Postino's First Wine Cafe in California

By: Amanda Huntsman

In mid-December 2022, the Arizona native Postino WineCafé, an eclectic, community-driven, all-day wine bar, and restaurant, opened its first location in the Golden State, located in Park Place, off Jamboree, just before the 405 freeway. The same center where LA Fitness, Mother's Market, Ruth's Chris, and North Italia are located. 

We had the pleasure of visiting recently and were pleasantly surprised by the vibey ambiance and music, not to mention the delicious wine and food. The eye-catching décor at Postino taps a sophisticated aesthetic but with a welcoming twist that embraces the local environment. Upon entering the restaurant, you come up on the front patio, which is lined with umbrellas and is the perfect spot to enjoy wining and dining al fresco. Inside, guests can expect a vibrant, playful feel while also discovering new local artists and one-of-a-kind pieces selected by local vintage pickers. 

“With incredible winemakers, artists, and a dynamic sense of community, we couldn’t be more thrilled to open in Southern California,” said Lauren Bailey, Postino Co-Founder. “Our brand is fueled by providing a space for people to connect over wine appropriate for both the most casual and sacred of gatherings and an all-day menu that satisfies any craving. We can’t wait to earn our place in the Orange County community.”

Postino WineCafé is known for its signature wine program, which features boutique and novel finds that appeal to the most well-versed aficionado, with equal attention paid to offering approachable, culpable favorites for wine lovers of all types. The brand’s award-winning, proprietary wine program is curated by advanced sommelier and beverage director Brent Karlicek. Karlicek, who also is sitting for his Master Sommelier designation, travels the world creating relationships with boutique wineries and offering his curated collection of wines, wine-centric cocktails, and craft beers—many that can only be found at Postino. 

Locality is key to Postino’s culinary program, with wines inspired by the local region and dishes integrating fresh, seasonal produce from area purveyors. Menu favorites included Crispy Cauliflower, Meatballs & Goat Cheese, and Postino’s bruschetta board, which is offered in a variety of toppings, including mozzarella tomato basil, burrata bacon arugula, Prosciutto Di Parma, Fig & Mascarpone, and more. From shareable snacks and crave-worthy charcuterie boards to a lineup of panini and fresh salads - Postino’s menu suits small or large gatherings. And everything is offered at a more approachable price point.  

Postino is about community and creating a space where people can connect for any occasion, from premium happy hours, weekly promotions, special events, and much more. Californians can take advantage of their daily $6 ‘til 5pm wine and beer list and $25 Bottle & Board on Monday and Tuesday evenings (a bottle of wine and a board of bruschetta are $25 after 8 p.m.). Postino’s weekend brunch offers a curated selection of farm-fresh comfort foods like Umbria Egg Toast featuring scrambled egg with crèma and white truffle, crispy oyster mushroom, and parmigiano reggiano atop a toasted ciabatta. Be sure to check their website for special brunch promotions.

Insider Tip: Postino offers a wine program aptly named Postino Wine Cult. You can choose between a membership for $60 per quarter or an annual membership for $220 per year (save $20). Bonus: They are currently giving new members $50 to use at Postino when you sign up!

Membership Includes:

A lineup of 4 hand-picked wines (a mix of their favorite reds and whites) every quarter, complete with educational and mind-expanding content.r $2

Lookout for a sign-up gift, monthly hookups, discounts off their Bottle Collection to-go, and members-only offers through the Postino Wine Cult app.

Exclusive invites to one-of-a-kind events, Wine Cult merch, access to limited small-batch wines, and a litany of other fun things. per year (save $20)

Postino WineCafé is located at 2981 Michelson Dr., Ste E, Irvine. 

For more information, please visit postinowinecafe.com and follow @postinowinecafe on Instagram.