delicious! The shop is small and quaint. They carry a wide selection of obscure wines. Since it was the Friday of a three day weekend people were stopping by and getting bottles out of the refrigerator. The owner Chris is very nice and quite knowledgeable. On Wednesday they have Happy Hour - a flight of 3 wines for $7.50. Friday's Flight features a different winery and on Saturday's you get a flight of 5 wines for $15. read more

See all

Best wine shop in the LA metro area. There's not a single bottle on those shelves I am unwilling to drink, which is a credit to the owners care in curating his offerings. Great bottles at fair prices is a rarity these days, and to find them in such a welcoming shop is magic. read more

We always love the wines that are selected for the monthly subscription. I really appreciate their curbside pickup! Great place to check out some wines! read more

Join their online newsletter, they're currently running specials and I think it's 20% off all natural wines right now? I placed my order online and curbside pickup was SUPER easy and quick! They also had a butt load of boxes packed and ready by the door, so they must be doing something right! I've visited pre-covid YEARS ago and I really did enjoy the ambiance of the place and their wine tasting offerings...I can't wait till I can again! I won't take these little joys for granted anymore ='((( read more

My friend took me here for Wednesday wine testing which is $8 for a three (3) flight tasting, plus a discount on the wines that you tasted that day. The wines that evening were tasty and definitely of good quality. We liked them so much we took advantage of the discount and bought a bottle. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient. They, also, even have a cute pooch who makes her way around for pets which I'm clearly a fan of. There's both street and lot parking, thankfully! read more

Mission Wines - Get ready to meet their pooch when you stop by! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - South Pasadena, California

The selection at this store is amazing and their prices are very competitive. They have featured wines and send you an email with a discount code for 20 percent off. I have often taken advantage of these deals and I have never been disappointed. I read a few reviews that complains about customer service in this store. I haven't felt that the service lacked at all. The owner has built a very reliable business that brings some amazing wines to his customers. Personally I hate the big chain wine stores. I always feel like they don't read their customers wants very well and often recommend wines that aren't interesting because it's on special and they need to "sell out". A good wine store gives their customers space to explore and when the conversation warrants words then they can engage, recommend and provide excellent customer service. I feel Mission Wines excels at this type of service. Keep it up!! read more

After spending a fantastic day at Garfield Park, I decided to pick up a bottle of wine for my dinner. Upon walking in, the gentlemen working was more interested In watching TV than helping or even taking the time to say hello. After I said hi, he continued watching TV than making recommendations or engaging in any conversation. My wife left since she couldn't stand the lack of service at this shop. After that, he decided to get up from his show to try to help. By this point, It was too late for any pleasantries. I decided to leave and spend my money over at Everson and Royce. read more

Good selection and great staff. Appreciate the help from the owner. He recommended the perfect wine for my event.

I will never order from this company. After waiting weeks for item, to find out it was returned because the address said ave apt st but other packages with same address had never had a problem getting to me. Then after finding out it went back the rude lady that answered their phones said we can't resend and a refund can only be issued not mentioning the order was 19$ end up $6 was only refund. This company don't know customer service. Will tell everyone to use another company to at least get their orders never had any problems with total wines. read more

Dropped by here to grab a couple bottles of wine for a picnic at the Huntington. There are parking spots in front, but they have their own lot on the side. It was a hot day, so we were looking for something refreshing. The clerk was very helpful showing us the layout of the store. They had a great selection and people were wine tasting, while we were there. They had a few items in the refrigerator and she recommended the Louis Metaireau Muscadet for such a warm day. Wines from the Loire Valley are very special to us, so it was an excellent choice. We loved it. We'll be back. read more

Mission Wines - Refreshing Muscadet for picnicking at the Huntington - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Hooray my 100th Review! OF COURSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It had to be wine related.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So yeah, I have a pecking order. I live in El Monte! Yup there is nowhere to drink here!!!!! I know that already!!!! I have lived here my entire life!!!!!!!!! So the pecking order is" Vinatero Wine Shop - Whittier, Ca. California Wine & Cheese - Monrovia, Ca. AND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mission Wines in South Pasadena, Ca. Like the 2 that I mentioned first! Mission Wines is a non pretentious Wine shop with some of the most knowledgeable wine people around working there. You walk into this quaint little wine shop and you feel comfortable and relaxed. They always have at least 3 wines rotating for you to taste that they change once a week. The wine selection is always top notch with some of the best of the best for sale. aka!!!!!!!!!!!! Merus Spottswoode Ridge Too Great French - Italian - Spanish Wines!!!!!! Chris and Dave are 2 experts that can guide you to the perfect purchase from a $10.00 to a $200.00 bottle of wine. The shop is small with a very small tasting bar, but what they lack in size they make up in knowledge, understanding and trust. I have been coming to Mission Wines longer than I have been going to the first 2 places combined. I frequent those places alot more because they are closer to the town I live in. But!!! When I want to taste something completely in left field or something so obscure that noone else might of heard of. This is the place I go too. Please - Please - Please Try this place if you believe in my wine judgement and knowledge! Cheers! read more

Mission Wines - Mission Wines - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - South Pasadena, California

My favorite Wine Shop! Chris the owner and his staff are VERY knowledgeable of wine from all regions. Give them a budget or dishes for your party, they will pick the perfect wine that does not break your bank. Wine tasting every week, and selection changes frequently. It's the perfect wine shop that let you taste your wine. Not to mention they also carry Craftsman Brewery on the tap. read more

See all

Upping my star count here because the last couple times I have been in I have had a great experience, both shopping and sipping. They seem to be stocking a lot more Santa Barbara wines, which is a good thing in my book. Also, their $10 section has dwindled. But now I spend more on wine in general so I would still come here to find a gem in the $20-40 range. Also, they put in a tasting bar and offer $15 tasting flights or $8 glasses. A great way to pass the time while your kid is at gymnastics next door. Wait...... Did I just say that? read more

Tim and the staff at Mission Wines are GREAT! A lot of advice was given and the pours were delish. I like the different selections and the interactions feel a bit more personal compared to Total Wine or Bevmo. Highly recommended. read more

Mission WInes is AWESOME! I visit a few times a week, to taste or buy wine. At first the owner seemed a bit surly, but he is very kind, and has an incredible selection of wine at reasonable prices. During summertime they have a fantastic selection of Rose. I like to come at obscure times of the day when it is not very crowded, pull up a stool, do a tasting and get some good pairing advice from one of the staff. They are knowlegeable and friendly and have never they have never steered me down the wrong bottle. On the Friday at the end of every month they have more formal tastings with some wines that rarely are served by the glass. Oh yeah, and Mission Wines has three beers on tap. My favorite is the 1903 Lager. Cheers! read more

See all

Mission Wines is the local wine shop for South Pasadena. They have a HUGE selection of wines in virtually all price ranges. They are extremely knowledgeable as well. You can go into the store, tell them what you're thinking about eating for dinner, name a few wine varietals that you like, your price range, and they will come up with the perfect bottle for you. We have done this a couple of times with friends for BYO restaurants. It always adds that little bit extra. But Mission Wines is more than just a wine shop. They also have a bar in the front and serve wine flights for an extremely reasonable price. You can also get a glass of any of the wines they are serving for $5-6, which is quiet a deal. They also have Craftsman beers on tap (also $5 or so) for those who would prefer some amber bubbly. It can get pretty busy around the bar area, but the staff is so good / friendly that they will come out from behind the bar to serve anyone that can't make it all the way in. The only thing keeping me from giving them the full five stars is that the selection of wines less than $10 is fairly small. (This also wouldn't have been an issue if I had more money.) I guess they figure that Trader Joes down the block can fill in that price range. All in all Mission Wines is definitely worth stopping by, you won't find friendlier people in a wine shop. read more

Mission Wines - Delicious wine tasting and beers on tap. - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - South Pasadena, California

My favorite wine shop. Here are the highlights: - Superb service: The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. When it comes to wine, they know their sh*t. They're not pretentious. They're not snobby. As an avid wine drinker and a poor college student, I trust and feel comfortable asking them for wine recommendations without breaking my bank. - Awesome crowd: Come on a Friday evening and you'll see many people gathering around the bar, mingling, chatting, having a good time. It's kinda like an unsaid social event where the frequent customers meet up. - Buy and share a bottle: Best thing of MW is that you can buy a bottle and share it with your friends. There are also wine tastings for $15. read more

I like Mission wines. They maintain a list of my favorite wines and specific flavor preferences. I call ahead, discuss my order and it is when I arrive. I have also coordinated with Potmates to pick up orders. They have a good variety of interesting wine and champagne. I enjoy shopping at a small store rather than a chain. The service and wine is consistently excellent. read more

Amazing experience!!! Please try this wine place and you will not be disappointed. I came here yesterday for the 1st time per my colleague's recommendation and I was very happy with my experience! The staff at Mission Wines were extremely warm, welcoming, and helpful. The owner, Chris, was especially caring as he attended to my friend and I quickly and with a fascinating understanding of wines. Recommendations: White: Birichino Malvasia Blanca Cabernet franc: Chinon And much MUCH more! read more

Mission Wines - They have beer too! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - South Pasadena, California

This place is a great! The owners are the nicest guys and my fiance and I come here often on Saturday afternoons after we eat lunch or before we head to Trader Joes for our dinner. The wines they have available for tasting are always top-notch and reasonably priced- I'm so glad they're in So. Pas! read more

This the quintessential neighborhood wine shop. The staff are all super helpful and while the selection isn't huge, there is enough variety that I can always find something new to love. Plus they have tastings and sell wine by the glass. It really is a gem. read more

Question : We bought this vintage champagne and it was totally without a pop and flat ! Just wanted to know what to know according to them what had accured. ( We were not asking for a refund or anything, just curious what their answer would be - as we were sure it was not sealed rigth which is usually the case) Mission Wines : Well you have probably dirty stemware !! - and this was their only answer!! Get out of here !!!! We were shocked - ah ah - crazy - as we only use very hot water to rinse our glasses and paper towels to dry them. Totally unprofessionel and not a very smart answer if they want to keep their clients!! read more

Don't go here. Just don't. Smug, rude, un-fun, unopposed. They don't even try. Want a nice, warm place To try good wine and kindness? Go to someplace else. read more

Was a bit disappointed. Had been to this shop about 10 years ago and I remember the salesperson being extremely helpful when looking for a Port. It was a big hit with my family back then. This recent visit in which I visited specifically to seek advice wasn't really the same. They certainly have a great selection of wines, many of which you can't find at typical supermarkets, Worldmarkets, Whole Foods, etc., and I did purchase a wine that was great, but I picked it out on my own. Although I was the only person in the shop, the salesperson seemed busy with something at the register and when i got his attention, I specified the type, country, region and price range I was looking for. All he did was rush over to show me the section of where those wines were and read off some of the bottles in the specified price range and went away. I had already figured out where they were and am capable of reading price labels. He said nothing about them. What were their aromas, tastes, mouthfeels? In the shop I had no idea. But like I said, the wine was excellent. However, I credit that to my dumb luck rather than the learned opinion of an expert. read more

I have been here dozens of times and I try to support small businesses. The last time I visited the owner was so rude. He yelled at me and my daughter from across the store (she was merely touching the bottle I was already holding). We were both really disturbed and shaken by his treatment of us. I will say it's typical that the owner and the people who work there are more interested in the tv when you go in, which I don't mind so much. Ignoring people may be bad customer service but is tolerable. His shouting however was intolerable. read more

Excellent wine selection. Chris the owner is the master here, he can recommend you the perfect wine per your taste. On every 2nd Saturday, they have oyster too. The oysters are the best here! Way better the oyster you get from restaurant, a must try! read more

Mission Wines - Oysters every 2nd Saturday of the month. - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - South Pasadena, California

This is a very nice wine store, with an excellent selection ranging from $20 - 60. A significant number of Spanish, South American, Italian, and French selections occupy half the store as does a small requisite shelf of hard liquor (why do wine stores do that?) The light wood decor is inviting, and the layout is easy to navigate. They even have a "ha-ha you're too poor" section ($8 - 18) of very different wines you wouldn't usually find in a grocery store, like Malbecs, Barolos, Tempranillos, and Semillons. This being South Pasadena though, it felt a little too much like a country club. The owners and employees were very busy watching NASCAR on TV and chatting up with clients who clearly were regulars, slapping each other on the backs and deploying sad, concerned looks when minimally bad news is shared. The bar, which is the size of a college dorm loveseat, was crowded with them, and these people seriously sat there for hours. Thank god someone noticed us in the back trying to get at a wine flight. (Wine flight wasn't great...a washed out rose pinot noir, skunky chardonnay, sour Malbec, but hearty and smooth Tempranillo). I think if you're the type to frequent one wine bar as you would a bar and become a serious wine collector, then this place would be a great place. If you'd rather drink wine in a recreational and hobby aspect, going from place to place, this may be a skip. Oh, I have to agree with Sasha D's comment about the MILF alert. The cougars prowl hard with their expensive sundresses and divorce settlements. If they curl their hand all the way around the wine glass so they can stroke their plunging cleavages, RUN. Unless you're into that, then by all means, step in closer and smell the Botox. read more

I love this wine store. I've been going here for about 8-9 years. All the wines are consistently delicious from cheaper prices to more expensive offerings. Whether by budget or knowledge, this is a wine shop you can grow with. Don't be afraid to ask and don't be afraid to mention how much you're willing to spend. I have never received a bad bottle here. K&L is also a solid choice, but the thing I love about Mission Wines is their curated selection. They know what's on their shelves and they can recommend the perfect bottle for you. They have tasted everything there. They supplied all the wines for my wedding 7 years ago and did a fantastic job. I decided to write a review now, since I'm drinking a fantastic $17.00 Italian white. So I thought, I'd do them a solid and write a review. They also offer tastings with wineries along with wine clubs. Service has always been friendly. If you need help, just be sure to ask. I think most wine stores try to give you space to explore. They aren't being unfriendly, they just don't want to be nosy. My favorite wine shop in LA county. Do yourself a favor and drive over and spend $20-$30 on a bottle. Give them a try. read more

What's more important? Taking a risk on a hard-to-find, pretentious bottle to impress your friends or buying a bottle made by vintners with a long track record of producing high-quality wine? If looking for an eclectic bargain, then there are better suited stores to find that snobby bottle. But if shopping for wine with consistent character at retail prices, then Mission is a solid bet. Basically, this is a small store stocked with well established labels. The selection is not daring but safe and filled with quality. If randomly picking a wine from their shelves, there's a high chance of finding a tasty wine. Wine tastings are offered daily. The few bar stools fill up fast. I came a number of years ago and the attitude at the bar was stand-offish, but the mood was warm on a recent Saturday afternoon visit. Parking is to the left of the store plus 15 minute street parking in front of the store. This business is Mission Wines which NOT the same as Mission Wine & Spirits. read more

Classic, hands on, helpful wine shop. Everyone working here is passionate and knowledgeable about wine. If you tell what you want to pair it with, or what you like (dry, fruity, old world, new world) or how much you want to spend, they can help you narrow down the large selection of choices to just a few so you can make an informed decision. No wine snobbery in here - there are plenty of under $25 choices and some that will go in to the $100s if that is what you are into. Nearly every Saturday there is a wine tasting - showcasing a particular winery or region. On a recent visit it was all about craft beer from Colorado and it was a pleasure to spend time talking about the changes in US beer tastes. If you live nearby, subscribe to the newsletter so you don't miss out on knowing about some phenomenal tastings at very affordable prices. I trust Mission Wines when I looking for the right wine to go with a special meal or as a hostess gift when I get invited over. read more

See all

I live in DC now. I miss this place. Todd C. does make a valid but overstated comment, however, in noting that this place is like a "country club." It's more "Cheers" than country club--obviously, that analogy is limited by the reality that wine is a bit more highbrow than, say, High Life. If you're looking for more individualized treatment, come during the weekdays or earlier on the weekends. The place can get crowded during their wine tastings, and can get crowded on Thursday and Friday evenings, too. But that's a good thing, and if you care to stop in frequently enough, have a few glasses, and talk to some of the people there, you might discover Mission Wines to be a place where everybody does, in fact, know your name. read more

I wouldn't advise buying any wines worth cellaring from here. The AC wasn't turned on in the store on a 90+ degree day and many expensive bottles have been left standing upright with a thick layer of dust on them. They also have their Napa Cabernets right next to the window which isn't even tinted, left exposed to UV rays all day. Granted this probably isn't an issue for most of the cheaper wines that will be consumed immediately. But when you have a $450 Maya Dalla Valle and Philip Togni Cabernets which are meant to age for a long time, stuff like proper temp/storage play a crucial role in how they'll develop in the bottle. read more

Well my wife has had this on her radar for so long and I finally decided to listen to her during the South Pasadena Art & Music Celebration. This place rocks, just make sure you check the hours. They wine tasting and they have some amazing craft beers on tap that you can't buy anywhere. Plus you have the wine to buy there. Quaint little place with amazing customer service. read more

Mission Wines - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - South Pasadena, California

I was a loyal customer for well over a decade and enjoyed their recommendations. Especially during the pandemic l wanted to support local merchants and bought my wine from this store. I wanted to purchase a special wine for Father's Day 2020 and tried to place an order via their website however it appeared the website was down on the Saturday before Father's Day. I called the store to order the French Chardonnay featured on their Facebook page and since l didn't want to mispronounce the wine, l spelled the name on the phone. The person on the phone didn't recognize the name of the wine even though l stated it was featured on their Facebook page. He was rude so l changed my mind and hung up the phone. Later the website was back up and he sent me a snarky email about my lack of patience. Really??? That is not the way you treat customers. I will no longer support this business. Total Wine and More just won my business. read more

Looking for a special bottle of wine for BIL 50th bday. Salesman gave me advice on a bottle that I think will fit the bill perfectly. It is not well known, but very hard to find and for the connoisseur will be a treat. It was a little pricy, but that's what you get for this kind of attention. I will be back. read more

Mission Wines - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - South Pasadena, California

I got a heads up on this place from a friend and it's been a good find. I have my sweet spot for Malbecs and it's still tough to find a good one. Sure you can roll into Bev-Mo or Cost Plus and probably find a couple but it'll taste like llama piss more than likely. Back on track; The guys at Mission Wine have been able to set me up with a few good bottles of Malbec for low to moderate cost. I've been very pleased with the service and knowledge they have. They have been able to find something in my price point each time and they don't turn their nose up if all you can spend is $15. They will find a nice wine for under $15. They also have wine tastings at various time as well. read more

Mission Wines is a great place to pick up wine, tips and discover new wines. Chris the owner is always friendly and extremely helpful, as is his staff. As another reviewer mentioned, you tell him what you are serving, occasion and he will make several suggestions that have yet to let me down. He has a nice selection of South American and Australian wines. I visit Napa several times a year and have membership to some wine clubs there; I have asked Chris what he has in store that would be comparable to some of my fav Napa wines and he always comes up with solid alternatives. He has an e-mail list that lets you know about specials, new wines and events. read more