Fine Wine Santa Monica

People often ask, “Why is it called the Duck Blind?” Sometimes they make guesses about a duck drinking itself blind. A duck blind is a camouflaged cover for hunters to hide behind while shooting ducks. Presumably, the hunters may have imbibed some beer or whiskey while waiting. The Duck Blind’s original bright yellow and hunter-green sign, complete with a neon mallard duck in flight, has been a landmark since the 1960’s, on the corner of Montana Ave. and 11th.

The first Duck Blind opened in the 1950’s across the street from its present location. In the early sixties it moved to its current location at 1102 Montana Ave. A second Duck Blind opened in Brentwood on San Vicente. Sadly, it’s now a bank. Sold in the 1970’s, the Duck Blind at that time was less of a “fine wine and spirits” shop, and more of convenience store. It gained unfortunate neighborhood notoriety in the wake of the 1994 earthquake, when the than owners charged a premium for essential and necessary items

Its current owner, Maurice, purchased the store in 1997 in the hopes of turning it into a premier destination for lovers of fine wine, beer, and spirits. Given the upscale nature of the famed Montana Avenue shopping district, it made sense. Purging the store of the adult-content magazines, focusing on improving its reputation in the neighborhood through excellent customer service and selection, Maurice began the rehabilitation process of this landmark store. In 2000, Maurice went to court to preserve the historic sign, which is one of the few remaining examples of “Googie Architecture” left in Santa Monica. His battle against conformity was successful, and the sign remains.

Maurice truly loves the world of wine and its rich links to history. He brings fine wine Santa Monica area. He loves to travel, although the wine, beer, and spirits business is never far from his mind. The Duck Blind is a reflection of his dedication to bringing the best the world has to offer to Santa Monica. If you look closely, you’ll see evidence of his love of the sea and world travel throughout the store. His “able crew” has worked for him for more than a decade. They welcome questions, and are happy to help customers make selections. In addition to wine, The Duck Blind carries an ever-expanding assortment of imported beer, craft beer, and microbrews as well as a surprisingly large variety of scotch, whiskey, vodka, tequila, etc. The finest cheeses, chocolates, and imported candies add to the temptations. The Duck Blind may look like just a small neighborhood store on the outside, but the entire world waits inside.