Wineries in Southern California: The Top Ten

Often when people think of wineries in California their focus automatically goes to Northern California; and while Northern California is undoubtedly a top destination on the California wine map, it isn't the only destination. There is a vibrant wine community thriving in Southern California from Los Angeles to San Diego, where rolling hills and sandy beaches are all just a short drive away. It is in Southern California where wine lovers discover new wines, approaches that are outside the box, and exciting methods-all of which make them fall in love with this often overlooked wine region. The wineries that come together to call Southern California home know that the Southern California microclimate is a perfect match for wine making, and with that knowledge they have not only created fine award winning wines but have solidified Southern California's spot as a top wine destination.

Both Los Angeles and San Diego serve as great starting points to begin your wine touring and provide access to other popular activities and attractions, but if you want to be located in the center of the action and within a few hours' drive of both cities your best bet would be Temecula-- home to many of the wineries you will be visiting. In addition to the beautiful scenery and fine wines, Southern California wineries occasionally host concerts and festivals--so call ahead for event schedules if you like to have a little entertainment with your wine. Before you go make note that many wineries offer picnic areas for their visitors; while a handful of wineries also feature full-service restaurants, so bring your picnic lunch or appetite along with you. Also keep in mind that many of the tasting rooms at these wineries have a tasting fee that is often refundable if you purchase a bottle of wine before you leave. In an effort to help you make the best of your winery tours, and to help you discover some of Southern California's hidden gems, we have compiled a list of the Top Ten Wineries in Southern California.

South Coast Winery

The South Coast Winery was recently named "The California State Winery of the Year" for 2008 and was awarded the Golden Bear award. This winery features a 38-acre vineyard, and specializes in Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah wine varieties. The tasting room provides a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff with tastings available between 10AM and 6PM seven days a week. Daily walking tours are also available. In addition to the winery, the South Coast Winery is also home to a resort which offers luxury lodging, a restaurant, and a spa.

Getting There: South Coast Winery is located at 34843 Rancho California Road in Temecula, California. For more information please call them at 1.866.9.WINERY (946379) or visit them on the web at http://www.wineresort.com.

Mount Palomar Winery

Since 1969 the Mount Palomar Winery has been producing fine classic, Bordeaux style, and Italian varieties, as well as Port and Solera Cream Sherry on its beautiful 360 acres. In 2004 Fodor's said of the winery "Mount Palomar Winery is generally considered to make the best wines in the Temecula Valley." The winery offers two tasting bars with tastings offered seven days a week 10AM to 6PM Monday-Thursday and 10AM to 7PM Friday-Sunday. Tours are also available by appointment.

Getting There: Mount Palomar is located at 33820 Rancho California Roadin Temecula, California. For more information please call them at 1.800.854.5177 or visit them on the web at http://www.mountpalomar.com.

Gerber Vineyards and Laraine Winery

Owned by Hollywood producer David Gerber and actress Laraine Stephens, the Gerber Vineyards and Laraine Winery produce fine Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Chardonnay varieties. Their tasting room, housed in a charming historic farm house, offers tastings from 10AM to 5PM Friday-Sunday, and by appointment Monday-Thursday.

Getting There: Gerber Vineyards is located at 3675 Six Mile Road, one mile north off Hwy. 4, in Vallecito, California. For more information please call them at 1.209.736.4766 or visit them on the web at http://www.gerbervineyards.com.

Agua Dulce Vineyards

Located 45 minutes north of Los Angeles' bustling downtown you will find Agua Dulce Vineyards nestled on 90 serene acres in Agua Dulce, California. The tasting room is open seven days a week from 10AM to 5:30PM, and offers tastings of Syrah, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, Sangiovese, Port, and other varieties.

Getting There: Agua Dulce Vineyards is located at 9640 Sierra Highway in Agua Dulce, California. For more information please call them at 1.661.268.7402 or visit them on the web at http://www.aguadulcevineyards.com.

Bernardo Winery

The Bernardo Winery, notably the oldest winery in Southern California having been founded in 1889, is located 25 miles north of San Diego's downtown yet feels even further away as the winery is reminiscent of another era and days gone by. The winery's tasting room is open seven days a week 9AM to 5PM Monday-Friday and 10AM to 5PM Saturday & Sunday, and offers tastings of a wide variety of wines from reds and whites to sweet reds, dessert wines, and champagne. In addition to the tasting room and vineyards, the winery is also home to a cafe as well as village shops.

Getting There: Bernardo Vineyards is located at 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte in San Diego, California. For more information please call them at 1.858.487.1866 or visit them on the web at http://www.bernardowinery.com.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

The Callaway Vineyard & Winery, located a mere 23-miles from the Pacific Ocean, has been producing fine award winning wines since 1969. The winery's visitor center offers breathtaking views to compliment tastings offered daily from 10AM to 5PM from their selection of red, white, and rosé varieties. The visitor's center also offers complimentary winery tours daily, as well as private tours and tastings by appointment.

Getting There: Callaway Vineyard & Winery is located at 32720 Rancho California Road in Temecula, California. For more information please call them at 1.800.472.2377 or visit them on the web at http://www.callawaywinery.com.

Thornton Winery

Thorton Winery, an old world French-style chateau with breathtaking views, has received numerous awards and accolades for its fine wines which are produced using the Méthode Champenoise process. The winery's tasting room is open daily from 10AM to 5PM where you can sample their wines and champagnes alongside optional appetizers. Complimentary winery tours are also offered on weekends.

Getting There: Thorton Winery is located at 32575 Rancho California Road in Temecula, California. For more information please call them at 1.951.699.0099 or visit them on the web at http://www.thorntonwine.com.

Galleano Winery

The Galleano Winery, founded in 1927, is a family owned winery that has been passed down through five generations. The winery is noted as the largest producer of Cucamonga Valley wines, and has won numerous awards and accolades for their fine wines. The tasting room is open daily during seasonal business hours where you can sample their fine white, red, Zinfandel, and dessert wine varieties. Winery tours are also available between 2PM and 4PM during non-harvest weekends.

Getting There: Galleano Winery is located at 4231 Wineville Avenue in Mira Loma, California. For more information please call them at 1.951.685.5376 or visit them on the web at http://www.galleanowinery.com.

Orfila Vineyards

The Orfila Vineyards, a Mediterranean style boutique winery, has been the proud recipient of over 1000 awards and accolades since their inception 14 years ago. The 70-acre estate features a tasting room with fantastic views which offers you the chance to sample their award winning red, white, and dessert wine varieties daily between 10AM and 6PM. Complimentary tours are also offered daily at 2PM.

Getting There: Orfila Vineyards is located at 13455 San Pasqual Road in Escondido, California. For more information please call them at 1.760.738.6500 ext.22 or visit them on the web at http://www.orfila.com.

Rosenthal - The Malibu Estate

Rosenthal - The Malibu Estate is a breathtaking estate and vineyard located on 250-acres which produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay varieties which can be found at some of Los Angeles' top restaurants. The estate itself is not open to general visits, tours, or wine tastings--inquiries are welcome for large private tours. However, The Rosenthal - The Malibu Estate Tasting Room is open 11AM to 6PM Wednesday-Sunday for wine sampling

Getting There: Rosenthal - The Malibu Estate is located at 26023 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. For more information please call them at 1.310.456.1392 or visit them on the web at http://www.rosenthalestatewines.com.