During Doug LaGambina’s 20 years as a music industry executive, he developed a penchant for good wine and food while traveling for meetings. Now, LaGambina is popping the bottle on his passion right here in the Valley. The 47-year-old Hollywood Hills resident is opening a 12-seat wine “studio” in Toluca Lake named Spin the Bottle – the name a nod to the nostalgia of the childhood game and the desire for what he calls “a simpler time and space.” LaGambina already has restaurant industry bona fides as an investor in Hollywood bar and small-plate restaurant Wood & Vine, and has hooked up with Scott Kay, another partner there, on his Valley concept. The 950-square-foot space will feature wines for consumers to try, sales and tastings of organic, artisanal wines from California and Oregon, overseas vintages and tasting events. “We’ll be focusing on small production, artisanal things that you will not be able to find anywhere else,” LaGambina said. Small plates such as charcuterie and cheese – a staple at Wood & Vine – will be offered, but there will not be a full kitchen. LaGambina settled on Toluca Lake after deciding there would be plenty of demand from local residents. “I would go to wine tastings in Pasadena and Silver Lake and meet a lot of people who were driving in from the Valley,” said LaGambina, who thinks the neighborhood is about to become a destination, with new shops and restaurants opening. Conrad Lyon, a senior restaurant analyst with B. Riley & Co. in Los Angeles, said the location could do good business on weekends, though it might be soft during the week. “It’s all about the demographics. The income and age group works well, with the wealthy folks who work for the studios and the Millennial generation who look for the ‘finer things,’” Lyon said. LaGambina said the wine studio concept is flexible and will be a boost. “We’re focused on being open during the day as a wine store and being able to drink at night,” he said. Plans are to have six wines on tap in kegs similar to beer, as well as six to eight bottle offerings. Prices will range from $15 to $35, although carefully selected bottles will come in under the $15 price point and premium offerings will range above $40. The business will feature salespeople with iPads that can access a customer’s purchase history and preferences. The tablets will also complete sales transactions on the spot. – Jacquelinne Mejia
Pair Put New Spin on Old Name
