wine Archives - Circa LA

Circa’s Exclusive Guide to LA’s Artisanal Wineries

The Fall grape harvest is here, and thanks to the cooler, rainy weather this spring, 2023 is expected to be an excellent year for California wines. Did you know that Los Angeles County encompasses six different American Viticultural Areas or AVAs? The AVA on a wine label indicates the specific geographical area a wine comes from and where the grapes are grown. The city of Los Angeles has a storied history of commercial wine-making dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, when Jean-Louis Vignes built his winery around a 400 year old sycamore near what is now Union Station. Today, award-winning artisanal wineries are producing throughout the region, including Malibu, Bel Air, Santa Clarita, Agoura Hills, and even DTLA. Check out websites for tasting rooms, tours and special events.

Kitchen with wine storage at Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Wine lovers rejoice! Circa kitchens, in select residences, come equipped with under-counter wine storage to keep your bottles at the optimal temperature.

Kitchen island at Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Our stylish kitchen island is the perfect spot for you to conduct your own wine tastings at home. Gather your friends, pop the cork, and toast to Circa’s epic views.

San Antonio Winery near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

San Antonio Winery 737 Lamar St. Los Angeles, CA 90031

A historical landmark since 1965, San Antonio Winery remains the oldest and largest producing winery in Los Angeles with over 100 years of winemaking, making it an essential component of the city’s cultural and historical landscape. Founded in 1917 by Santo Cambianica, the winery continues to be a family-owned and operated business, with four generations of the Riboli Family. Experience winery tours, tastings & flights, and authentic Italian food at their Maddalena Restaurant, named after the family matriarch, Maddalena Riboli.

Angeleno Wine Company winery near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Angeleno Wine Company 1646 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

When Jasper Dickson and Amy Luftig Viste founded Angeleno Wine Company in 2019 – the first winery in the city of Los Angeles since Prohibition – they wanted to reconnect with the city’s winemaking tradition, one that many Angelenos know nothing about. With a focus on unique varietals, Angeleno Wine Company aims to push the boundaries of what Southern California wine growing can be, working with small vineyards in the beautiful, remote corners of Los Angeles County. Their wines are naturally made, 100% vegan, and elegantly balanced to express Los Angeles’ unique character: a growing region where the desert meets the sea.

Pali Wine Co winery near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Pali Wine Co. 811 Traction Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Take a seat and have a sip in the open patio at Pali Wine Co. in LA’s buzzing Arts District. Founded in 2005, Pali Wine Co. is a family-run winery that highlights the diversity and nuanced qualities of the California Central Coast wine-growing area. Every Pali wine comprises sustainable, organic or biodynamically sourced grapes, grown with exceptional farming standards that result in ultra-high-quality wines that uniquely express the grape’s variety, vineyard and vintage. While most of the grapes come from their Santa Rita Hills estate, Pali Vineyard, Pali partners with a handful of other family-owned and world-renowned vineyards in the area, such as Fiddlestix, Rancho La Viña, and Bien Nacido Vineyards.

Malibu Family Wines winery near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Malibu Family Wines 28001 Dorothy Dr. Agoura Hills, CA 91301

After a wildfire in 1978, Ron Semler purchased the land that is now Saddlerock Ranch. The current 1100-acre ranch is home to many farm animals, vineyards, ranch hands, and the Semler Family. Perfectly positioned at the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains, in the Saddle-Rock Malibu AVA, the vineyards are quite unique, with rocky terrain and steep south-facing slopes that provide the perfect environment for growing premium wine grapes. Today, the hillside vineyards comprise approximately 70,000 vines on 70 acres with twelve varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and more. The Semler family warmly welcomes visitors, guiding them through a captivating exploration of their wines.

Cielo Farms Malibu winery near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Cielo Farms Malibu 31424 Mulholland Hwy. Malibu, CA 90265

Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Cielo Farms has been family owned and operated since 1999. This winery is known for its great wine, as well as the stunning panoramic views you’ll enjoy when you visit. Unique to Cielo is the winery’s gorgeous Tuscan-inspired estate that sits on over 30 acres of land among a grove of olive trees. You’ll feel transported far from Los Angeles, even though the winery is such a short drive away. Reserve a table at “The Barn,” and take in the views of the mountains while you taste a flight of Cielo’s Woodstock and Estate wines. A selection of small plates and pizzas is available on weekends.

Moraga Bel Air winery near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Moraga Bel Air 1070 Moraga Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90049

Moraga Vineyards is one of the most unique wine estates in California. Located at a 550-900 foot elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Angeles community of Bel Air, the winery and vineyard is the source of remarkably refined wines that perfectly reflect a union of distinctive terroir and the gentle guidance of focused winemaking. Throughout its history, the wines of Moraga Bel Air have been coveted and highly praised by wine experts such as Robert Parker, Jr. of The Wine Advocate. Since 2013, the winery has been owned by Rupert Murdoch, who has made the property his West Coast home and is committed to carrying on the legacy of producing top quality wine from one of California’s most unique estate wineries.

Rosenthal Malibu Estate winery near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Rosenthal Malibu Estate Tasting Room 18741 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90265

If you enjoy the surf culture of Malibu, you’ll love the Rosenthal Malibu Estate Tasting Room, which is located directly across from the beach in Malibu. The vines at Rosenthal Malibu Estate were first planted in 1987, making it the first vineyard in Malibu. This 28 acre estate is located within four miles of the ocean at 1450 feet above sea level, within a perfect microclimate for growing high-quality grapes. Rosenthal was designated its very own American Viticulture Area: Malibu Newton Canyon A.V.A. No other wines in the world include grapes grown within the mini-microclimates of Malibu-Newton Canyon. Rosenthal also created the Surfrider label, with a portion of proceeds supporting organizations that help preserve the beauty of our oceans.

The Stonehaus winery near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Stonehaus 32039 Agoura Rd. Westlake Village, CA 91361

The Stonehaus is a vineyard, restaurant and boutique enoteca reminiscent of a charming gem you’d find in the Italian countryside. They offer a selection of wines from around the world, including their own private label wines. The restaurant offers a variety of European-inspired small plates, and their signature wine and pizza pairing. All pizzas are made to order in their outdoor pizza oven, with a thin crust and using only the finest ingredients.

Agua Dulce Winery near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Agua Dulce Winery 9640 Sierra Hwy. Santa Clarita, CA 91390

If you want to take a fun day trip, Agua Dulce Winery is a 90 acre, family owned and operated winery and vineyard located just 45 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles. Wines from Agua Dulce Winery have won multiple medals in several national wine competitions, recognized for their hand-crafted approach to wine making, along with a vineyard blessed with natural soils, and climatic and geographic advantages unique to the Sierra Pelona Valley.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Moraga Bel Air

Photo #2: Circa

Photo #3: Circa

Photo #4: San Antonio Winery

Photo #5: Angeleno Wine Company

Photo #6: Pali Wine Co.

Photo #7: Malibu Family Wines

Photo #8: Cielo Farms Malibu

Photo #9: Moraga Bel Air

Photo #10: Rosenthal Malibu Estate

Photo #11: Agua Dulce Winery

Brighten The Season With Premium Spirits

Ready to up your cocktail game? The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s never too early to start planning ahead for festive celebrations and seasonal gift giving. Near Circa are some of DTLA’s premier spirits shops, catering to collectors and connoisseurs of every persuasion. Feeling adventurous? Subscription boxes are a great way to expand your mixology skills, discover new liquors, and experiment with unique ingredients. And no home bar would be complete without the tools of the trade – Bar Keeper in Silver Lake will keep you well-stocked and inspired. Whether you’re preparing a holiday soirée, yearning for a tasting adventure, or looking for the perfect gift, it’s time to brighten the season with premium spirits.

Jason's Wine & Spirits near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Jason’s Wine & Spirits California Market Center 900 S Broadway – Lobby Los Angeles, CA 90015

Nestled in the Downtown Los Angeles Fashion District for over 40 years, Jason’s Wine & Spirits offers a wide range of whiskey, vodka, cognac and rum, beer, wine, and champagne, including unique and hard to find bottles. Jason’s boasts LA’s fastest local alcohol delivery with under-an-hour free service from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m daily. Check their website to find out if you are in their delivery zone. Curbside pick up is available as well. Call ahead to order 213-485-9463.

Gourmet Wine & Spirits near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Gourmet Wines & Spirits 300 S Grand Ave LP110 Los Angeles, CA 90071

Located in the heart of DTLA, Gourmet Wines & Spirits offers a large selection of fine liquors, wines, and beers from around the world, including many rare and hard to find items. A one-stop shop for personal and business gift entertaining needs, Gourmet Wine & Spirits offers free delivery to anywhere downtown. Choose from custom made baskets in a wide range of prices, such as Wine/Liquor Baskets, Cheese/Cracker, and Chocolate Baskets. Many wines, champagnes, beer, and soft drinks are already chilled and their “Emergency Platters” can be prepared on short notice.

538 Wine & Spirits 538 South Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90071

Ensconced in the ground floor of the California Club, 538 Wine & Spirits is open to both club members and non members. This upscale store is a premier source for world class wines and spirits – from rye to rum, they’ve got you covered. With an in-depth inventory of wines from the West Coast and Europe’s great winemaking traditions, 538 sources rare and old vintages by legendary vintners, specializing in cult California, Bordeaux and Burgundy wines. They also feature a selection of Petrossian caviar and Padrón cigars. If you’re looking for something in particular or truly special, including hard to find bottles, the knowledgeable staff will find it for you.

Flask & Field spirits shop near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Flask & Field Row DTLA 767 S Alameda St. Ste 180 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Flask & Field is a modern destination for the discovery of wine, spirits, art and design, offering a selection of quality goods for house, home and adventure. The eclectic establishment was founded by entertainment attorney Miriam Yoo, who was inspired by her husband’s lack of places to shop for spirits and supplies. Driven by her lifelong passion for wine, hospitality and design, she set out to create a new kind of shop that would address a range of lifestyle needs. Start your holiday shopping early with the Flask & Field 2020 Gift Guide HERE

Bar Keeper spirits shop near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Bar Keeper 614 N Hoover St. Los Angeles, CA. 90004

Established in 2006 at the beginning of the mixology cocktail movement, Bar Keeper is a cozy shop specializing in high-quality spirits, bitters, vintage glasses, and other bar supplies. The store is divided into three sections: bar tools, small batch spirits, and glassware. The helpful staff samples everything they carry, so that they can make recommendations based off what you’re looking for. Bar Keeper acquires one-of-a-kind bar accessories throughout the year, so their collection is constantly evolving.

ReserveBar

If you’re looking to buy top-shelf alcohol for yourself and loved ones, ReserveBar is definitely the website for you. Choose from premium labels like The Macallan, Chivas, Jameson, and Pernod, and have your order shipped straight to your door. ReserveBar was born out of the passion of its founders to allow friends and customers to celebrate and share good times in a uniquely American fashion – by giving the best of premium, reserve spirits, luxury champagne and fine wine as the perfect gift for any holiday, occasion or celebration. Check our their Holiday Gift Guide HERE

American Cocktail Club

The American Cocktail Club is a premium cocktail subscription box that curates all-natural and world class cocktails. Being part of the Club is like having the coveted seat at a high level mixology bar. This monthly box contain 4 servings curated by award winning mixologists around the USA, using unique, natural, fresh, low calorie, low sugar juice blends. Each flavor is designed to both stand alone, and work in combination—so you can make—or be served—hundreds of different drinks and never make a mistake.

Shaker & Spoon

Shaker & Spoon is a monthly cocktail box delivering original recipes plus everything you need to make them. Each month you’ll get 3 unique recipes by top bartenders plus the ingredients to make 12 drinks (4 from each recipe), such as syrups, bitters, mixers, garnishes, and more. You’ll be exposed to new flavors and combos, and look at your liquor cabinet in a whole new way. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Drizly

Order your favorite adult beverages online from Drizly, the world’s largest alcohol marketplace – one of the best ways to shop for spirits, wine and beer. Drizly partners with top retail stores in over 100 cities across North America, offering a huge selection and competitive pricing with a side of personalized content. In addition to alcoholic beverages, Drizly also sells snacks, soda, energy drinks, cups, party accessories and more. Choose to have your order delivered immediately or schedule it for later.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Drizly

Photo #2: Jason’s Wine & Spirits

Photo #3: Gourmet Wines & Spirits

Photo #4: 538 Wine & Spirits

Photo #5: Flask & Field

Photo #6: Bar Keeper

Photo #7: ReserveBar

Photo #8: American Cocktail Club

Photo #9: Shaker & Spoon

Photo #10: Drizly

Comfort & Joy: DTLA’s Best Wine & Spirits Shops

It’s time to celebrate! You’ve decked the halls, your shopping is nearly finished, and everything is coming together at last! Now it’s time to party! And no festivity would be complete without an effervescent bubbly, aromatic wine, or a well-chilled brew. Whether you’re stocking up for a holiday soirée, ready for a tasting adventure, or looking for the perfect gift, LA’s the place for keeping spirits bright!

Gourmet Wines & Spirits 300 S Grand Ave LP110, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Located in the heart of DTLA at the corner of Grand Avenue and 3rd Street, Gourmet Wines & Spirits offers a large selection of fine wines, beers, and liquors from around the world, including many rare and hard to find items. A “one-stop” shop for personal and business gift entertaining, they offer free delivery to anywhere downtown. Choose from custom made baskets such as Wine/Liquor Baskets, Cheese/Cracker, and Chocolate Baskets. The deli department is staffed with creative, knowledgeable people prepared to meet your needs, from made-to-order sandwiches and salads to spectacular Cheese, Meats and Fruit Platters delivered to your office. Many wines, champagnes, beer, and soft drinks are already chilled, and their “Emergency Platters” can be prepared on short notice.

Buzz Wine Beer Bottle Shop 460 S.Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

The folks at Buzz Wine Beer Bottle Shop are self-proclaimed beer geeks, offering more than 800 curated beers that rotate every day. Inventory includes the latest market entries, hottest releases, and regional favorites. The Buzz team tastes 100-200 wines a week from more than 160 sources, including small producers, bottles made by non-traditional winemakers, geek wines, and natural, sustainable, organic, biodynamic, unfined & unfiltered products. The store professes a unique alternative experience without the typical “wine speak” intimidation and silly “nose-in-the-air” formalities, to give customers great options and empower them to make their own decisions. The Bar is open from 12 noon till 1:30am daily for those who buy a bottle in the store and choose to drink on-site, at no extra fee!

538 Wine & Spirits 538 South Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Ensconced in the ground floor of the California Club, 538 Wine & Spirits is open to both club members and non members. This swanky store is a premier source for world class wines and spirits, with an in-depth inventory of wines from the West Coast and Europe’s great winemaking traditions. 538 also sources rare and old vintages by legendary vintners, specializing in cult California, Bordeaux and Burgundy wines. They also feature a selection of Petrossian caviar and Padrón cigars. If you’re looking for something in particular or truly special, including hard to find bottles, the expert staff will source it for you.

Lost Spirits Distillery 1235 E 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Originating in Monterey Country and Silicon Valley, Lost Spirits Distillery is a creative design house and laboratory producing some of the world’s most extreme and unique spirits, including high-ester rums and peated single malts. Set in the DTLA Arts District, the new re-imagined Los Angeles distillery is open to the public by reservation only. Tours typically last 90 min-2 hours and include a journey through every step of the spirits-making process, from inception and raw ingredients to the finished product. You’ll also be guided through the lab to see current experiments and upcoming releases, and enjoy a 4-6 “course” tasting menu with the people who make it. Book reservations here.

flaskandfield

Jason’s Wine & Spirits California Market Center 110 E 9th St. Suite A2 Los Angeles 90079

Nestled in the Downtown Los Angeles Fashion District for over 40 years, Jason’s Wine & Spirits offers a wide range of beer, wine, champagne, whiskey, vodka, cognac and rum, including unique and hard to find bottles. Jason’s boasts LA’s fastest local alcohol delivery with under-an-hour free service from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m daily. They also offer event catering throughout the greater Los Angeles area, and can send a gift delivery for that special person in your life. Check their website to find out if you are in their delivery zone.

Wine Stop 1025 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Wine Stop is revolutionizing wine retailing with their ‘vineyard-to-shelf’ concept, which allows them to provide top-quality natural, low-intervention, organic, and biodynamic wines at incredible quality/price ratios. No other retailer in the city carries their inventory of domestic and imported selections, thus giving LA wine lovers a great new source for hand-selected wines. All imports are shipped in refrigerated containers (reefers) for maximum integrity. Wine Stop hosts Thursday Night Wine & Cheese Tastings and Bubble Flight (Fridays only).

Flask & Field Row DTLA 767 S Alameda St. Ste 180 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Flask & Field is a modern destination for the discovery of wine, spirits, art and design, offering a selection of quality goods for house, home and adventure. The eclectic establishment was founded by entertainment attorney Miriam Yoo, who was inspired by her husband’s lack of places to shop for spirits and supplies. Driven by her lifelong passion for wine, hospitality and design, she set out to create a new kind of shop that would address a range of lifestyle needs. Flask & Field hosts private events and tastings in their 1200 square-foot space, and pop-up classes on a range of useful skills. Join the F&F Wine Club or get on their mailing list for more information.