Discover top wineries in Los Angeles offering local wine tasting, vineyard tours, and scenic escapes just minutes from the city. Explore LA’s hidden wine country.
Before Napa and Sonoma rose to prominence, Los Angeles was the epicenter of California winemaking. In the 1800s, French, Spanish, and Italian immigrants planted vines across what is now Downtown LA, Glendale, and El Pueblo. Wineries like San Antonio Winery—still operating today—once dotted the banks of the Los Angeles River. Though urbanization and Prohibition transformed the landscape, the wine never fully disappeared.
Now, a new generation of winemakers is reclaiming that history, blending Old World craftsmanship with a uniquely SoCal edge. From sun-drenched ridgelines in Malibu to the historic cellars of Downtown LA, Southern California’s wine story is one of revival, resilience, and reinvention.
Let’s check out LA’s vibrant wine scene, one sip at a time.
Malibu: Coastal Boutique Vines with Star Quality
The Malibu Coast AVA climbs from sea level to high mountain ridges, producing cool-climate Syrah, Cabernet, and Chardonnay. Yields are small, views are spectacular, and tastings often feel like private escapes.
Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate
Enjoy flights from Malibu-grown grapes just steps from the ocean. With its laid-back beach setting and food truck events, Rosenthal delivers a relaxed intro to the AVA.
Cielo Farms / Malibu Rocky Oaks
Set atop dramatic ridgelines, these sister estates are known for ultra-luxury tastings with sweeping views. Wines are bold, age-worthy, and hard to find outside the region.
Cornell Winery & Tasting Room
This rustic outpost celebrates local producers and regional history. A curated selection of Malibu wines, local art, and live music make it a hub for community and discovery.
Santa Clarita Valley: Desert Hills and High-Elevation Wines
Just north of LA, the Santa Clarita Valley and its surrounds are home to several pioneering wineries crafting wines that thrive in inland heat and rocky soils—think robust reds, Italian varietals, and smoky Syrahs.
Pulchella Winery
This local favorite sources from Paso Robles but bottles its bold, fruit-driven blends right in Santa Clarita. Their wine lounge offers small-lot releases, wine education events, and a strong community vibe.
Double Trouble Wine Room
A tasting room collaboration between Pagter Brothers Winery and Hoi Polloi Winery, this spot offers two unique labels under one roof. Expect lively flights, bold reds, and a downtown wine bar vibe.
Agua Dulce Winery
Agua Dulce Winery is a scenic, family-owned vineyard nestled in the Sierra Pelona Valley, just 45 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. Known for estate-grown wines like Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery offers tastings, tours, and a charming country setting perfect for weekend getaways or private events.
Reyes Winery
Reyes is one of the few estate vineyards in LA County. With medals for its Syrah and Chardonnay, this Sierra Pelona-based winery offers tastings, tours, and local art events.
Urban LA: Historic Cellars and New-School Wines
Los Angeles is home to a new wave of urban winemakers reclaiming its 19th-century wine heritage. Here, you’ll find old-school cellars, rooftop tasting rooms, and natural wine producers pushing boundaries.
San Antonio Winery
Still family-run after over 100 years, this landmark winery survived Prohibition and remains an LA institution. Estate wines from Paso Robles and Napa are served alongside hearty Italian cuisine.
Angeleno Wine Company
This boutique producer focuses on local vineyards and low-intervention winemaking. Wines like Tannat, Alicante Bouschet, and Godello highlight LA’s diverse terroir. Tastings are intimate and often educational.
Maison de la Muse
A newer addition to LA’s urban wine scene, this Arts District spot merges wine, fashion, and design. Expect curated flights of small-batch California wines and creative food pairings.
Temecula Valley: A Day-Trip Destination for the Curious Sipper
About 90 minutes from downtown LA, Temecula offers sweeping vineyards, rolling hills, and over 40 wineries, making it perfect for a weekend or ambitious day trip. Consider taking a hot air balloon ride to take in the scenery while you’re in town.
Europa Village
Modeled after a European wine village, Europa offers wines inspired by Spain, France, and Italy. Multiple tasting rooms, a boutique hotel, and restaurants create an immersive experience.
Halter Ranch – Temecula Tasting Room
A Paso Robles legend, Halter Ranch now brings its certified organic wines to Temecula. Taste Rhône blends and Bordeaux varietals in a stylish, European-inspired setting alongside Europa Village.
Wilson Creek Winery
Home of the beloved Almond Sparkling Wine, Wilson Creek is a festive, family-friendly winery with ample outdoor space and on-site dining.
Callaway Vineyard & Winery
One of Temecula’s first wineries, Callaway offers sweeping vineyard views, elevated tastings, and wines known for freshness and finesse—especially Viognier and Syrah.
LA Wine is Here—and It’s Real
Los Angeles isn’t just near wine country—it is wine country. From the rocky cliffs of Malibu to the forgotten vineyards of Griffith Park, LA’s winemaking past and present are more alive than ever. Whether you’re seeking natural wines in the city, bold reds in the foothills, or Euro-inspired elegance in Temecula, the experience is close, compelling, and authentically Californian.
No passport needed—just a tank of gas and a thirst for discovery.
This article was written by Alison Needham, @agirl_defloured, photos by James Collier of Paprika Studios.