ALONG COMES MARY

Did you know Burbank is home to a winery? I’ve always loved exploring the “Media City” and continually say how much it surprises me. Magnolia Avenue is home to a slew of vintage shops and even a horror museum. While over on San Fernando Boulevard, little gems manage to pop up among the array of chain stores. One of those gems is Urban Press Winery.

I admit that I had walked by Urban Press Winery several times. Mike and I love Burbank and frequent the area. I was so intrigued when they invited us to stop by to sample some items and wines from their menu. On the outside, Urban Press appears very intimate. Much like a small tasting room in Solvang or Napa. The space is gorgeous and ample upon entering. I didn’t feel like I was in Burbank at all anymore. Rather a cozy bistro in Italy or a nightclub in Paris.

Arriving to Urban Press Winery

A custom iron, crystal-lined staircase led us upstairs. Urban Press has two levels giving visitors three dining options. While downstairs gets all of the central action, upstairs offers an indoor mezzanine overlooking the main floor. There’s also outdoor dining. Although the view is of store buildings, it still was very inviting. Once again, it made me feel like I was somewhere else. Perhaps New York or another hectic city.

All choices looked fantastic but we ultimately decided on the mezzanine. The patio is pergola-covered with heated lamps, but I wanted to get a better taste of the restaurant. Especially as it came alive for their beloved jazz brunch.

“It’s a Space to Make a Connection”

Giovanni D’Andrea is the owner of Urban Press Winery. After blending his own wines for years, he decided to unveil the one and only Burbank winery in 2016. D’Andrea blends tradition, deep technical knowledge, and new ideas to bring the wine list and menu selections to life.

“Luxury does not take shortcuts,” he states, “and details matter. Urban Press was designed to transport you to the tasting rooms of Italy, where you share a bottle of wine and a meal with friends and family. There are no televisions to distract you or drown out your conversation. It’s a space to make a connection.”

D’Andrea works with winemakers in Napa and selects the grapes used in Urban Press wines himself. What began as a “small menu” has transitioned into fine-dining Italian cuisine. Chef Emidio Tidu hails from Rome and has created dishes throughout Europe including Italy and Switzerland. Now, he’s bringing all of that culinary flavor to Burbank.

Urban Press Winery’s Jazz Brunch

We enjoyed samplings of their eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and steak and eggs as we sipped and swirled our way through a wine tasting. The salmon was so fresh and the hollandaise sauce was creamy and full of flavor. Since I’m not a beef person, Mike enjoyed the steak. He said it was some of the best he’s had in a long time. Next time, I have my eye on trying their salmon and eggs.

For those lucky enough to enjoy traditional pasta, chef Emido makes it in-house. They do have gluten-free pasta although not made from scratch. Given chef Emido is from Italy, it’s said Urban Press has pizzas to die for. They also offer vegan cheeses.

Wine Tasting in Burbank

Mike loved the 2017 La Terra Sauvignon Blanc from Capay Valley. I appreciated its strong apple and tart notes. My favorite of the wines we tried was the Tre Vigne red blend with Cabernet, Sangiovese, and Merlot. Our server, Logan, told me it truly goes with anything. She was right. I could see myself sipping this with pasta, dessert, and even poultry.

We paired it with our dessert samplings, and it was the highlight of our visit. I can’t remember the last time I had a chocolate mousse. It was velvety smooth and had the perfect taste of chocolate without being overwhelming. As I sipped the wine after a spoonful of the mousse, I noticed vanilla notes come through.

We needed a date desperately, and Urban Press Winery delivered. The restaurant has live music several nights a week in addition to the weekly jazz brunch. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, they have a special dinner event planned. Learn more and book your reservations HERE.