Duke of Bourbon

Xavier makes wine fun. Really cool things to taste. Staff is friendly and its nice to just hang out. Open any bottle in the store, no corkage… wow. Outside patio area is really nice and romantic. My wife loved it. Cheese plate rocked, nothing you can find in a store. We really enjoyed our evening. Will definitely come back.

I was invited to try this restaurant out last Monday as a friend of mine said she heard they do a great happy hour, we did not find this to be true. This space is in a «strip mall» center and offers plenty of parking, all of which is free. I’m thinking it was originally opened as a distribution or a place that primarily sells wine not necessarily serves wine or does wine pairings.
Ordering confused us as we were told it was a minimum of $ 10 a glass for the wine or we could choose any bottle and we would pay a percentage of the wine per glass. We decided to just buy a bottle of red wine to keep things easier. We also decided to order food and ordered a chicken panini sandwich. The sandwich took a long time to come out and came with 3 pieces and for us, was a bit greasy, we each only ate one piece and neither one of us could find the chicken with all the mayo/​cheese (not very good at all).
The ambiance was nice sitting outside and the owner did a nice job making it feel like you were removed from the parking lot. If I were to change the restaurant to make this a 5 star review, I would suggest removing the food (or offering easy snacks), allowing people to bring in their own food and focus on the wine and selling of the wine.

Very nice… Great atmosphere and wine. The patio relaxing. Dog are allowed as Well.

Was very impressed by my first visit to Duke of Bourbon. Enjoyed a flight of sparkling, Grenache and Cabernet, all paired with some of the most delicious, fresh cheeses. Xavier and staff were knowledgeable and helpful. Quaint patio to enjoy, with soft blankets (and heaters) to wrap up in. Will definitely go again. A neighborhood gem!

Tonight I found Duke’s of Bourbon. Who knew what I was getting myself into. The people, the wine, & the experience was above any expectations. I highly recommend checking it out. I’m glad I stumbled upon this hidden gem!

Did the full wine tasting. Hate champagne, but loved the one Xavier recommended. Xavier was awesome and very informative :)
The ambiance is super cute, the décor is beautiful, and the wine has been fantastic so far.

Xavier, the owner of Duke of Bourbon, is the most knowledgeable person in the wine industry I have ever met. He knows the different varietals, differences in the same varietal between different countries, how to taste wine, how to pair wine and food, etc. — His knowledge and expertise is amazing. And if you tell him the kinds of wine you like, he can recommend wines matched to your palate.
He carries a broad and eclectic selection of excellent wines. Importantly, he carries more than just California wines! –Unlike most places in this area! — He carries European, Australian, Latin American, as well as California wines. And if you are interested, he is happy to educate you in all of them.
If you want to drink good wine and learn about wine, this place is a must.

I thought I had reviewed this place before but I guess I was wrong since I have only been here at the new location in Westlake Village once.
I have been a customer of «The Duke» for a long time (15 yrs+); but have always just frequented the retail store in Canoga Park. They have now moved to Westlake Village. We came with a few family members between Christmas and New Year and had a great sampling of Wine Tasting and cheese/​charcuterie with the help of Daniel and Joanna. This was one of the best and enjoyable wine tasting/​small plate experiences we have had in a long time.

BJ’S is a fun place and I LOVE their calamari. I would go there everyday if I could, just for the calamari! Since I’m not a beer drinker, I get their root beer. I’ll be back as soon as I can.

Expensive for what you get, mandatory 18% gratuity, the gratuity gets taxed. Really and you expect people to return?

I purchased a bottle of Clos Mimi Cabarnet from ”Duke of Bourbon” on line on December 03, 2015. (50 $)
On December 15, 2015 I sent an email saying, I have not yet received this order. Please advise.
Xavier then wrote: We are currently trying to locate the bottle of Clos Mimi, I sent you an email a while ago. We have only one bottle left but we will find it. If you prefer for us to refund your card please let me know, thank you. Cheers, Xavier
(I never got the previously mentioned email)
(I asked that they ship the bottle if they were able to locate it as it was a gift)
On December 21 I was told that it would ship the next day.
It did.
When my friend opened the shipping container on December 26 the bottle had no label.
I then called the store directly and spoke to the manager.
He immediately agreed that it was odd that the bottle had no label.
I was very forgiving at the time and just said tell Xavier not to do it again, it was a very bad practice.
Everyone I have spoken to since (the BBB, CDFA, Wine sommeliers) all seem to be in agreement that this is inappropriate as well as illegal…
He said that Xavier would be out of town for about a week and I said I would rather deal with him as he is the manager.
On Wednesday December 30^th I drove to Westlake Village and spoke to the manager of Duke of Bourbon in person and he said he would contact Xavier and they would process the refund.
I asked why he couldn’t do it as he was the manager said much to my dismay that Xavier was the owner of Duke of Bourbon.
Xavier then over the phone proceeded to tell me that he thought I had purchased this product before and that’s the way it ships,
so lets not argue…
because clearly, I don’t have a clue what I’m talking about.
I asked for the contact information for Clos Mimi Vineyard and he then told me that clos mimi Vineyard was not the contact it it was purchased from Tim Spear.
I was told that I could not get a refund for 7 – 10 days because that’s how credit card companies work.
I have gotten a cash refund from a credit or debt transaction purchase once or twice in the past 30 years so I don’t see what the problem was with that.
It’s called customer service.
Its not rocket science
Xavier ruined a simple christmas present.
Wasted several hours of my time and his coworkers time.
Purposely misled me.
And then on top of all of that disrespected me.
What I am concerned about is that Xavier seems to think that it is legal to sell an alcoholic beverage from Duke of Bourbon to a consumer with no label.
Xavier also neglected to tell me that Clos Mimi went bankrupt a few year ago and that was why there was difficulty finding the products or a newer vintages.
This does in no way justify NO LABEL ON AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE.
I nave recently gone on line and seen other Clos Mimi wines still available and they all have labels.
I have since gone to the appropriate state agencies and am proceeding to have this company fined appropriately.
Oh, and I would strongly, STRONGLY, urge you to make your purchases elsewhere.
There is a reason the placed is empty and there are so few reviews.

This place is one of a kind, great wines from everywhere which, unbelievably, they will open ANY bottle in the store and sell you one glass, even from the high-​end and rare collection. On my visit they had nearly every bottle of Pappy and the other Van Winkle bourbons, like seeing Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and field of grazing unicorns all at once. Many things too rich for my blood but then again many things for everybody. The owner couldn’t be nicer, have a glass of wine and try the cheese plate.

Order the smoked salmon– it melts in your mouth! The cheese is also amazing– you get to choose 3 imported cheeses from a list of 15 or more. Every cheese is imported from France and hard to find anywhere here. (I recommend the Comte, petit basque & chabichou) It was a real treat when I found them at the Duke! With Xavier’s cheese and wine pairing, warm bread and quaint patio, you feel like you are in a corner bistro in the south of France.
I have to say in just meeting the owner, Xavier, and his friendly staff, you are transported to a wine store/​café in Europe. Upon first meeting him I told him I loved Cotes du Rhone and he poured me a glass of Tetu grenache, which was beautiful. Later, for my birthday, he immediately recommended two bottles that were just perfect, one I really loved was Domaine Serge & Nicolas, a Cotes du Rhone blend.
Not only does he recommend, but educates his guests in the nuisances in each bottle because he has tried every wine in the store. He also remembers what you like so he can sincerely recommend you new wines, just for your palate. It’s the kind of customer service and experience you just don’t see anymore. If you need a break from warehouse aisles and want top-​notch wines and tailored service, the Duke is the place to go.

The Duke of Bourbon is magical. New owner, Xavier Roy, relocated to Westlake Village recently after nearly 60 years in the SFV. Friends introduced us to the Duke and we have been discovering new wines and gourmet food every Friday evening since. Xavier is extremely knowledgeable about wines and spirits. He makes of point of figuring out the palette of each customer and makes spot on recommendations just for you. I will never forget the time another customer was raving about a wine he recommended for her. When I reached for a bottle, Xavier said «you won’t like that wine. It’s too fruity for you».
The retail shop has a wide selection of wines for every palette. And every budget. You can get wines from $ 9.99 to $ 9999 and have confidence that whatever the price, it’s top of its class. You can do a tasting at the bar or step out onto the enchanting, romantic patio under hundreds of twinkling lights. He offers small plates of gourmet food from a simple, but to-​die-​for, onion soup fondue, to Scottish smoked salmon that melts in your mouth, unique cheese platters to caviar and blinis.
Xavier is art collector as well and features some of his favorite local artists on display and for sale on all the walls.
After a long work week, it’s the perfect place to unwind Friday night.

When I worked in the SF Valley, I was a block away from The Duke of Bourbon and visited almost every Friday to pick up 2 to 6 bottles for my many friend and family weekend parties. I now live in Westlake Village and was delighted to see the Duke move into my neighborhood. Wow, I found out these guys are celebrating 60 years in the fine wine, spirits, cigars and the gift baskets business too. That’s why as they say — «The Duke Knows Wine».
The owner, Xavier (A delightful and knowledgeable Frenchman) has taken his wine boutique vision up a few notches with a nice patio and wine bar addition. Also enjoy tasty chef made appetizers, breads and French cheeses to go with the rare wines, scotches and whiskeys. Any bottle can be opened and served by the glass too! The DOB has choices fit for a King, collector or even the people next door with the value wines program they support.

If you enjoy wine tasting then the Duke of Bourbon should be at the top of your list. The tasting list is selected with intention and creativity while reflecting Xaviers commitment to delighting customers with unique options and value. It’s a true wine lovers experience.
The written descriptions of each wine are thorough, informative and delightful yet, I highly suggest arriving early so you can spend some time discussing the wines with Xavier. His knowledge and passion for wine is astounding and his energetic, charming personality makes you feel like you’re right at home.
They also offer gourmet bites, cheese plates and charcuterie in case you’d like to nibble while you taste.
We tasted interesting wines, enjoyed discussing the wines and appreciated the overall ambiance and experience. We’ll be back for sure!

It is mixed emotions that I write this. On one hand I would like to give the Duke his due for being so outstanding yet on the other hand this is a secret place that one would like to keep to themselves.
Absolutely the best! Xavier, the owner, is the proprietor and is extremely knowledgable and hospitable. He takes the time to learn your likes and dislikes in wine and is able to beautifully match and introduce you to wines you have never heard of as well as food pairing. If you want the standard, main stream wines he can provide. But if you are looking to experience and learn more this IS the place to go.
Some comments focused on the wine tasting and pricing. All I can say is his bottle prices are better or comparable to others and you can buy and drink on premise. Life is too short to drink bad wine. Xavier can find you great value wine at your price point but you need to allow him to learn more about your tastes and trust his judgement — he will not disappoint.
The Duke has a full array of wines, champagnes, cognacs and liquors as well as a tapas style of gourmet food selections. There is an outside deck where you can sit and enjoy your fine and food — buy and drink there — no corkage.
HIGHLY recommend!

Expensive wine tasting for a ONE ounce pour. Owner showed us that his next venture will be to pour the wine into one ounce test tubes and serve your tasting that way– how odd– to pour your own test tube wine and who knows how long the wine will be in the test tube? Other places serve at least 2 ounces. Owner is brusk with his wine opinions. Food is terribly expensive for small portions. Place is so slow that we were the only two people at the bar on a Saturday, so we left after our tasting to be in a lively place. When it is that slow, how long has the food been in the refrigerator? Slow equals no food turn-​over, equals old. Employees looked bored and didn’t respond when asked questions about business being good– that tells me business is dead slow. I prefer to be in a lively place with atmosphere. Wine bottle prices were expensive and only boutique wines offered, so I could not find a wine for everyday drinking that was under $ 30 plus LA tax. Not the wine shop for daily wines ($ 10 – 20), this shop is only for collectors. I say pass on this place and go to Wade’s Wines for his tastings, or Paul Martini’s for a fun bar atmosphere.

I like to review restaurants, as I’m a foodie, but I also love wine. This is my first wine store review, because it is the first time I came across a store that I actually love and enjoy. The Duke of Bourbon is a beautiful wine store in Westlake that just debuted its Gourmet Lab. The store itself is so charming and well organized that it makes the experience even more pleasant. The staff is so helpful and best of all, the Duke himself, Xavier is the most knowledgable wine connoisseur I’ve ever met. He is sweet, kind, smart, and pays attention to detail like nobody else I know. He remembers the things you like and makes recommendations based on personal taste preferences. My husband and I have different palettes and Xavier always recommends wines for each of us. He even finds wines that we both love.
Additionally, Xavier will literally get almost any request made. I have challenged him with some unique requests and found that only he is as devoted to his customer satisfaction, that he will break his back backward to fulfill a clients needs and desires.
Today, at the grand opening of the Gourmet Lab, which was a huge accomplishment for the Duke, I got to experience a wonderful tasting of what they are serving on their menu. I am quite a foodie and ridiculously impressed! They also offer their menu items to go and sell most of the gourmet imported ingredients at the store.
I highly recommend the Duke of Bourbon as a liquor/​wine store and a lovely place to enjoy a wine tasting and small bites on the charming patio.

This is the new location in Westlake Village — it’s much much smaller then the old store, but it’s great for me since I live nearby. My initial visit was very promising. I look forward to going back.