Our People

All of us at Pourtal love wine and look forward to assisting you with suggestions, guidance, or just to help you taste on your own.

Stephen Abronson
Owner
Pourtal owner Stephen Abronson, who grew up in Malibu Canyon, got the idea for the wine bar years ago as a student at USC’s Graduate Film Program. After working in “the Industry” for a few years, Abronson made the bold move to step away and allow his interest in wine and his entrepreneurial spirit to dovetail. 

Three years ago he heard about the Enomatic wine system, popular in Italy but still a rarity in the U.S. and he trekked to the few west coast venues featuring the Enomatics and realized the untapped potential of these innovative systems. As further research, he took a job with one of L.A.’s largest wine retailers and worked at a wine bar on the Third Street Promenade where he observed local trends and interacted with local diners and drinkers to get their feedback on what the neighborhood really wanted and needed in wine bar. 

During this time, Stephen set out to find the perfect location for his new tasting room. When the Santa Monica Blvd. location, across the street from Bar Pinxto, next to Sushi Roku and Robata Bar, and two blocks from the Third Street Promenade became available, Abronson knew he’d found his spot. He hired acclaimed architect and designer Sat Garg of Santa Monica-based Akar Studios to remodel the eco-friendly interior and Peter Birmingham to create the wine program. After months of construction and wrestling with permits, Pourtal has became a reality.

Rachel Bryan
Wine Director
Rachel’s appreciation of fine wine and food led her from Atlanta to New York, where she discovered her first calling at New York’s renowned Artisanal, training under certified Maitre Fromager, Max McCalman. Rachel’s new passion then led her to Los Angeles where she became the Assistant Wine Director at Wilshire. Wilshire’s wine program allowed her palate to focus on a range of wines, but specifically from organic producers and older vintages.  New York called again and Chambers Street Wines is where she decided to continue her wine education, learning from the best natural and organic retail shop in the country. Finally at Pourtal, Rachel has been able to combine her wine education, Sommelier and retail skills offering guests a well rounded wine experience.

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