Enjoy wine tasting at one of many California wineriesSanta Clarita is said to be the gateway to the northern wine country. So if wine is your passion, you're in the right place!
Understand California's
Legal Blood Alcohol Level
The legal blood alcohol limit in California is .08% (.04% or more if you drive commercial vehicles; .01% or more if under 21), but how many drinks can you consume before crossing that limit? Check the chart at the link above.
SANTA CLARITA VALLEY
Wine Bars
Spend an afternoon sipping wine and sampling chef-prepared tapas, or cozy up to a little jazz on the weekend--then purchase your favorite bottle to take home.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Leona Valley Winery, 35 minutes
661-270-9465
40352 90th St W, Leona Valley
Award-winning Rhone, Bordeaux and Burgundy varietals are harvested at the base of the Angeles National Forest, 45 minutes from the Santa Clarita Valley. This family-owned vineyard is located in the beautiful Leona Valley.
Agua Dulce Winery, 20 minutes
661-268-7402
Just 20 minutes from Santa Clarita, but a world apart, you’ll find Cathy and Don MacAdam’s state-of-the-art winery and vineyard. Nestled on 90 scenic acres, Agua Dulce produces several estate grown, award-winning wines.
Make a whole family day of it…come taste fine wines (everything from a crisp Chardonnay to a velvety Merlot to a complex Syrah Port), browse in their well-appointed gift shop (gourmet foods, fine Italian Pottery, stemware), and top the day off with a picnic right next to their vineyards. While you’re enjoying a bite at one of their picnic tables, the kids can amuse themselves watching the goats, horses, bunnies and llamas playing!
Antelope Valley Winery, 45 minutes
661-722-0145
Antelope Valley Estate Vineyards are located around the Winery and are planted to Merlot, Sangiovese and Zinfandel. They also purchase from Chavez Vineyards located on the East and West sides of the Antelope Valley to take advantage of the unique Terroir of this exciting new wine-growing region. Chavez Vineyard Grape verities range from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscat for the whites to Tempranillo, Malbec, Alacante, Syrah, Shiraz, Zinfandel,Grenache and Merlot for the reds.
San Antonio Winery, 40 minutes
323-223-1401
Since 1917, the San Antonio Winery has added flair and flavor to celebrations of friends and families throughout Los Angeles and the West. Today, it is the last of more than one hundred producing wineries that once lined the Los Angeles River Basin. It is a popular restaurant and legendary banquet location, a comprehensive tasting room, and an international wine shop with hundreds of domestic and imported labels. The Winery is an oasis of good living in the heart of the city. Winery and restaurant open daily in Los Angeles (40 minutes), Tasting room open daily in Ontario (1 hour, 20 minutes).
VENTURA COUNTY
Giessinger Winery, 40 minutes
805-524-5000
At the point acres of citrus groves break briefly for the town of Fillmore, this quaint winery sits adjacent to the famed Fillmore & Western Railway. To pass it by enroute to the hills of Santa Barbara's wine country would be in error, as the complimentery wine tasting may entice you to blow your wine budget right there. Don't miss the port.
Herzog Winery, One hour
805-983-1560
The Herzog Wine Cellars Winery in Oxnard, California, designed with their Special Reserve wines and small-lot winemaking in mind, combines state-of-the-art winemaking technology with a hands-on approach to artisanal winemaking. Also at the winery is Tierra Sur Restaurant, serving seasonal California cuisine for both lunch and dinner. Experience Herzog Wine Cellars' premium wines in their modern, inviting wine tasting room.
Cornell Winery & Tasting Room, One hour
818-735-3542
Sample wines from the local wineries not open to the public.
Malibu Family Wines, One hour
818-865-0605
Wine tastings, picnic area, tasting bar.
Joseph Filippi Winery, One hour
909-899-5755
Over 200 awards for winemaking in the past 40 years. Wine tasting at a circular antique redwood bar carved from a wine cask.
Galleano Winery
951-685-5376
Listed on both the California and National Register of Historic Places, featuring award-winning Zinfandels. As of late 2009, wine tasting was free.
OUT OF TOWN WINERIES
Look for lodging ideas in these wine regions on our
Romantic Destinations
pages.
Santa Barbara Wine Country, Two hours
An easy drive northwest from Santa Clarita, it was the location for the Oscar® -winning film Sideways. In fact, you may even download a map of the film's locations. You'll find 24,000 acres of planted vineyards, and more than 100 wineries.
San Luis Obispo Wine Country, 3 hours 30 minutes north
Paso Robles Wine Country, 3 hours 30 minutes north
Monterey Wine Country, 5 hours 30 minutes north
Napa Valley Wineries, 6 hours north
Russian River Valley Wineries, 6 hours north
Sonoma County Wineries, 6 hours north
Santa Cruz Wineries, 6 hours north
El Dorado Wine Trail, 6 hours north
Anderson Valley Wineries, 7 hours north
Temecula Wine Country, 2 hours south
