What's new at the Original Farmer's Market ?

Ettore Vino & Cucina in The Original Farmer's Market on 3rd St & Fairfax, Los Angeles

 I’ve strolled past Ettore Vino & Cucina in The Original Farmers Market on 3rd St a couple of times recently when I stopped in for falafel and whatnot at the market.  It intrigued me. I used to be a frequent regular of the market when my parents lived across the street at Park La Brea, but now it’s less frequent. Opened October 2024, this new addition might increase my visits.

Tucked into the “quiet” south western side of the market it is open and spacious. More stylish / elegant than other spots there, it is one of only a few full service eateries at the market and is filled with intimate warm wood tables and one long communal table with beautiful herbs suspended above: it is very inviting. 

I wondered- they are obviously an eatery- but I also saw signage for an organic winery. Well, turns out they’re both.

Growing CCOF, (California Certified Organic Farmers) grapes they produce about 5-6000 cases a year total - a handful of unique wines in northern California’s Mendocino County. 

Winemaker Ettore Biraghi opened this authentic Italian eatery. It features his own organic wines that he makes in collaboration with Sofia Rivier who brings her Argentinean sensibilities to the wines. Fabrizio del Falco is the mind behind the design and it's managing director.  

I was hosted to a lunch featuring all of their wines, and I’m here to tell you the food deserves high praise and the wines are like the space - unique, delicious, crafted sustainably and with integrity. 

Reserve Chardonnay

They offer two styles of Chardonnay. The Pure Chard is an eye catching and unique deep gold color, made with full malolactic fermentation (as are all of their wines - keeping them stable to reduce the need for sulfite additions), but retains a high toned refreshing quality to wash down light fare like a green salad or a plate of their Stracciatella cheese with prosciutto. It’s a suburb value. The Reserva Chardonnay is richer, spent time in 100% French oak and you can lean on this to pair with your richer cheeses, or take home a bottle to serve with a hot lobster roll or a bowl of buttery popcorn. 

They make 4 reds as well - the most distinctive and rarely seen as a varietal wine is their Petit Verdot - my favorite. The herbal and spice flavors really play out and stimulate all areas of your mouth to keep it interesting. There is a red blend, (Rosso), a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Merlot. The Merlot is silky smooth, opulent and coats your mouth - a certified organic wine as well, no sulfites added. The Merlot was served with their excellent cheese plate - don’t miss the pungent Talleggio cheese - and created a voluptuous foil to the entire cheese selection. 

I will not hesitate to stop in here after a LACMA visit for lunch, dinner or a flight of their wines. In fact I’m looking forward to bringing along the hubby. 

PS : Don’t miss the pastas here, and you can purchase their very good organic olive oil made on their property as well to bring as a hostess gift, or better yet, your table.

Organic EVOO

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese