As if THE CAMP couldn’t get any cooler, the recent opening of the Wine Lab seems to say “you complete me” 🙂 The casual, hipster, eco-chic vibe of THE CAMP is a favorite of mine – and many others who seek respite from SoCal’s ubiquitous strip malls and gargantuan shopping districts – and the perfect place for the Wine Lab to continue their successful concept of daily wine tasting in a non-stuffy environment.
Designed with a mid-century flare, Wine Lab is right at home among the indy restaurants and unique shops at THE CAMP. Being a fan of mid-century modern design, I was totally smitten with the space and their play on the “lab” in Wine Lab with tasting flights served in a test tubes 🙂
Specializing in smaller family wineries, Wine Lab at The CAMP also features a retail shop where customers have an opportunity to buy the wine, cheese, bread, honey, and goat butter that they taste on the bar. An expanded, small plate menu, includes Flatbread Pizza’s made by a French quiche-maker in Glendora; local-baked Sadie Rose Breads served with organic Meyenburg goat butter from Central California; and artisan cheeses paired with local honey made by Costa Mesa beekeeper Amy Cripps. In addition, Costa Mesa’s Christopher Michael Chocolates (Voted America’s Best Chocolatier in 2010) stocks a selection of his confections.
Wine Lab proprietors ChrisAnn and Roger Richards are excited to bring a more sustainable approach to their unique services:
* A MicroMatic wine dispenser that serves eight wines on tap is a first in Orange County, California. Wines are delivered in 19 liter reusable kegs which eliminate the waste of bottles and have a much smaller carbon footprint. “Small family wineries are embracing this medium of wine delivery, because of the size of the keg, the temperature stability during transport protects the wine which increases the quality for our customers.”
*A Natura water purifier has also been installed. This system removes impurities and contaminants from the water without taking out the minerals. It provides cold sparkling, still or room temperature water in large glass carafes that are washed and reused.
*An innovative iPad and iPhone system is used to take customer orders by the staff. Roger noted that it allows the flexibility to be anywhere in the space and take a wine, food or to go order, plus they can swipe a customer’s card right in front of them so their card is never out of their sight. “If you see our staff on the phone they are not checking messages, they are checking on your order.”
A beer dispenser with six taps predominately features local microbrews. Currently, three beers from Fullerton-based Bootlegger’s Brewery on tap. Besides wine and beer tastings, Wine Lab will continue to provide education opportunities through winemaker events. “Customers really enjoy talking to the owners and winemakers plus it gives them an opportunity to taste a variety of the producer’s wines without making the trip to wine country.”
2937 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA
Open: Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm; Sunday 11am to 7 pm
Gina
I’m a little jealous, we don’t have anything like that here or Spikes for that matter. I’ve been playing catch up with everyone, sorry about that. Missed coming over here and looking at all the yummy stuff. I feel for you if you are going to have to go through what I did. I took me a month before the truck even pulled up just to sort stuff. Glad I did though, made it easier on the other end. Wishing you the best and a wonderful Easter!
-Gina-
Sandra's Easy Cooking
Looks like a great place, Priscilla! Thank you for the info and your well written review!
Have a lovely weekend!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts
This looks like an amazing place!
Patty
Another one on my ‘to try’ list;-)
Barbara | Creative Culinary
Wow Priscilla, what a great place. Now if only we could just arrange to meet for a drink next week. 🙂
Liren
Another one added to my to-visit list!
Lemon
This looks like a fabulous place to be. I’m sure I’d enjoy it there (just too far away).
Liz
Love the retro feel of this spot…looks like a place I’d make a second,third and fourth trip to 🙂
Lisa
Another fantastic place for delicious food and wine. I gotta tell ya, your posts make me want to move to SoCal. I think I’ve vtold you that before – it just gets stronger when I’m here 🙂 That said, Thank you so much for your sweet thoughts regarding my Dad xo
Magic of Spice
Now this we must do! We can go to celebrate your new house 🙂