Tastemaker Jill Bernheimer
WHERE TO FIND HER: I opened Domaine LA in September of 2009, and the website www.domaine547.com has been operating since March of 2007.
HOW SHE GOT THERE: I spent over a decade working in the film industry, as a development executive and then an independent producer. While my business partner was on maternity leave, I had a little extra free time and spent it volunteering at my neighborhood wine shop, just as a way to learn more about wine, which was by then my hobby and passion. The moonlighting stint accidentally morphed into a career!
WHY SHE LIKES IT: When I was operating my store online only, I only interacted with people through the filter of technology. At the store, I love the face to face interaction with people, and helping them figure out how to fulfill their needs whether it’s pairing something with food, or finding the perfect gift for a loved one. And of course I love getting to try so many different wines.
WHAT MAKES THE STORE UNIQUE: The concept of the store is really about people being able to have an
unintimidating, user-friendly wine experience. I think the design of the space, with the central living room (hopefully where tastings will occur if I’m able to procure the proper licenses) and the chalk board perimeter helps create that approachable environment. The space is meant to encourage dialogue. Also, it’s filled with wines that can be popped open right now, rather than collected and hoarded as trophies. The price-points, for the most part, are in the realm of reasonable with an entire wall of under $15 everyday drinkers. All of this makes people feel very comfortable.
WHAT SHE’S DRINKING NOW: Just in is the 2007 Camille Giroud Bourgogne Rouge. It’s a really soft and approachable Pinot Noir that has the earth and acidity of Bourgogne, but enough fruit to make a more new world palate feel at home.
ADVICE FOR NEWBIES: Taste as much as you can! Don’t be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone every once in a while.
PERFECT DAY OFF: I can’t remember what a day off was like. Get back to me and maybe I’ll have some ideas.
For more information about DOMAINE LA please visit the listing on our site. Also, be sure to leave comments about Jill and DOMAINE LA BELOW.
Hi Jill:
I love your article, maybe thats what I can do is volunteer at my local wine shop. My husband and I have been tasting/drinking wine for three years and loving it. We love to go wine tasting to different ventures (been to Temecula, SLO, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara next stop Napa/Sonoma) since we live in the Norwalk area our hang out is Whittier (Vinatero’s), Brea and Seal Beach (Winestyles) and are always looking for new places to go and I found you. I hope we can venture up to your area and visit your shop soon.
Cheers,
Beverly & Doug Asleson
Hi Beverly and Doug,
Thanks for the comment! I highly recommend volunteering at a small shop if you have one in your neck of the woods…it was a great way to learn about wine, and also to learn about the wine business. Would love to see you if you ever make it to the Hollywood area.
Best,
Jill
Wish I could stop by today but we are venturing out to Glendale with 2 other couples to Glendale Center Theatre, Americana Mall, and dinner. I will mention your place and our next trip we will stop by, let me know what you recommend (3+) hotels in your area, as we would not like to drink and drive.
Bev
Hi Beverly – the closest hotels are the one at the Hollywood and Highland complex (in the Marriott family I think) and the new W at Hollywood and Vine that just opened this past week. For something a little more intimate/boutique-y I’m afraid you have to go slightly west.
Thanks!
Jill
As a regular shopper at domaine547 and now domaineLA the best thing about Jill’s shop is that she really knows what she’s selling and sells wine that she feels positively about. I like being able to buy wines that are affordable and taste good and aren’t the same wines everyone else is drinking–like wines from Greece, and regional French wines. With Jill’s help, I’ve been able to branch out from my comfort zones and get more adventurous without making expensive mis-steps into wines that I didn’t like. She’s a great example of how personal assistance can make all the difference to a wine buyer. And unlike some stores I’ve been in, where the sales team loses interest in you when you head to the under $15 section, Jill is happy to lend her expertise there as well as in the champagne aisle!
Deb,
So sweet of you to say and I hope to see you soon! We’ll have to toast to 2010 before the end of the first quarter.
Best,
Jill