Bonneau Wines present their wine selection. (Beatrice Verhoeven/Neon Tommy)

For quite some time now, the JW Marriott in Downtown Los Angeles has become the spot for wine tasting, from vineyards all over the country. "Wine Down Wednesdays," a place to literally wind down, taste fine wines and eat bleu cheese, has the hotel lobby bar buzzing with all different kinds of demographics; young to old, couples to singles, and businessmen to hipsters. 

On Wednesday, the JW Marriott attracted people to its lobby bar again. All the frantic searches for where the gLAnce Bar was in the hotel deemed itself unnecessary as soon as anyone walked through the glass doors of the JW Marriott. The loud sounds of talking and clinking of glasses was unmistakable. The bright lights of what seemed to be a hopping bar, crowded with people, is something no one can miss. This week, "Wine Down Wednesdays" was featuring Bonneau Wines from Sonoma Valley, a wine that is sold in mostly Northern California, Texas, New York and Colorado. 

“We’re a family owned winery that’s been making wine since 1989,” said Bonneau vineyard owner Dan Bambury. “My mom started making wines back then, and when she passed away in 2002 the four siblings took over. Our wine has been around for 12 years.”

Getting cultured about wines and their production process while testing the Cabernet Sauvignons, Pinot Noir and Chardonnays that sell for about $34 in retail is an experience that is not only fun, but it is a great way to meet people from all over the country. And it might just be that kind of event to find your new favorite Chardonnay.

This happens every Wednesday, where different wineries showcase their wines. According to Dezarae Balbos, a waitress at the event, they “also host wine tastings for special occasions, like the Super Bowl or award shows.”

If a visitor likes the wine after a tasting, they can buy a glass or a bottle at the hotel bar. However, Balbos believes that the chance of people actually purchasing the wine is low: “I don’t think they’ll end up buying the wine. I think people just come here for fun and for the free wine.”

Even if that’s the case, Bambury was extremely excited about the event’s turn out and the interest in his wines. After stating that his son had talked to the JW Marriott’s hotel manager and combined the task of showcasing his wines during a convention he was in town for, it was evident to see the winemaker’s true passion for his family business.

However, there was one drawback: as soon as the wine is done, the event is done. Although the event should have ended at 8 p.m., the wine started to get cleared away at around 7:30 p.m. A lot of people were openly upset, especially those that had just arrived from work and only wanted to try some wine after a long day. So as an advice to people that are interested, definitely get there at 6 p.m. to ensure most of the experience.

The event is held every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. in the lobby bar of the JW Marriott. For further information on which wines are showcased on a specific day, click here.

Reach Staff Reporter Beatrice Verhoeven here. Follow her on Twitter.