Explore Orange County’s premier wineries amidst California’s dynamic wine industry with this guide tailored for wine enthusiasts. Discover acclaimed vineyards such as Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery and Rancho Capistrano Winery, celebrated for their scenic beauty and exceptional wine offerings. Delve into the diverse range of wines crafted in Orange County, from crisp whites to bold reds, each reflecting the region’s distinctive terroir and commitment to quality winemaking. Whether you’re embarking on a tasting tour or seeking a serene vineyard experience, these wineries offer a captivating journey through Orange County’s flourishing wine culture.
Jump To a Section Below
- 1. Orange Coast Winery
- 2. Seal Beach Winery
- 3. Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery
- 4. Giracci Vineyards & Farms
- 5. Cowboy Canyon Winery
- How Many Wineries Are There In Orange County?
- What type of grapes are grown in Orange County?
- What Wine Is Orange County Best Known For?
- Live It Up In The Orange County Vineyards
1. Orange Coast Winery
A popular boutique winery situated in Newport Beach, Orange Coast Winery offers a range of high-quality wines. Their grapes are sourced from the finest varieties and best regions in California, such as Temecula Valley, Paso Robles, and Lodi.
With a range of delicious food and snacks on the menu to go with their wines, the small and cosy establishment provides a relaxing and atmospheric setting for patrons and visitors. This includes an outdoor area with elegant and comfortable seating.
A particular favourite is their selection of delectable sparkling wines, such as Pomegranate Bubbly, Brut Rosé, and Peach Mango Bubbly, which can go especially well with desserts.
Address:
- 869 W 16th St, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Tasting Room Hours:
- Sunday: 12am-8pm
- Mon-Wed: Closed
- Thu-Fri: 4pm-9pm
- Saturday: 12am-9pm
2. Seal Beach Winery
View this post on Instagram
This excellent boutique winery is nestled in an industrial park in Los Alamitos. The Seal Beach Winery offers a warm and cosy ambience with a variety of impressive wines, delicious snacks to go with them, and also free tastings for club members.
With a fully-functional winery and bottling facility on-site, the tasting bar area has a quaint and rustic appeal to it. Though lacking in much space or an outdoor area, it is nevertheless considered one of the best Orange County wineries due to its high-quality wines.
The winery has received various accolades and awards, including the Double Gold Winner, and Best In Class Of All Syrah, for their 2014 Syrah.
Address:
- 3387 W. Cerritos Ave, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Tasting Room Hours:
- Sunday: 1pm-7pm
- Mon-Tue: Closed
- Wed-Thu: 2pm-9pm
- Friday: 2pm-10pm
- Saturday: 12am-10pm
3. Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery
View this post on Instagram
Situated on a small hill near the beach, Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery is one of the most popular and successful private Orange County vineyards and wineries in the area. Its boutique provides a stylish outdoor seating area, and a very pleasant and atmospheric interior, decorated in the themes and history of Californian winemaking.
With a beautiful and secluded botanical garden and private vineyard, Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery caters to regular wine tasting, as well as birthday parties, corporate events, fundraisers, and more.
Address:
- 2128 Mesa Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tasting Room Hours:
- Sat-Sun: Closed
- Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm
4. Giracci Vineyards & Farms
Out in the stunningly beautiful scenic rural area of Silverado, Giracci Vineyards & Farms is another highly popular venue amongst the Orange County wineries.
With an open and spacious outdoor seating area surrounded by beautiful Oak trees, scenic farmland, as well as a nearby equestrian centre, it is well-known for hosting special events and features, such as weddings, and live music.
Some of its most popular wines included several of the “big red” varietals, made with the finest fruit from Santa Barbara and Napa, to Mendocino, as well as from their own local vineyards.
Reserve cabernets are amongst their bestsellers, and their two-tier wine club offers discounts on bottles and special events.
Address:
- 16162 Jackson Ranch Rd, Silverado, CA 92676
Tasting Room Hours:
- Fri-Sun 11am-5pm
- Mon-Thu: Closed
5. Cowboy Canyon Winery
Cowboy Canyon Winery is a popular Wild West-themed winery that also has a superb selection of fine wines. It is situated very close to Giracci Vineyards & Farms, and so has the same attractive farmland scenery and large shady Oak trees. Their quaint and rustic tasting room and outdoor patio provide a truly relaxing and enjoyable setting for sampling their quality wines.
Producing a modest 1,000 cases a year, the winery focuses mainly on their popular red varietals, with Posse, a red blend made from the Sierra Foothills fruit, being one of their bestsellers.
Members of their Pardners Wine Club can also receive special discounts on wine and merchandise, as well as event tickets. And, if you enjoy country music and want to partake in some fun good ol’ American cowboy style BBQ, and perhaps even a bit of line-dancing, check out their event schedule.
Address:
- 16162 Jackson Ranch Rd, Silverado, CA 92676-9706
Tasting Room Hours:
- Sat-Sun 11:30am-5pm
- Mon-Fri: Closed
How Many Wineries Are There In Orange County?
There are currently 15 Orange County wineries listed in the area. They can be found in and around Los Alamitos, Tustin, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Lake Forest, Silverado, and San Juan Capistrano.
What type of grapes are grown in Orange County?
Though there are various North American types, the most commonly-used grapes in US commercial wine-making are of the European variety, Vitis vinifera. European grapes are generally sweeter and more delicate than North American varieties. They are also well-suited to grow in the warm summer climate of Orange County, and California in general.
The ideal climate, and also diverse terrain, of California, and even Orange County, allow for a wide variety of grape cultivation though. Many farmers over time have also experimented with hybrids of American and European grapes to produce new, stronger, and healthier varieties. Such hybrids are proving to be particularly useful for Orange County vineyards along the coast by providing a greater resistance to mildew.
What Wine Is Orange County Best Known For?
Orange County wineries, like most in California, are generally best known for producing varietals and blends of red wine, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. Many other wines are also popular though.
In general, Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Merlot, Shiraz-Syrah, and Zinfandel, are the most common red wines. Chardonnay is also a very popular and commonly produced white burgundy wine.
Live It Up In The Orange County Vineyards
If you are in the area and have a thirst for a good quality glass of wine, or perhaps even on a tour of the USA’s prestigious Wine Country, there are many Orange County wineries that are well worth a visit. Take your pick, although any of the above would be a good place to start.
Born amidst the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, Chloe’s love for wine was instilled from a young age. This passion led her to the picturesque wine regions of France, where she immersed herself in the rich wine culture and traditions.
Chloe’s dedication to the craft culminated in her becoming a wine sommelier, a testament to her deep knowledge and appreciation for wines.