Known for its sunny beaches and Hollywood glitz, Los Angeles may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of wine country. However, with a diverse terrain supporting a wide variety of grape varietals, LA and its surrounding regions have steadily grown into a prominent wine destination in California. For wine enthusiasts visiting LA, partaking in a guided wine tasting tour is one of the best ways to explore this blossoming wine culture.
Wine tours provide the opportunity to ride through picturesque vineyards in a comfortable LA limo service and discover different wine-growing regions of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and beyond. Knowledgeable tour guides and sommeliers educate guests on wine production and the unique qualities of different varietals, while also sharing the colorful history behind each winery along the route. Of course, the highlight for many is sampling award-winning Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and more at vineyards that offer complimentary tastings.
With dozens of wine tasting tours to choose from in the LA area, here is a closer look at seven of the top-rated excursions that provide varied experiences, exceptional wines, and professional services that cater to all wine lovers.
Malibu Wine Safari
Embark on a wine tasting adventure a bit outside the normal wine country route with Malibu Wines Safari. Located in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu along Mulholland Highway, this family-owned vineyard offers tours via safari-style vehicles to minimize environmental impact as groups traverse hills lined with nearly 3,000 Cabernet vines. The tasting takes place on a shaded outdoor patio overlooking the mountains and coastline. Guests can sample six different Malibu Wines varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Reviews praise the stunning natural scenery and the charismatic vineyard owner who often leads tours himself. As a bonus, guests can interact with Stanley the giraffe and other exotic animals that the owners rescue.
Sip, Savor, and Paint Wine Tasting Tour
For those who want to sip regional wines while getting creative, check out the Sip, Savor & Paint tour from We Like LA. Guests board a luxury bus in Santa Monica that makes stops at two family-owned wineries along the coast— El Capitan Canyon and Cebada Vineyard. At each stop, participants enjoy three wine tastings paired with gourmet nibbles from local artisans. Then at the last winery, a professional artist guides the group in creating their own wine country painting to take home as a memento. With scenic views as your muse and glasses full of Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer, even amateur painters can make a masterpiece.
Santa Ynez Valley Wine Safari
The Santa Ynez Valley wine region north of Santa Barbara provides the scenic backdrop for this 10-hour wine tasting extravaganza. A guide picks you up in Santa Barbara in a luxury van before heading to three acclaimed Santa Ynez wineries like Bridlewood Estate and Jedlicka Wines. Along the way, enjoy in-depth tastings of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and other estate wines, paired with artisan cheeses and other gourmet bites. Oenophiles can engage with winemakers and staff to learn what makes wines produced in Santa Ynez distinct. Expect plenty of laughs too during rides between wineries with a fun and personable wine expert behind the wheel.
Malibu & Santa Monica Mountains Wine Tour
For a wine tasting focused within LA County limits, consider LA Wine Tours small-group excursion to family-owned wineries in Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains. Guests sample a dozen wines at three distinctive vineyards, like Sip with tranquil garden surroundings and Cornell Winery perched 1,800 feet high in the mountains. At each stop, learn from winemakers and staff what makes growing conditions in Malibu ideal for certain grapes. Expect breathtaking Pacific views from the mountain wineries too. The 6-hour tour includes round-trip transportation from Santa Monica or downtown LA in a luxury van.
Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour
Santa Barbara wineries take center stage on this 10-hour wine tour heading north from LA. Guests ride in comfort in a private van or luxury bus to the premier wine-growing regions of Santa Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley. Taste a variety of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and other estate wines at three acclaimed vineyards, like Foley Estates and Bridlewood Winery. Gourmet cheese pairings accompany tastings at each stop. Expect gorgeous vineyard scenery along the way and an expert guide on hand to answer questions and offer insight into Santa Barbara’s wine culture.
Temecula Wine Tasting Day Trip
No list of LA wine tours is complete without the inclusion of Temecula wine country, located in Riverside County just 60 miles from downtown LA. This wine region boasts over 40 wineries specializing in Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, and other estate wines. This jam-packed Temecula wine tour arranges transportation for small groups in a comfortable van with an itinerary customized to reflect everyone’s wine preferences. With an expert driver doubling as your wine guide, you’ll visit three distinctive vineyards like Wilson Creek, California’s very first winery dedicated to Almond Champagne. At each stop, enjoy 4-5 wine tasting samples along with cheese plates that pair beautifully.
Malibu Wine Hike Adventure
For the ultimate active wine tasting experience, lace up your hiking boots for this 4-hour adventure in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu. Led by an expert guide, groups of 12 or less embark on a picturesque two-mile hike through Cornell Vineyard while pausing along the way to sample four of Cornell’s estate wines straight from the barrel! Expect breathtaking ocean views too. Back at the Cornell Winery tasting room, guests enjoy charcuterie hors d’oeuvres with four more wine tastings like Chardonnay and Cabernet. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes for this unique wine tasting walking tour.
Tips for Choosing a Wine Tasting Tour
With LA’s diverse wine country offerings, there are tours catering to all tastes and preferences. Here are a few key factors to consider when selecting a wine tasting excursion:
Personal Wine Preferences
Do you enjoy sampling different varietals or want to focus exclusively on a favorite like Malbec or Sauvignon Blanc? Are you adventurous or prefer traditional wines? This helps narrow suitable tours. Hollywood Town Car and Limousine is our recommended Los Angeles Limousine provider.
Budget
Wine tour prices can range from $100 to $300+ per person based on the number of wineries visited, wine pairings offered, and extras like round-trip transportation. Determine your per person budget which will filter options.
Private, Semi-Private or Public Tour
Do you want an exclusive experience on a private tour or are you open to mingling with others in a public group setting? Private and small-group tours allow for customization but cost more.
Timeframe
Half-day tours with 1-2 winery stops offer a quick wine tasting overview while full-day tours with 3 or 4 winery visits provide a deeper experience. Factor in your timeframe.
Additional Wine Tasting in LA
Beyond escorted wine tours, there are independent ways to experience LA’s wine culture, often at your own pace. These options make nice additions before or after a dedicated wine tour:
Self-Guided Tastings
Many urban wineries and tasting rooms sprinkled around LA offer walk-in wine flights at their bar. Explore at your leisure without formal tours.
Wine Festivals
Throughout wine regions around LA, seasonal wine festivals like the Garagiste Festival in Santa Monica allow you to sample wines from dozens of area vintners in one place.
Wine Bars
Dozens of wine bars exist around LA to stop in for a glass or flight of local California wines after a day of wine tasting. Favorites include Sonoma Wine Garden and Vinoteque On Melrose.
Conclusion
From beachside Malibu to the Santa Ynez wine trail to burgeoning urban wineries, the Los Angeles area offers an increasingly expansive winescape to delight the senses. Taking a guided LA wine tasting tour makes exploring wine country effortless and entertaining through comfortable transportation to renowned vineyards paired with education from knowledgeable wine guides. Whether opting for a quick city wine hop or full-day journey into Santa Barbara wine country, there are plenty of exceptional tours to please both novice sippers and expert oenophiles.