Augustine Wine Bar to close Dec. 19 after nearly 12 years

Augustine Wine Bar in Sherman Oaks is scheduled to close permanently on Dec. 19, ending a run of nearly 12 years. The Ventura Boulevard establishment opened in 2014 and built a loyal neighborhood following around food, rare vintages and a broad, exploratory wine selection.¹

Co-owner David Gibbs said mounting external pressures had exhausted his usual optimism. He and his partners announced the closure on Instagram on Sunday, explaining that a review of the business showed it was no longer financially sustainable.¹

Costs outpace what customers can pay

Gibbs said some ingredients now cost the business more than Augustine once charged for complete dishes. Raising menu prices enough to restore profitability was not a workable option, he added.¹

The bar also suffered as the entertainment and hospitality industries weakened. Hollywood workers and restaurant employees had been important regulars, sometimes visiting on days off for a special bottle, but many no longer had sufficient disposable income.¹

Gibbs additionally cited the popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and a broader shift toward drinking less as pressures on demand.¹

A neighborhood wine destination

Augustine was designed as an approachable local gathering place rather than a venue reserved for wine experts. Its intimate setting allowed customers to converse over a glass, while its informed staff and less conventional selections attracted wine enthusiasts from the Valley.¹

The combination of food, wine and a relaxed atmosphere brought Augustine critical recognition, including a “Best of LA” mention from LA Weekly.¹

Regulars react to the announcement

The partners said the decision followed substantial consideration and was not the outcome they had expected. The announcement distressed customers who regarded Augustine as more than a place for a drink; one commenter said they were devastated by the closure.¹