Guide To The Best Wineries In Orange County
There’s almost nothing better than spending an afternoon wine tasting, being surrounded by great company, and enjoying beautiful vineyard views. While Orange County, California may not be the first place that pops into your head when thinking about wine country, there are quite a few tasting rooms and wineries that will not disappoint. Starting from North Orange County and working our way South, here are some of our favorite wine stops.
Pali Wine Co, founded in 2005, started with the intention of sharing burgundy-inspired wines. The company has since grown to 3 different brands, each offering their own special blend of wine. Pali sources grapes from highly rated vineyards in Santa Barbara and Sonoma Counties. After carefully crafting their wines, they send them to their tasting rooms located across Southern California. Their Orange County location is in the Anaheim Packing District and makes for a highly enjoyable evening.
Newport Beach Vineyard and WInery
This outstanding winery is tucked away in the Back Bay of Newport Beach and holds over 1,200 vines and an underground wine cave. NBVW doesn’t have a public tasting room but is the perfect setting for any large event or corporate meeting.
The Pazzuoli Vineyard focuses on creating high quality, small lots of wine. They enjoy being involved in every step of the winemaking process to ensure you get the absolute best from their wines. Their Old Town Tustin tasting room offers an Italian food menu, Pazzuoli wines, and their own craft beer.
Giracci Vineyards is located on a beautiful property in Silverado Canyon. From their winery and event space to their equestrian center, everything Giracci offers is top notch. Their tasting room is by appointment only but they really make it worth your time. They offer a variety of tours and lunch options to make a day at Giracci stand out above the rest.
Another outstanding vineyard located in the hills of Silverado Canyon is Cowboy Canyon Winery. Their tasting room breaks away from the typical Southern California style and is a full country experience. Enjoy your weekends here wine tasting in the cozy indoor-outdoor facility listening to country music and chatting with the owners.
Bellante Winery has been making small lot, hand crafted wines from Santa Barbara county vineyards since 2000. Their tasting room is a cozy indoor-outdoor space in Mission Viejo and is a great spot to gather on the weekends. They even waive their tasting fee when you purchase 2 bottles of wine!
Since 2008, Frisby Cellars has been producing award winning wines using grapes from distinguished Paso Robles vineyards. All of their wines are barrel aged, blended, and bottled at their Lake Forest location. They have 2 amazing tasting rooms in Orange County, one in Lake Forest and another, open 7 days a week, in Dana Point.
For a date night out to hosting a large dinner, Laguna Canyon is an amazing setting for all of your needs. Laguna Canyon Winery sources grapes from Napa and Sonoma Valley vineyards and finishes processing their wine in Laguna Canyon. Spend the afternoon wine tasting or sign up for their incredible monthly dinners, you will not be dissapointed!
A Stone’s Throw Winery was brought back to life by the owners of Giracci Vineyards. The historic farmhouse sits on 2.6 acres of property, is a beautiful property for weddings & events, and keeps the history of San Juan Capistrano alive with rows of Mission Vines, originally brought to the area by Father Serra. Stop by for a relaxing afternoon or check their monthly event calendar when you are looking for a little something to do. You will fall in love with this winery!
Rancho Capistrano Winery has 2 beautiful tasting rooms in South Orange County and has created over 40 different wines from some of the finest grape growing regions in the world. Aside from their incredible wine, they also offer full menus at both of their locations.
Have no fear if you can’t make it north to Napa or even spend the day trekking to Temecula, Orange County has all you need for tasting some spectacular award-winning wines! Which will you visit first? Happy Tasting!
-Best Coast Tours