I finally made it back to Vino and tried a tasting flight. The theme was "Wines from All Over the World," and here were the five I tried:

Laxas Albarino 2006, Spain

St. Lucas Torrontes 2006, Argentina

Quinta de Bon-Ventos 2005, Portugal

Tumara Pinotage 2005, South Africa

Philippe Devasaux Cabernet Franc 2005, France

I'll spare you my wine commentary and comment instead on the overall experience. Try the wines at Vino yourself and then we can talk about what the wines taste like. 

One of the best ways, I've learned, to enter the world of wine is through wine tastings. You have the opportunity to try small portions of many different kinds of wine. If you're lucky, you also have the opportunity to talk about what you taste—and perhaps pick the brain of your wine pourer if you're not sure exactly what your taste buds are telling you. It's like playing a game with someone who knows the rules, who can help give you your next move if you're stuck. 

At Vino, you get the best of both worlds. Jason and Katia Schwartz are ever-present, ready to describe the wines in succession. They won't spoil the surprise by telling you exactly what you'll taste before your first sip, but they'll help you unpack complex flavors and untie your tongue if words fail. They're adjusting the level of your outdoor heat lamp one moment, then helping a visitor find their new favorite wine the next. You turn back to your wine again, and when you look up the two are greeting, saying farewell, obtaining e-mail addresses for their e-newsletter, keeping up with the wine tasters outdoors, and schmoozing with the 70% of visitors that are locals. It's an effortless dance that is best seen rather than described. 

If you're new to wine, try a tasting at Vino. Go when they're not busy, and ask questions. The Schwartzes are eager to teach and knowledgeable beyond reproach.

If you're a wine connoisseur, you can appreciate the challenge of finding a good, obscure label. Vino 100's changing selection ensures you're kept on your toes.

Has anyone else been to the Vino 100 in Hollywood? How do your experiences compare?