Tag: winemakers

Discover LA’s Award-Winning Artisanal Wine Scene

September signals harvest time at vineyards throughout the Golden State. But 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. 

Historical photo showing entrance to Wine Street, now Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles, near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Historical photo of the entrance to Wine Street (renamed Olvera Street in 1877), looking north, c. 1869. The Avila Adobe is visible on Wine Street. 

Los Angeles has a storied history of wine-making – in fact, LA was once called the “city of vines.” Commercial winemaking began in downtown Los Angeles when Jean-Louis Vignes built his winery around a 400 year old sycamore near today’s Union Station. Throughout the 19th century, many acres of grapevines grew right where contemporary landmarks now stand, and a number of downtown streets are named after old winemakers. Today, award-winning artisanal wineries are producing throughout the region, including Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Bel Air, Malibu, and even DTLA near Circa.

Stonehaus Winery near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Stonehaus September Harvest Crush 31943 Agoura Rd. Westlake Village, CA 91361

Sept 25 Westlake Village Inn’s Stonehaus is hosting an upcoming harvest event, complete with grape picking, vineyard lunch, live music and a traditional grape stomp reminiscent of an Italian-inspired, winery experience. Included with your ticket is a family-style, vineyard lunch with cheese, charcuterie, salad, rotisserie chicken and a glass of wine from the Stonehaus label. With an indoor-outdoor, vineyard setting, The Stonehaus wine bar offers varietals from California, Italy and its private label. They also serve pizza baked in an outdoor oven and such breakfast items as smoothies, pastries, bagels and croissant sandwiches. Buy Harvest Crush tickets HERE 

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. 

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 Company 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. All wines are meticulously crafted at Pali’s Lompoc-based winery under the direction of its long-time winemaker, Aaron Walker. 

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, such as Agua Dulce and the Antelope Valley. The Angeleno Wine Company tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday 12-6-PM.

Malibu Family Wines winery near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

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

The self-proclaimed “California in a bottle,” Malibu Family Wines specializes in crafting unforgettable experiences around premium wines. With 70,000 vines on the 1,000 acre Semler Family ranch nestled in the hills of Malibu, Malibu Family Wines produces over 12 different varietals between the Semler and Saddlerock brands. Perfectly positioned at the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains, the rocky terrain and steep south facing slopes provide the ideal environment for growing premium wine grapes. For a truly memorable occasion, book a tour and explore vineyards, see some incredible views, explore Chumash cave paintings, and more. 

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. 

Vin de California winery near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Vin de California 3225 E Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107

Adam and Kate Vourvoulis and their Vin de California winery are reviving Pasadena’s long-dormant wine industry with their recently opened Vin de California winery. The first commercial winemaker to be located in Pasadena in nearly a century, Vin de California make wines from heritage varieties in a totally natural way, deeply rooted in California history. They sources their grapes from vineyards ranging from the Central Coast to Los Olivos, with a commitment to buying from California growers who work with ethical vineyard management and picking companies. Tour the winery, then shop at Kate’s wine boutique, The Good Luck Wine Shop, adjacent to the winery.

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, climatic and geographic advantages unique to the Sierra Pelona Valley.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Stonehaus

Photo #2: Atlas Obscura / USC LIBRARIES/CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY/CC BY 3.0

Photo #3: Stonehaus

Photo #4: San Antonio Winery

Photo #5: Pali Wine Co. 

Photo #6: Angeleno Wine Company

Photo #7: Malibu Family Wines

Photo #8: Moraga Bel Air

Photo #9: Vin de California

Photo #10: Agua Dulce Winery

Discover LA’s Artisanal Wine Country

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. Los Angeles has a storied history of wine-making – in fact, LA was once called the “city of vines.” Commercial winemaking began in downtown Los Angeles in 1833 when Jean-Louis Vignes built his winery near what is now Union Station. Throughout the 19th century, many acres of grapevines grew right where contemporary landmarks now stand, such as the Bradbury Building and Angels Flight, and a number of downtown streets are named after old winemakers. Today you can visit artisanal wineries throughout the region, including Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Bel Air, Malibu, and even DTLA. Check websites for opening hours and health guidelines.

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.

Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Our stylish kitchen island is the perfect spot for you to conduct your own wine tastings at home – with an epic view.

Malibu Family Wines winery near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

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

Malibu Family Wines specializes in crafting unforgettable experiences around premium wines. With 70,000 vines on the 1,000 acre Semler Family ranch nestled in the hills of Malibu, Malibu Family Wines produces over 12 different varietals between the Semler and Saddlerock brands. Perfectly positioned at the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains, the vineyards are quite unique, and the rocky terrain and steep south facing slopes provide the ideal environment for growing premium wine grapes.

Malibu Wine Hikes winery near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Malibu Wine Hikes 32111 Mulholland Hwy. Malibu, CA 90265

Malibu Wine Hikes promotes getting outdoors and being healthy while learning about vitaculture, enology and local conservation efforts. Hike through the vineyards, see some incredible views, explore Chumash cave paintings and more. The hike covers about 2 miles in total, so make sure you have your walking shoes on and bring a water bottle. Make reservations HERE

Morago 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. 

Old Oak Cellars winery near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Old Oak Cellars 2620 E Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107

Pasadena’s only working winery, family-run Old Oak Cellars brings 20+ years of skilled winemaking traditions to the LA region. Old Oak is dedicated to the creation of award-winning artisan red and white Bordeaux style wines made from vineyards in Northern California’s famous Alexander Valley. After the grapes are harvested, the young wine is then aged and blended to perfection, spending time in stainless steel tanks before heading into a mixture of French, European and American oak barrels. Old Oak’s winemakers spend time getting to know the flavor development of the wines, sometimes blending different varietals for the utmost in flavor and intensity.

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 such as Agua Dulce and the Antelope Valley. Angeleno Wine Company is open for to-go wine pick-ups and deliveries.

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. Although the winery experience looks a little different during these unprecedented times, you can expect the same welcoming hospitality, authentic Italian cuisine, and seasonal wine flights to enjoy on their outdoor patio. 

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 on the open patio at Pali Wine Co. in LA’s buzzing Arts District. Founded in 2005 with the intent to produce Burgundy-inspired wines from California’s Central Coast, Pali Wine Co. now consists of three brands with distinct focuses. The original Pali brand focuses on premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced primarily from Pali’s own Santa Rita Hills and Sonoma vineyards. The newest brand, Neighborhood Winery, specializes in interesting blends that often push the boundaries of conventional wine flavor profiles. All wines are meticulously crafted at Pali’s Lompoc-based winery under the direction of its long-time winemaker, Aaron Walker. 

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. Open now for outdoor dining, reserve your seat in advance and select your bottle of locally sourced wine. 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, climatic and geographic advantages unique to the Sierra Pelona Valley.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Morago Bel Air

Photo #2: Circa

Photo #3: Circa

Photo #4: Malibu Family Wines

Photo #5: Malibu Wine Hiles

Photo #6: Moraga Bel Air 

Photo #7: Old Oak Cellars 

Photo #8: Angeleno Wine Company

Photo #9: San Antonio Winery

Photo #10: Pali Wine Co.

Photo #11: Agua Dulce Winery