A Wine-Lover’s Weekend in Los Angeles County: Sip and Savor: 5 Urban Wineries in Los AngelesBy Wine Aficionado and Founder of California Corks John Krause

Key Highlights

  • Los Angeles has several urban wineries that show what makes Southern California’s winemaking style special. This is great for wine lovers who want something different.

  • At each winery, you can relax in welcoming spaces. The tasting rooms are perfect for having a glass of wine or getting a bottle of wine to take home.

  • You’ll find these spots all over the city, from Long Beach to Venice Beach, so both locals and tourists can get there easily.

  • A lot of urban wineries use grapes from local vineyards and from miles of California land. This brings out the real taste of the area.

  • You get to try many different wines, like Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Grenache. Together, they help make a wine tasting experience you will always remember.

Los Angeles is best known for Hollywood glamour, sun-kissed beaches, and an endless stretch of freeways—but nestled in its sprawling neighborhoods is a surprising secret: a blossoming wine scene. From urban tasting rooms to rooftop pours and historic vineyards hiding in plain sight, LA County offers a weekend full of wine-soaked wonder. Add in world-class dining and iconic sights, and you’ve got the recipe for a getaway that blends flavor with adventure.

Whether you're toasting an anniversary or just need a break from the ordinary, here’s how to plan a weekend of wine, food, and fun—without ever leaving LA County.

 


Urban Wine, LA Style

You don’t have to trek to Napa or even Temecula to sip great California wine. A handful of inventive winemakers are producing and pouring right here in the heart of Los Angeles. These urban wineries in Los Angeles reflect the spirit of the city: creative, diverse, and unapologetically bold.

Discover 5 Urban Wineries in Los Angeles Worth Sipping

1. Angeleno Wine Company – Downtown LA’s Local Grape Pioneer

The Angeleno Wine Company is making winemaking a popular activity in LA. The company is known for bringing new types of grapes like Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon into the middle of LA. The team at Angeleno Wine Company likes to work with small vineyards, such as Byron Blatty Wines. They want to help the planet, so they support these local vineyards and try to take good care of the earth with what they do.

The tasting room is different from other spots in California. You will see turquoise chairs and string lights, which make it feel cozy. It is a good place to have a glass of wine. While Downtown LA is always busy, this tasting room is a calm place. You can sit with people, talk, and enjoy your time with them. Located just north of Chinatown, Angeleno Wine Company champions locally sourced grapes, often from nearby LA County Vineyards. Think unexpected varietals like Tannat and Albariño, all made with minimal intervention. Their industrial chic tasting room makes for a relaxing place to sip and learn.



2. San Antonio Winery – Historic Tastings in the Heart of the City

San Antonio Winery has been around for over 100 years. It gives you a mix of that old feel and great taste every time you visit. You can find this spot in the heart of Los Angeles. A lot of people think it is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. If you try their Petit Verdot, you will see why it is a favorite. This wine works well with what you get from their tasting menu.

You can sit on their relaxing patio or visit the Stefano Cellar on a Saturday. There, you get to try blends that come from Malibu and Paso Robles. To go with these tastings, Maddalena’s Restaurant gives a tasty pairing with each bottle.

If you are in southern California, you should visit San Antonio Winery. This place mixes old wine traditions with new ways that people enjoy now. Here, you get more than just wine. You also feel close to history in one of the liveliest cities in California.

3. The Blending Lab – Hands-On Winemaking Experiences

The Blending Lab gives people a new way to enjoy wine tasting. You get to join in and help with winemaking in their sessions. Try different wines like Sangiovese and mix them to make your own blend. This is a fun way to get hands-on with tasting and learn about how wine comes together.

You can walk into their tasting room anytime. The place is friendly and has many people in it. You can listen to live music while you drink a glass of wine. A lot of people in Southern California like to visit here. Many come on Saturdays to have a good evening with lots of fun and energy. This tasting spot is very popular in California.

If you want, you can take part in one of their blending classes or just sit back with a glass of wine. The Blending Lab is a spot where people can be creative and meet others. It is a good place to see why so many wine lovers in California enjoy visiting this tasting room for a tasting.

4. Urban Press Winery – Sophisticated Sips in Burbank

Urban Press Winery is in the middle of Burbank and has a stylish charm. You can sit in the tasting room and have a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting room looks modern and feels warm at the same time. Many people say this place has some of the best wines around.

If you want something special, go in the evening. You can taste wine while you listen to live music. Watch the sunset as the winery turns into a calm spot for wine lovers. The atmosphere is just right for relaxing with friends. It is a great place to open a bottle of wine and enjoy the time together.

It does not matter if you want to get a bottle of wine to take home or if you want to stay and enjoy your glass. Urban Press makes wine tasting in California feel like more than just a one-time fun thing. It helps you make good memories as you move through a busy city. The tasting room is great, and they really care about people who like good wine and want the best tasting experience.

5. LA Wine – Boutique Wines in an Artsy Setting

Found between Venice Beach and Marina del Rey, LA Wine is a place to try different boutique wines. The tasting room has a warm feeling that fits well in California. It is set up with care. Here, you can see creative ways people make wine like Syrah. This spot gives you a good time tasting in LA.

Bring your friends and have a glass here. The space is cozy and makes you feel like you belong. If you want to relax on a Saturday or plan something big, LA Wine is the place to be. You can sit back, enjoy the art, and drink some good wine.

Soak in the laid-back feel of Southern California while you enjoy some unique tastes and blends. LA Wine gives you a tasting that you just will not get anywhere else in LA. The place is set up to make any mood feel right for you, and it will be a spot to remember.

Dining That Pairs with Your Pour

No wine weekend is complete without memorable meals. Los Angeles doesn’t just do food, it defines food culture, from street tacos to Michelin stars.

Bestia – Arts District

Italian-inspired, bustling, and unmissable. Bestia serves handmade pastas and charcuterie in a lively setting perfect for a post-tasting dinner. Reservations are a must—but worth it.

n/naka – Palms

For those seeking a true culinary journey, Chef Niki Nakayama’s two-Michelin-starred kaiseki spot is transcendent. While wine pairings are expertly done, the dining experience itself is a master class in balance and detail.

Grand Central Market – Downtown LA

Want something casual and fun between tastings? Grand Central Market offers a kaleidoscope of LA’s best bites: oysters, pupusas, ramen, wood-fired pizza—you name it.

Sightseeing Between Sips

Balance your glass with some fresh air and unforgettable LA sights. Here are a few stops that fit beautifully into your weekend.

The Getty Center

Art, gardens, and panoramic views of the city—and it’s free. Stroll the outdoor terraces, explore world-class exhibits, and recharge between tastings.

Griffith Observatory & Park

Pack a picnic and hike up to the Observatory for one of the best sunset views in LA. Bonus: you’ll walk off your wine indulgences.

Santa Monica Pier & Beach

Classic LA. Combine a beach stroll, people-watching, and a glass of wine at nearby Esters Wine Shop & Bar—a cozy Santa Monica staple with a killer wine list.

Optional Itinerary: Friday to Sunday

Friday Night: Arrival & First Pour

  • Check in at a boutique hotel like The Hoxton DTLA or the Pali Hotel in West Hollywood.

  • Start your wine adventure at San Antonio Winery, followed by dinner at Bestia.

  • Optional: nightcap at Bar Covell in Los Feliz, a romantic wine bar with a rotating list.

Saturday: Tasting, Art, and Exploration

  • Morning coffee and breakfast at The Row DTLA.

  • Wine tasting at Angeleno Wine Co. and Pali Wine Co. in the Arts District.

  • Afternoon visit to The Broad or The Getty Center.

  • Dinner at n/naka or République, depending on your taste (and budget).

Sunday: Chill Vibes & Coastal Views

  • Brunch at République or Gjusta in Venice.

  • Take in the sunshine at Santa Monica Beach.

  • End your trip with a wine flight at Esters Wine Shop & Bar before heading home.

Final Sips and Thoughts

A weekend in Los Angeles County doesn’t have to mean tourist traps and traffic. With the right itinerary, you can dive into the city's lesser-known wine culture, indulge in world-class cuisine, and rediscover LA through the lens of the vine. From boutique wineries in industrial districts to cozy wine bars near the beach, the City of Angels offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and vino-fueled relaxation.

Los Angeles has a lively and mixed wine scene. You can feel this energy in the city’s many urban wineries. In LA, every one of the five special spots gives you something new. For example, San Antonio Winery lets you try wines and learn about its long history. The Blending Lab offers a chance to get involved and make your own wine. When you explore these wineries, you find more than good wine. You also get the stories and fresh ideas that make LA’s wine places stand out.

If you love wine or are just starting, these city wineries in Los Angeles have something for everyone. Don’t wait to find out how good your taste for wine can be. Plan your day out to enjoy real and bold flavors at LA wineries. This is your chance to learn more about wine and have a good time at the best wineries in Los Angeles!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an urban winery and how is it different from a traditional winery?

Urban wineries in cities get grapes from vineyards that are close by. They do not grow grapes on their own land. In southern California, you can visit these wineries. Many of them have tasting rooms that people can find easily. These places bring together old methods of making wine and city life. The wineries in southern California and in other parts of California let people enjoy tasting new wines and blends without needing to go far from the city. They give a simple way to try good wine made from California grapes.

Are urban wineries in Los Angeles family-friendly?

Yes, there are many urban wineries in Los Angeles that are good for families. These places welcome people who love wine and want to enjoy a bottle of wine together. The tasting rooms feel nice and friendly. It is great to visit on a Saturday with your loved ones. At these wineries, you can make good memories.

Do you need a reservation to visit these urban wineries?

Most urban wineries in Southern California do not require reservations. But if you want to go wine tasting at one of these wineries on a Saturday, you should book ahead. This is the best way to make sure you get a spot, because tasting rooms can fill up fast.

Can you join wine clubs or memberships at these urban wineries?

Many people who love wine in California can join wine clubs or get memberships at urban wineries. When you sign up, you may get a special bottle of wine. You also get discounts on tasting. Sometimes, these clubs invite you to an event only for members. All these things make it fun for people who enjoy wineries and tasting new wines.



About the Author: John Krause is a wine enthusiast and the founder of the website California Corks.