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When people think of California wine country, Napa and Sonoma usually come to mind first. But here’s something most wine lovers don’t know: the San Gabriel Valley has been producing exceptional wine for over a century, with some of the most unique and historic wineries in the state. I’ve been exploring wine in the San Gabriel Valley for years, and what I’ve discovered has completely changed how I think about Los Angeles-area wine culture.
The region’s diverse landscape, from mountain foothills to urban settings, creates a fascinating mix of traditional and innovative winemaking approaches. Whether you’re interested in building a wine community in your area or simply want to explore something new, these seven wineries offer experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From century-old family operations to cutting-edge urban concepts, wine in the San Gabriel Valley provides an authentic taste of California’s original wine country.
San Antonio Winery: A Century of Los Angeles Wine Heritage
Address: 737 Lamar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Hours: Mon-Thu 9:00am-6:00pm, Fri-Sun 9:00am-7:00pm
San Antonio Winery stands as the last operating winery in Los Angeles, carrying over 100 years of the Riboli family’s winemaking legacy. What makes this place truly special is how it survived Prohibition and continued thriving in an increasingly urban environment. The winery features three distinct experiences: Maddalena Restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine, The 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro offering al fresco dining, and comprehensive wine tastings featuring selections from their Napa Valley, Monterey County, and Paso Robles vineyards.
I’ve brought friends here countless times, and what always impresses visitors is the free daily tours that dive deep into the family’s history and winemaking process. The 30-minute tours run multiple times daily, making it easy to plan around. The combination of history, excellent wine, and full dining options makes it feel like a complete wine country experience right in downtown LA. Their seasonal flights consistently surprise me with quality that rivals much more expensive Napa experiences.
Why San Antonio Winery is unmissable: • Free daily tours showcasing 100+ years of LA winemaking history • Three dining experiences from casual to upscale in one location • Wines sourced from premium California vineyard regions • Easy downtown LA access with ample parking • Historic significance as LA’s last operating winery
Old Oak Cellars: Pasadena’s Hidden Boutique Gem
Address: 2620 E Foothill Blvd, Ste D, Pasadena, CA 91107
Hours: Contact (626) 674-9244 for current hours and appointments
Tucked away on East Foothill Boulevard, Old Oak Cellars represents everything I love about wine in the San Gabriel Valley – it’s intimate, family-run, and focused on quality over quantity. This boutique winery specializes in traditional Bordeaux and Burgundy style wines, with their Cabernet Sauvignon being particularly noteworthy for its cherry and spice undertones. The small-batch approach means every bottle receives personal attention, and you can taste the difference in their award-winning selections.
What I appreciate most about Old Oak Cellars is the personalized tasting experience. Unlike larger operations, the staff here knows their wines intimately and can guide you through tastings based on your preferences. When I practice wine tasting techniques here, I feel like I’m getting a masterclass rather than just a standard pour. The intimate setting makes it perfect for date nights or small groups who want to really focus on the wine without distractions.
Why Old Oak Cellars is unmissable: • Pasadena’s only working winery with boutique atmosphere • Award-winning Bordeaux and Burgundy style wines • Personalized tasting experiences with knowledgeable staff • Small-batch production ensures exceptional quality • Perfect intimate setting for wine education
Agua Dulce Winery: Los Angeles County’s Premier Vineyard Experience
Address: 9640 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce, CA 91390
Hours: Daily wine tastings and tours available – check website for current schedule
Agua Dulce Winery sprawls across 90 acres in the Sierra Pelona Valley, making it Los Angeles County’s largest premiere winery and vineyard operation. This family-owned estate has been winning medals in national competitions, and their commitment to hand-crafted excellence shows in every bottle. The property offers daily wine tastings and tours, but what sets it apart is the complete vineyard experience with stunning mountain views and family-friendly amenities including friendly animals and picnic areas.
I’ve hosted several gatherings here, and it’s become my go-to recommendation for anyone wanting the full wine country experience without leaving LA County. The Gold Club wine membership offers 50% off their award-winning wines, which has been fantastic for stocking up on bottles for wine and cheese nights. The venue also handles private events beautifully – I’ve attended weddings here that felt like they were in Napa, with the San Gabriel Mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
Why Agua Dulce Winery is unmissable: • 90-acre estate with full vineyard tours and mountain views • Award-winning wines with national competition medals • Family-friendly environment with animals and picnic areas • Wine club membership offering 50% discount on purchases • Event venue capabilities for weddings and private parties
Galleano Winery: Historic Cucamonga Valley Tradition
Address: 4231 Wineville Road, Mira Loma, CA 91752
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm, Closed Mondays
Galleano Winery represents the historic heart of wine in the San Gabriel Valley, operating as a family-owned winery in the renowned Cucamonga Valley. Their specialty lies in award-winning Old Vine Zinfandel and Port wines, crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations. The peaceful outdoor setting features a beautiful courtyard with mature trees providing natural shade, creating an almost European atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing with friends or family.
The $5 tasting fee for five different wines makes this one of the best values in the region, and I love that they don’t require reservations for smaller groups. What makes Galleano special is their grassy picnic area that welcomes families – it’s one of the few wineries where you can bring lunch and let kids play while adults enjoy wine. Their Cellar Club membership area offers exclusive access, but the regular courtyard seating is comfortable and welcoming for everyone.
Why Galleano Winery is unmissable: • Historic Cucamonga Valley location with traditional winemaking • Award-winning Old Vine Zinfandel and Port specialties • Family-friendly with dedicated picnic areas for children • Affordable $5 tasting fee with no reservation requirements • Beautiful courtyard setting under mature shade trees
The Crush Pad: Revolutionary On-Tap Wine Experience
Address: 693 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 12:00pm-8:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm
The Crush Pad completely reimagines how we think about wine in the San Gabriel Valley with their innovative on-tap concept. Located in a warehouse-style space on Raymond Avenue, they offer wines, beers, and kombucha all from taps, supporting local and small producers while reducing packaging waste. Their refillable growler program lets you take home your favorite wines for just $25 for the bottle and $15 for refills, making it both environmentally friendly and budget-conscious.
I’ve become a regular here because the rotating selection means there’s always something new to try, and the staff’s knowledge about small producers has introduced me to wines I never would have discovered otherwise. It’s become one of my favorite spots for girls’ nights because the casual atmosphere encourages conversation and experimentation. The outdoor seating area is perfect for Pasadena’s year-round pleasant weather, and the sustainable approach aligns with my values about supporting local businesses.
Why The Crush Pad is unmissable: • Unique on-tap wine concept supporting small producers • Refillable growler program for sustainable wine consumption • Rotating selection ensures new discoveries every visit • Casual warehouse atmosphere perfect for groups • Environmentally conscious approach to wine service
Byron Blatty Wines: Proving LA Can Compete with Napa
Address: Los Angeles, CA (Contact for current tasting location)
Hours: Weekend tastings available – check website for schedule
Byron Blatty Wines focuses exclusively on limited-edition, handcrafted red wines from sustainably farmed, family-owned vineyards throughout Los Angeles County. Their mission goes beyond just making wine – they’re proving that LA can produce wines that compete with Napa Valley’s best. The cozy tasting room offers three curated experiences: Monthly Special ($27), Reserve ($40), and Library ($20), each designed to showcase different aspects of their LA terroir.
What I find fascinating about Byron Blatty is their “Judgement of Los Angeles” events, where they pit their LA wines against Napa selections in blind tastings. I’ve attended these events multiple times, and the results consistently surprise even seasoned wine enthusiasts. The boutique nature means you’re getting personal attention and education about LA’s unique growing conditions. When I’m exploring the best wineries in Los Angeles, Byron Blatty always tops my list for anyone serious about understanding local terroir.
Why Byron Blatty Wines is unmissable: • Exclusive focus on LA County vineyard sources • Limited-edition releases showcasing local terroir • Educational tastings comparing LA wines to Napa • Three different tasting experiences for various interests • Boutique atmosphere with personalized service
Rancho de Philo: Exclusive Cucamonga Valley Tradition
Address: 10050 Wilson Avenue, Alta Loma, CA 91737
Hours: Annual sales event November 8-16, 2025 (Call (909) 987-4208 for appointments)
Rancho de Philo operates differently from every other winery on this list, making it a true hidden gem in wine in the San Gabriel Valley. This family-owned operation in the historic Cucamonga Valley specializes in their award-winning Triple Cream Sherry, crafted from Mission grapes using traditional Spanish solera methods. Instead of year-round tastings, they host an exclusive annual sales event each November, making their wines highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
The exclusivity creates a unique anticipation that I’ve grown to love – marking my calendar for their November sales event has become an annual tradition. Located in the foothills 45 miles east of Los Angeles, the setting feels worlds away from urban life. Their Triple Cream Sherry represents a piece of California wine history, using grape varieties and methods that date back to the Spanish colonial period. This approach to wine tourism offers something completely different from the typical tasting room experience.
Why Rancho de Philo is unmissable: • Exclusive annual sales events creating collector-worthy wines • Historic Mission grape varieties and Spanish solera methods • Award-winning Triple Cream Sherry specialty • Cucamonga Valley foothills location with historic significance • Limited production creates genuine scarcity and quality
Discovering Your Wine Journey in the San Gabriel Valley
Wine in the San Gabriel Valley offers something for every type of wine lover, from historic family operations to innovative modern concepts. These seven wineries represent the diversity and quality that makes this region special – you can experience century-old traditions at San Antonio Winery, discover new favorites on tap at The Crush Pad, or hunt for exclusive bottles at Rancho de Philo’s annual events.
What I love most about exploring this region is how each winery tells a different story about California’s wine heritage. Whether you’re planning a weekend wine tour, looking for the perfect spot for date night, or wanting to expand your wine knowledge, these local gems prove that you don’t need to travel to Napa to find exceptional wine experiences. The San Gabriel Valley’s unique combination of history, innovation, and accessibility makes it an essential destination for anyone serious about understanding California wine culture.
From family-friendly vineyard picnics to intimate boutique tastings, these wineries offer experiences that complement any wine lover’s journey. Consider pairing your visits with stops at the best wine bars in Los Angeles to create a complete wine weekend, or use these discoveries to enhance your home entertaining with new favorites perfect for your next gathering.
