About – Willmore Wine Bar

about us

Ernie Henson selected the name Willmore to mount above the door as tribute to William E. Willmore, Long Beach’s first real estate developer– the first person to visualize the area as the perfect place for a thriving city.

As you enter Willmore, you’ll be greeted by an old-school feel, replete with vintage and rustic furnishings and décor, anchored by an antique upright piano built in 1922.

News and Events

We believe that the spirit of music, conversation and a glass of wine are what keep us connected to each other. As you may (or may not) notice, there’s not a TV in sight, which we believe contributes to a more neighborly setting. We strive to maintain an environment that is both welcoming to and reflective of the rich cultural tapestry of our city. We feature local musicians and themed parties, including our Wine Club Pick Up Party, throughout the year.

WILLMORE

Established in 2012, Willmore has become one of Long Beach’s favorite wine bars. A testament to our commitment to excellent wines and community engagement, Willmore has won several local awards and has garnered notice from the likes of Sunset Magazine, the Long Beach Press Telegram, and the Long Beach Post. We put a lot of care into curating a wine list that showcases many grape-growing regions, varietals, and winemaking styles: from California classics to rediscovered grapes to esoteric selections. We put a lot of intention into serving clients with wide-ranging palates and price points.

Meet the Team

Our talents and experience are diverse, but at Willmore Wine Bar we’re united by one thing: an over arching passion for great wine and hospitality.

Join us and find new friends over wine and conversation!

ernie R. henson

owNer

CERTIFIED SOMMELIER (CS) CERTIFIED SPECIALIST OF WINE (CSW)

Ernie’s background has led to what many locals consider the best by-the-glass wine list in Long Beach. Working in local eateries since the late 1990’s, Ernie began his wine education as Bar Manager at the exclusive Virginia Country Club. Beginning in 2005, he set out to build a stellar wine list for the private club’s discriminating members.

Over the years, he not only transformed the existing wine list from widely-available, recognizabel favorites to a more exclusive list, he also completed several levels of wine certification. Currently, he holds a certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers as a Certified Sommelier (CS), in addition to possessing the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) certificate from the Society of Wine Educators.

Ernie’s unique ability to select and recommend wines based on his customers’ palates has earned him a loyal following of repeat visitors, eager to try what’s new on Willmore’s ever-evolving wine list.

Alastair Surprise

court of master SOMMELIERs level 1

wset level 1

Meet Wine Steward Alastair Surprise; yes, that’s his real name. He’s of
New Zealand and French heritage but the name Alastair is actually of
Scottish descent and means “defender of mankind.” His last name was
translated from the French “surprenant” to the English equivalent which is
“surprising”…surprising indeed.

Alastair is a well traveled globe-trotter who has lived in 5 of the 7 world
continents. His ongoing journeys brought him in for a glass of wine at
Willmore in 2020, which turned into an internship in 2023, and employment
in 2024. In addition to pouring wines and pairing meals for our patrons, he
writes our monthly wine club’s tasting and food pairing notes, is an
associate buyer for the establishment, and also produces, directs, shoots
and edits our online content while overseeing the growth of our YouTube
channel @WillmoreContent.

Jesse carzello

Jesse

manager

court of master SOMMELIERs level 1

Jesse Carzello was conceived in Germany, grown in Virginia, and launched in California. Long Beach has been his adopted hometown for more than 25 years. In addition to his myriad duties at Willmore, Jesse spends much of his time behind the desk of his home recording studio and occasionally on stage as bobby blunders (yes, it’s on Spotify or YouTube, or wherever you might listen!). Other interests include: travel, hiking, reading, radio, and podcasts. Jesse thinks of himself as respectful, rather than politically correct. He is diplomatic and often deferential, but of firm constitution. He is a secular humanist with a spiritual itch. He is NOT chill; though you’ll likely have to take his word for it.