Wine and eclectic beats never sounded so good. Design Within Reach, a trendy art furniture studio Downtown, came alive Wednesday evening, providing a popular hot spot for the first ever Wine and Beats event, created and hosted by Rai-Mon Nemar.

Nemar, founder of LEGENDmag and budding sommelier, has a contagious passion for both wine and music. Nemar said he noticed subtle changes to the characteristics of wine while listening to albums.

"I was writing an article one day reviewing an album, sipping on wine," he said. "By the time I completed the article I thought, 'All I need in life is wine and beats.' So I started comparing bottles of wine to certain albums and was amazed at some of the pairings."

The aesthetic feel of the wine is best paired with the type of music being played, he said.

"I want to make sure that wine is approachable," he said. "So I compare different types to music to get friends interested."

An eclectic functional space was also key to create an inviting atmosphere, he said.

"Clubs and bars already have their own atmosphere," he said. "Design Within Reach is unusual; most people walk right by and look inside but never really go in. I could manipulate the atmosphere here with the music, lights and surroundings. 

First-time attendees Melissa Sais and Michelle Maghari both stopped in after hearing the music from outside.

"I love this space," Maghari said. "I really enjoy the energy. You wouldn't expect to see music from a design store."

"The music and the DJs are awesome," Sais said.

Though the event was free, attendees could make a donation to sponsor Sol Collective, a local non-profit organization that promotes mentoring and marketable skills for youths in disadvantaged communities in exchange for their community involvement.

"Sol Collective provides music production, multimedia arts and graphic design skills," said volunteer Estella Sanchez. "In exchange, youths then provide community service. It inspires young people to be active for change within their own community."

Sanchez was looking forward to the turnout Friday for Wine and Beats.

Local DJs Billy Lane, RiffRaff and Crush Delight spun music while three wineries, two Sacramento locals, poured wine all evening. Rail Bridge Cellars and Revolutions  are the only two inner-city wineries located in Sacramento. Both wineries served blended wines which contained cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc.

With more Wine and Beats planned in the future, Nemar hopes Sacramento will respond well to his passion. 

"I like giving Sacramento a chance to step out of its boundaries," Nemar said. "I think Midtown and Downtown needs to see something different, and that's what I am hoping to give with Wine and Beats."

Future Wine and Beats events and tours will eventually be located here.