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You guys, I have to tell you about the incredible wineries to try in Los Angeles that have completely changed my perspective on LA wine culture. Before working in the wine industry, I honestly thought the only decent wines near us were up in Santa Barbara or Paso Robles. Boy, was I wrong! My boyfriend and I have spent the last few years exploring these hidden gems, and I’m constantly amazed by the quality and creativity we find right here in our backyard. These wineries to try in Los Angeles aren’t just tasting rooms – they’re actual producers crafting world-class wines in everything from Prohibition-era buildings to sleek urban lofts.
What makes the wineries to try in Los Angeles so special is the diversity of experiences you get. One weekend we’re sipping Bordeaux-style blends in a Bel Air mansion, the next we’re learning to make our own custom blend in an industrial downtown space. LA’s wine scene reflects everything I love about this city – it’s innovative, accessible, and full of passionate people doing things their own way. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, celebrating with friends, or just want to discover something new about your city, these wineries to try in Los Angeles will surprise you.
1. San Antonio Winery – Where LA Wine History Lives
Honestly, San Antonio Winery had to be number one on my list of wineries to try in Los Angeles because it’s literally where LA’s wine story began – and somehow survived. When I first walked into this 1917 brick building in Lincoln Heights, I got chills thinking about how the Riboli family kept making wine through Prohibition by cleverly calling it “grape juice.” The fact that they’re still family-owned and operating in the same location over 100 years later is just incredible.
What I love most about San Antonio among the wineries to try in Los Angeles is how genuine the experience feels. You’re not just tasting wine – you’re literally standing where generations of Italian immigrants built their American dream. Wine tasting techniques come alive here because the staff actually knows the stories behind each bottle. My boyfriend was fascinated by their barrel room, and I couldn’t get enough of their Heritage Room with all the historical photos.
Pro tip: Make reservations for lunch at Maddalena Restaurant inside the winery. Their homemade pasta with wine pairings is absolutely divine, and you can watch the wine production through the restaurant windows.
Why San Antonio Winery is unmissable: • LA’s only surviving original winery from 1917 • You can literally watch wine being made during your visit • Multiple tasting experiences from $15 casual to $45 VIP • Maddalena Restaurant serves incredible Italian food on-site • Free parking and easy access from downtown
2. Moraga Bel Air – The Ultimate Hidden Luxury Experience
I still can’t believe Moraga Bel Air exists. This is hands-down the most exclusive of the wineries to try in Los Angeles, and booking a tasting here feels like getting invited to a secret Hollywood party. The 16-acre estate is hidden in Bel Air’s winding hills, and when you arrive at the gates, you genuinely feel like you’re entering someone’s private residence – because you basically are.
The wines at Moraga absolutely belong among the wineries to try in Los Angeles because they compete with top Napa producers. Their Bordeaux-style blends are sophisticated and complex, made from grapes grown right there on the property. Winery visit etiquette is crucial here – this isn’t a casual drop-in situation. You need an appointment, and they prefer smaller groups.
The most surreal part? You’re tasting estate wines while looking out at the Getty Museum and LA skyline. It’s the only vineyard actually within LA city limits, which makes the whole experience feel even more special.
Moraga Bel Air highlights: • Only estate vineyard within LA city proper • Bordeaux-quality wines competing with Napa’s best • Stunning views of Getty Museum and city below • Celebrity-owned history (currently Rupert Murdoch) • Ultra-exclusive, appointment-only tastings
3. Rosenthal Estate – Malibu Pioneer Spirit (Rebuilding After Fire)
Even though the beloved Rosenthal Wine Bar was destroyed in the January 2025 Palisades Fire, Rosenthal Estate remains one of the most important wineries to try in Los Angeles because of what George Rosenthal created here. As the first vineyard planted in Malibu and the only one in the Malibu-Newton Canyon AVA, this 250-acre estate proved that serious wine could be made just miles from the Pacific Ocean.
I was heartbroken when we lost the tasting room – it was such a magical place where you could sit on the patio with ocean breezes and taste wines that truly expressed Malibu’s unique terroir. The vineyard operations continue, and the wines showcase what makes this one of the essential wineries to try in Los Angeles – that perfect combination of mountain elevation and coastal influence.
While they rebuild, you can still find Rosenthal wines at select restaurants and wine shops around LA. Their red blends and Sauvignon Blanc are worth seeking out.
Rosenthal Estate legacy: • Pioneer Malibu vineyard establishing the AVA • 32-acre vineyard at perfect elevation near ocean • Award-winning Bordeaux and Rhône-style wines • Plans for rebuilding after fire recovery • Unique terroir expressing coastal mountain influence
4. Angeleno Wine Company – Downtown’s Wine Revolution
Angeleno Wine Company is exactly why I get so excited about the wineries to try in Los Angeles right now. This downtown gem is the first winery to open in LA since Prohibition, and walking into their 1925 brick building feels like you’re part of history being made. The founder’s vision of making wine from LA County grapes using unique varietals like Tannat and Graciano is genuinely revolutionary.
What sets Angeleno apart among wineries to try in Los Angeles is how they’re redefining what LA wine can be. Instead of trying to copy Napa, they’re exploring Spanish and Portuguese varieties that actually thrive in our climate. What to ask during winery tours becomes really interesting here because they’re experimenting with urban winemaking techniques you won’t see anywhere else.
I love that they allow outside food – we’ve brought tacos from Grand Central Market and Korean BBQ from Koreatown. The industrial-chic space makes everything feel so authentically LA.
Angeleno Wine Company features: • First downtown LA winery since Prohibition • Focus on unique Spanish and Portuguese varietals • Historic building made from recycled LA brick • BYOB food policy perfect for LA food adventures • Weekend-only hours create intimate atmosphere
5. Malibu Wines & Beer Garden – Valley Oasis Vibes
Malibu Wines & Beer Garden is my go-to recommendation when friends ask about the most chill wineries to try in Los Angeles. Located in West Hills, this historic building turned tasting room has the most relaxed garden atmosphere where you can spend an entire afternoon without feeling rushed. They serve both Saddlerock wines and craft beer, so it’s perfect when you’re with people who have different preferences.
The outdoor space at Malibu Wines feels like a secret garden among wineries to try in Los Angeles. We’ve been here for everything from casual Sunday afternoons to birthday celebrations, and the laid-back vibe always delivers. Best wine bars in Los Angeles might be sleek and sophisticated, but sometimes you want somewhere you can actually relax.
The valet parking is clutch because finding parking in most LA wine spots can be a nightmare. Here, you just pull up and they take care of everything.
Malibu Wines & Beer Garden perks: • Combination wine and craft beer offerings • Beautiful garden atmosphere with live music • Family-friendly environment • Valet parking takes the stress out of visiting • Food trucks on weekends
6. AJA Vineyards – Malibu Coast Excellence in Santa Monica
AJA Vineyards proves that wineries to try in Los Angeles can produce truly world-class wines. This woman-owned operation blew my mind when I first tasted their Syrah – it was so sophisticated and complex, I couldn’t believe it came from Malibu vineyards. Having their sleek Santa Monica tasting room just blocks from the beach makes the whole experience feel uniquely LA.
What I love about AJA among wineries to try in Los Angeles is how they nail both the wine quality and the atmosphere. The Santa Monica location lets you taste estate wines without having to drive all the way out to wine country. Wine tasting fashion dos and don’ts definitely matter here – it’s a stylish crowd, but still approachable.
Their Wednesday through Sunday hours make it perfect for after-work tastings or weekend beach day wine stops. We often combine visits here with dinner in Santa Monica.
AJA Vineyards highlights: • Award-winning woman-owned winemaking • Malibu Coast estate fruit in Santa Monica setting • Premium Bordeaux-style wines and Syrahs • Modern tasting room blocks from the beach • Perfect for combining with Santa Monica activities
7. Urban Press Winery & Restaurant – Burbank’s Italian Soul
Urban Press Winery transports you straight to Tuscany, and it’s become one of my favorite wineries to try in Los Angeles for special occasions. Located in downtown Burbank, this combination winery and restaurant serves their own wines alongside authentic Italian cuisine that pairs perfectly. The atmosphere feels like a hidden gem tucked away from the hustle of LA.
Urban Press stands out among wineries to try in Los Angeles because it’s a complete Italian experience. They produce wines on-site while serving fresh pasta, grilled meats, and Italian specialties. The outdoor patio with live music creates such a romantic atmosphere – we celebrated our anniversary here last year.
Make reservations, especially for weekend dinner. The wine and food pairings here are seriously impressive.
Urban Press Winery features: • Full Italian restaurant and winery combination • On-site wine production with barrel room tours • Authentic Tuscan atmosphere and cuisine • Live entertainment and romantic outdoor dining • Perfect for special occasion dinners
8. Byron Blatty Wines – Highland Park’s Urban Pioneer
Byron Blatty Wines represents everything I love about the new generation of wineries to try in Los Angeles. Mark and Jenny Blatty’s Highland Park tasting room feels like drinking wine in a friend’s living room, and their commitment to showcasing LA County fruit is genuinely inspiring. These aren’t wines trying to be something else – they’re proudly, distinctly LA.
Byron Blatty earns its place among wineries to try in Los Angeles by proving that serious wine can come from local grapes. Their limited-production approach means you’re tasting something truly special and rare. The Highland Park location fits perfectly with the neighborhood’s artistic, creative energy.
Their Thursday through Saturday evening hours make it perfect for after-work wind-downs. The intimate space encourages actual conversations with the winemakers, which you rarely get at larger operations.
Byron Blatty Wines specialties: • LA County fruit focus with artistic Highland Park location • Limited-edition, small-batch wine productions • Direct interaction with passionate winemakers • Evening hours perfect for after-work visits • Highland Park’s creative community atmosphere
9. The Blending Lab Winery – Create Your Own Masterpiece
The Blending Lab Winery offers the most unique experience among wineries to try in Los Angeles – you actually get to create your own custom wine blend to take home. This urban winery specializes in hands-on education where you learn about different varietals by blending them to match your personal taste preferences.
What makes The Blending Lab special among wineries to try in Los Angeles is that you’re not just a passive taster – you’re an active participant in the winemaking process. Their philosophy that wine should be personal really comes alive when you’re adjusting percentages of Cabernet and Merlot to create your perfect blend. Wine tasting techniques take on new meaning when you’re actually making decisions about the final product.
We did their blending class for my birthday, and it was such a blast. You leave with a bottle of wine that’s literally unique to you.
The Blending Lab highlights: • Interactive wine blending classes and workshops • Create personalized custom blends to take home • Educational approach to winemaking and varietals • Relaxed atmosphere with sunny outdoor patio • Perfect for birthday celebrations or unique dates
10. Agua Dulce Winery – Country Estate Escape
Agua Dulce Winery provides the most traditional vineyard experience among wineries to try in Los Angeles. This 90-acre Santa Clarita estate feels like you’ve driven to wine country, complete with rolling hills, actual vineyards you can walk through, and that peaceful, away-from-it-all atmosphere that’s so hard to find near LA.
Agua Dulce stands out among wineries to try in Los Angeles because it offers the full vineyard experience just 45 minutes from downtown. Their guided tours show you the actual grape-growing process, and their wines have earned serious recognition in national competitions. The property even has overnight accommodations if you want to make it a full wine country getaway.
The hayride tours through the vineyards are so fun, especially if you’re bringing friends who’ve never done the wine country thing before.
Agua Dulce Winery offerings: • 90-acre estate with full vineyard experience • Award-winning wines from their own fruit • Guided tours and educational vineyard walks • On-site villa accommodations for overnight stays • Beautiful wedding and event venue
11. Los Angeles River Wine Company – Philosophical Winemaking
Los Angeles River Wine Company is the most intellectually curious of the wineries to try in Los Angeles. Founded by former philosophy professor Abe Schoener, this urban winery operates from a 97-year-old corrugated steel building right on the LA River. They focus on experimental wines from forgotten Southern California appellations like Cucamonga Valley.
What makes LA River Wine Company unique among wineries to try in Los Angeles is Schoener’s academic approach to winemaking. He’s not trying to make crowd-pleasing wines – he’s exploring what’s possible with varieties and techniques that others have abandoned. Their wines challenge your expectations about what California wine can be.
The industrial setting along the river feels so authentically LA. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re curious about wine as art and philosophy, this is your place.
LA River Wine Company distinctives: • Former philosophy professor’s experimental approach • Historic industrial building on LA River • Focus on forgotten Southern California wine regions • Unconventional varieties and winemaking techniques • Limited production, intellectual wine experiences
12. Cavaletti Vineyards – Regional Expression
Cavaletti Vineyards makes my list of wineries to try in Los Angeles because they source fruit from LA County vineyards while operating their tasting room in nearby Moorpark. This small production winery creates balanced, food-friendly wines that celebrate the unique climates of our broader region.
Cavaletti represents the new wave of wineries to try in Los Angeles that understand our area’s diverse microclimates. Their approach focuses on making wines that pair beautifully with food rather than trying to impress critics. The intimate tasting room experience feels personal and welcoming.
Their weekend-only hours make visits feel special and exclusive. The drive to Moorpark is beautiful, especially if you combine it with other Ventura County activities.
Cavaletti Vineyards features: • Multi-county fruit sourcing including LA vineyards • Small production, artisanal winemaking approach • Intimate, personalized tasting room experience • Weekend-only hours create exclusive feel • Focus on balanced, food-friendly wine styles
13. Marabella Vineyard Company – Prohibition Era Survivor
Marabella Vineyard Company offers fascinating history among wineries to try in Los Angeles. This San Pedro operation has been family-run since 1932, surviving Prohibition by selling grape juice and winemaking equipment to home winemakers. Their famous “Dago Red” wine connects you to LA’s Italian immigrant wine culture.
Marabella deserves inclusion in wineries to try in Los Angeles purely for historical significance. Walking into their shop feels like stepping back in time – there are winemaking artifacts everywhere, and you can sense the generations of family tradition. Sonoma Valley might have more famous history, but Marabella’s story is uniquely LA.
The traditional approach to winemaking here contrasts beautifully with some of the more experimental operations around the city.
Marabella Vineyard Company history: • Operating continuously since 1932 • Survived Prohibition selling equipment and supplies • Famous traditional “Dago Red” wine • Museum-like shop full of winemaking history • Authentic Italian-American wine culture
14. Giracci Vineyards – Ranch Style Experience
Giracci Vineyards extends the wineries to try in Los Angeles experience into Orange County with their unique 10-acre Silverado Canyon estate. This combination winery and equestrian facility creates a ranch atmosphere that feels authentically Southern California.
Giracci makes the wineries to try in Los Angeles list because it represents the broader Southern California wine renaissance. The combination of vineyards, horse facilities, and event space creates an experience you won’t find anywhere else. It’s perfect if you want something different from the typical tasting room experience.
The scenic drive through Silverado Canyon is gorgeous, especially during golden hour. The property works beautifully for special events and celebrations.
Giracci Vineyards features: • 10-acre estate in scenic Silverado Canyon • Unique combination winery and equestrian facility • Authentic ranch-style Southern California experience • Premium event and wedding venue • Full wine production on beautiful property
15. The 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro – Elevated San Antonio Experience
The 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro rounds out my wineries to try in Los Angeles list as San Antonio Winery’s sophisticated sister space. Located adjacent to the main winery, this upscale wine bar offers premium tastings and small plates in a more intimate setting.
The 1917 earns its spot among wineries to try in Los Angeles by providing a different perspective on San Antonio’s wines. While the main winery feels family-friendly and educational, The 1917 creates space for deeper wine conversations and more sophisticated pairings. Wine tourism destinations worldwide offer upscale experiences, but this one has the authenticity of LA’s wine history.
The intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for date nights or when you want to explore San Antonio’s premium selections in a quieter setting.
The 1917 Wine Bar highlights: • Upscale extension of historic San Antonio Winery • Premium wine selections and sophisticated small plates • Intimate atmosphere for serious wine discussions • Perfect for romantic date nights • Access to San Antonio’s best wines in elegant setting
Planning Your LA Wine Adventure
The wineries to try in Los Angeles I’ve shared represent the incredible diversity of our city’s wine culture. Some require appointments (definitely call ahead for Moraga Bel Air), while others welcome walk-ins during operating hours. What I love about these places is how each one offers a completely different experience – from industrial-chic urban spaces to romantic Italian restaurants to actual working vineyards.
Many of these wineries to try in Los Angeles pair beautifully with other LA activities. You can hit AJA Vineyards before Santa Monica dinner, explore Angeleno Wine Company before downtown shows, or make Urban Press part of a Burbank studio tour day. Wine tourism doesn’t have to mean leaving town when you’ve got this much quality right here.
Remember that LA’s wine scene keeps evolving. New urban wineries open regularly, and established places expand their offerings. The wineries to try in Los Angeles on this list represent both the pioneers who built our foundation and the innovators pushing boundaries. Each offers a unique perspective on what it means to make wine in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
