Los Angeles has a little bit of everything–from buzzworthy nightlife to delectable restaurants to energetic festivals. So there must be a winery scene in this city of sunshine, right? Well, yes and no.
In the early 1800s, Los Angeles was one of the primary cities where California wines were created. Those wineries have since closed, but luckily, there’s still a demand for quality SoCal wines.
Urban wineries have popped up all over the country in recent years, and Los Angeles is home to a few in LA proper. However, many of the best wineries in the Los Angeles area are actually a car trip away. If you’re willing to drive within an hour or two from the center of the city, you’ll get to sip and savor the flavors from some of the best varietals in the region.
Read on to learn more about where to go wine tasting at the top wineries in and near Los Angeles. 🍷
San Antonio Winery
San Antonio Winery is one of the only LA wineries within city limits, tucked away in Downtown LA’s Mission Junction neighborhood.
The family-owned winery has been crafting award-winning flavors since 1917. Get the full experience with a reservation for Italian fare at their onsite Maddalena Restaurant or al fresco dining at 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro.
Angeleno Wine Company
Angeleno Wine Company made history upon opening their doors by being the first winery given a permit in Downtown LA since Prohibition. Their cozy warehouse just north of Chinatown offers natural, vegan wines created from collaborations with local Los Angeles vineyards.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a flight, a glass, or a bottle, this hidden gem in Downtown LA is a great place for tasting some of the most unique wines in Southern California.
Malibu Wines and Beer Garden
Formerly located in Malibu, Malibu Wines and Beer Garden had to detour their journey to West Hills after their tasting room at Saddlerock Ranch was damaged in 2018’s devastating Woolsey fire.
Their current location has brought the same inviting energy to the space, with outdoor dining, food trucks, and of course, plenty of delicious wine. Visitors can enjoy bottles from Saddlerock and Saddlerock Estate vineyards as well as local craft beer.
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NABU Wines
What do you get when you mix the best of Napa Valley and the Malibu Coast? NABU Wines has united the two regions, creating single varietal and special blend wines since they launched in 2012.
Their tasting room in Westlake Village is around 35 miles outside of Los Angeles, but worth the drive for their wine tastings, vinyl playlists, and live music events on weekends.
Cielo Farms
Malibu‘s secluded location and mineral-rich soil make it a central hub for Los Angeles wine country. Cielo Farms, a beautiful winery and vineyard, showcases their best bottles at their onsite wine bar The Barn.
They do require a non-member fee to visit, but you’ll get to enjoy stunning, panoramic views from their Tuscan-inspired estate that sits on over 30 acres of land.
Antelope Valley Winery
Located in Lancaster, the Antelope Valley Winery is a great choice for wineries in the Los Angeles area. Just drive an hour north of the city to indulge in a wine tasting at this eye-catching location with a rich history.
They have a weekly Farmer’s Market highlighting local, seasonal produce and artisanal goods, and comedy nights on weekends. You can also pair your glass with a wood-fired pizza to make the most of your visit.
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Agua Dulce Winery
Located just above the San Fernando Valley in Santa Clarita, Agua Dulce Winery is one of the largest Los Angeles vineyards with 90 acres of land to their name.
The family-owned winery is a perfect day trip for a wine tasting or tour in a picturesque setting. For an added touch of fun, stop by to experience their events like candle making, cookoffs, and vintage car shows.
Cornell Wine Co.
In between Malibu and Agoura Hills you’ll find Cornell Wine Co., a wine bar, tasting room, and shop nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains.
You can walk-in for a glass or a bottle, or make a reservation for their signature guided tastings where you sip from seven of their favorite wines.
The Stonehaus
This restaurant and vineyard near LA in Westlake Village offers a selection of wines from all around the world alongside their own labels.
You’ll have no problem enjoying the elegant outdoor space at The Stonehaus surrounded by vineyards and greenery. The Westlake Village Inn next door is also an ideal place to stay to turn your wine outing into a full weekend trip.
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Rosenthal Wines
Beachside wine tasting in Los Angeles? Need I say more? The Rosenthal Tasting Room is right across from the ocean, giving you a dazzling view to go along with a decadent glass of Rosenthal wine.
There are food trucks on the weekends, or you can bring your own food for a full picnic experience. Live music at the Wine Bar & Patio rounds out the mood for a perfect day on the coast.
Sunland Vintage Winery
Visit the Sunland Vintage Winery tasting room in Thousand Oaks for a double feature of Southern California wines. They offer quality Italian varietals with their Giovinazzo Wines label as well as SVI Wines which are non-Italian.
Within their location there’s also the bonus tasting room for Alma Sol Winery. Book a tasting to sip five of their best Bordeaux selections crafted from their boutique Paso Robles vineyard.
Honorable Mentions
Coruce Vineyard and Winery – A small, neighborhood tasting room in Lancaster with wines created from the nearby Antelope Valley.
Cavaletti Vineyards – A tasting room in Moorpark where you can get a glimpse of fermentation and equipment during tastings guided by their knowledgeable staff.
Byron Blatty – A cozy tasting room in Highland Park for flights, bottles, and glasses of handcrafted red wines from Los Angeles County vineyards.
LA Wineries Are Worth a Day Trip
While Los Angeles may not have a ton of wineries within city limits, there are plenty of places to sip your heart out within an hour drive.
Whether you’re in the mood for a coastal Malibu hideaway, or want that urban, Downtown LA feel, you won’t have trouble losing yourself in a bottle of craft wine.
Support these local Los Angeles wineries with a visit during your next Southern California adventure!
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- The best espresso martinis in LA ☕
