2026 Wineries Los Angeles

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02 Apr

Posted at 19:19h in 2024 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026, Wineries

Cairjn Wine Cellars

2323 Tuley Road, Unit 120 Paso Robles, CA 93446
cairjnwinecellars.com

Region: Paso Robles

Owner: Andy & Michele Neja

Winemaker: Andy Neja

About: Derived from the word, “cairn” which means “a heap of stones piled up as a memorial or as a landmark.” Our founder, Andy Neja, chose this name as a tribute to his family’s farming legacy and as a nod to the limestone-rich terrain of West Paso, where our vineyards are located.

It requires hard work and dedication to make wine, and at Cairjn, we have a deep respect for the men and women who work tirelessly to bring each vintage to fruition. That’s why we honor their efforts by staying true to our commitment to quality and sustainability.

Now producing 800 cases annually, our portfolio of wines reflects our commitment to quality and sustainability. Our dream is to provide our customers with a truly unique wine experience. Join us on this journey as we build a landmark wine for Paso Robles.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Albariño

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? I tasted Albariño early on in my wine journey and I fell in love with its freshness and wonderful floral and citrus characters.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Their uniqueness and pouring them for people that have never heard of them and watching their enjoyment of this new variety.

13 Oct

Posted at 22:51h in 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026, Wineries

Camins 2 Dreams

1520 E Chestnut Ct, Lompoc, CA. 93436
camins2dreams.com

Region: Santa Barbara County

Owners/Winemakers: Mireia Taribo & Tara Gomez

About: Camins 2 Dreams was founded in 2017. Our grapes are sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara County with a focus in Sta. Rita Hills and San Benito County. Our philosophy is to make hand-crafted, terroir-driven wines that are fermented with natural yeast and use minimal intervention in the winery, with only minimum amounts of SO2 at bottling. Our wines are also all unfined and unfiltered. We believe wine is made in the vineyard and we want to showcase the typicity of each site where the grapes come from. We source fruit from vineyards that share in the same values of respect for the land and their workers and works e with organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming vineyards.

We are a team of two winemakers, Mireia Taribó and Tara Gomez, wife and wife, whose paths first crossed in 2006 through our work in the wine industry. Our friendship grew through wine and travels, which also sparked our love. Our journey of friendship, love, and wine now continues as together we found our dream winery, Camins 2 Dreams.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Grüner Veltliner

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape?

Mireia: I have been lucky to enjoy forgotten grapes since an early age, being from Spain, most of our local grapes would be considered “forgotten”, even though they are popular in Spain. Ex: Tempranillo, Xarello , Mencia or Graciano to name a few.

Tara: Through my travels through Europe, I felt lucky to expand my palate to many forgotten grapes. One experience in particular was in Languedoc when I tasted Carignan for the first time many years ago. I remember seeing those vines planted along the Mediterranean Sea and was so amazed by that, and the salinity that came from that was truly remarkable, not to mention the dark fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and moderate tannins. Through that experience, Carignan is definitely one of my favorites.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? We love making and teaching consumers about the underrepresented varieties that are not mainstream. There are so many forgotten grapes that deserve the same recognition as the mainstream varieties, and we love preaching about those varieties. We like to research them, learn about them, experiment as we make the wine, and then introduce them to the consumers.

Camins 2 Dreams Winemakers
Camins 2 Dreams Harvest
Camins 2 Dreams Winemakers
Camins 2 Dreams Winemakers
Camins 2 Dreams Wines

15 Oct

Posted at 06:32h in 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026, Wineries

Clif Family Winery & Farm

709 Main Street, St. Helena, California, 94574
cliffamily.com

Region: Napa Valley

Owners: Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford

Winemaker: Laura Barrett

About: Founded by Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, the co-creators of Clif Bar, Clif Family Winery & Farm has been crafting wine in Napa Valley for 20 years. As a B Corp-certified wine and food company, we focus on sustainable practices and farm over 10 varietals at our organically farmed estate vineyards, including Undiscovered Grapes like Malbec and Viognier. We are passionate about sharing delicious wines and the stories behind them.

In the cellar, my low-intervention approach embraces natural acidity, wild fermentation, non-interventionist aging, limited manipulation, and being sensorily vigilant ensuring that each vintage captures pure, vibrant varietal expressions. Inspired by each vintage and varietal, my aging vessels include concrete, stainless steel, and at times neutral French oak puncheons.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Viognier is our winemaker’s favorite because it’s expressive and fun to work with. It produces wines bursting with bright fruit and floral aromas—think ripe peach, tangerine, and honeysuckle—with subtle hints of vanilla and spice when lightly oaked. Its versatility in the cellar lets us craft wines that are flavorful, balanced, and easy to enjoy.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? A few years ago, we discovered Picpoul, a crisp, refreshing white grape. What surprised us most was how bright, zesty, and food-friendly it was—perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with meals. We loved it so much that we’re now planting Picpoul in our Napa Valley vineyards, excited to explore its potential and share a truly unique, lesser-known grape with our guests.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? What we love most about undiscovered grapes is the sense of adventure they bring. Each one has its own story, flavors, and personality, and working with them lets us experiment in the vineyard and cellar.

Cif Family
Cif Family
Cif Family
Cif Family
Cif Family
Cif Family
Cif Family
Cif Family
Cif Family

27 Feb

Posted at 05:56h in 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, Wineries

Crocker & Starr Winery

700 Dowdell Lane, Saint Helena, CA 94574
crockerstarr.com

Region: Napa Valley

Owner: Pam Starr

Winemaker: Julie Robertson

About: Founded in 1997, Crocker & Starr Winery has grown from a visionary partnership into a thriving, values-driven team with more than 30 years of history in crafting exceptional wines and memorable experiences. What began with founders Pam Starr and Charlie Crocker evolved into a modern estate rooted in authenticity, sustainability, innovation, and genuine connection.

In our first decade, Pam and Charlie established the foundation for our legacy—creating world-class wines that earned the respect of top sommeliers and passionate wine lovers. The second decade expanded that vision: our team deepened our commitment to organic farming, elevated our hospitality experience, and broadened our estate wine portfolio. We closed this era with a major milestone: moving into our Napa Green–certified winery on the estate, further aligning our practices with our environmental values.

Now at the end of our third decade, we continue to raise the bar. With the arrival of winemaker Julie Robertson and the leadership of President and now Partner Cyrus Hazzard, we are embracing new ideas, deepening our craft, and shaping the next era of our winery.

Across the estate, our commitment remains unwavering: exceptional quality, from soil to glass. Every member of the Crocker & Starr team shares a unified vision and a collaborative drive to innovate, inspire, and deliver extraordinary experiences. Our past shapes us, our present motivates us, and our future is brighter than ever.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Cab Franc for its fabulous non-fruited-ness.

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? My first undiscovered grape was in the 1980s, and it was Colombard as a wine, not for a distillate. I was working full-time for Carmenet Winery (winery partner of Chalone Wine group), and during harvest, a delivery of Colombard grapes from Calistoga arrived for us to whole cluster press and barrel ferment. Typically, Chalone Winery would produce this wine, but our location in Sonoma proved to be more sensible. From a distillation class, I learned that Colombard was used to make brandy. And I learned by barrel fermenting Colombard sur lies aging that the resulting wine had aromas of flowers, apples, and nuts with texture.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? They offer flavors for tasting outside the ‘box’.

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CrockerStarr1

08 Mar

Posted at 21:51h in 2024 Wineries, 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026, Wineries

Derby Wine Estates

525 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles
derbywineestates.com

Region: Paso Robles

Owners: Ray and Pam Derby

Winemaker: Sean Geoghegan

About: Derby Wine Estate is a boutique, family owned winery with three Estate vineyards across the central coast and a Tasting Room & production facility on the outskirts of downtown Paso Robles. We have a passion for good wine and good company, and strive to share both with everyone who walks through our door.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Cinsault

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? I honestly can’t remember, I have always looked for lesser known grapes and heritage vines to expand my palate.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? The world of flavors and textures that open up when you think (and drink) outside the box.

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05 Mar

Posted at 03:33h in 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, Wineries

Familia Hicks

27021 Beautyberry Pl, Canyon Country CA 91397
familiahickswines.com

Region: Paso Robles

Owners: Tricia and Donald Hicks

Winemaker: Jeff Strekas

About: Familia Hicks is an award-winning micro-boutique winery, sourcing grapes from the finest vineyards in Paso Robles. Tastings and Events are held in Santa Clarita and the surrounding areas. Our limited production wines are a true representation of the terroir and the vine all mixed with a bit of love. We proudly produce 100% single varietal wines.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Malbec, we love the elegance of the single varietal and the many ways you can approach the development of the wine. We choose to follow a French style with the current vintage.

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? Albariño – We love the delicate flavor profile and the slight salinity to the wine.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? They stray from the common glass of wine. We can get into the casual routine of grabbing for the same thing, but the undiscovered grapes bring a dimension and unique flavor profiles. We love to venture into new grapes.

Familia Hicks
Familia Hicks
Familia Hicks
Familia Hicks
Familia Hicks
Familia Hicks

08 Mar

Posted at 23:10h in 2024 Wineries, 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026, Wineries

Giornata

470 Marquita Ave #A, Paso Robles CA 93446
giornatawines.com

Region: Paso Robles

Owners/Winemakers: Brian and Stephy Terrizzi

About: We make authentic, complex and balanced wines in Paso Robles, CA featuring Italian grape varieties.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Fiano. It almost disappeared until someone made it a focus. It is a success story and also delicious!

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? I wasn’t sure what to make of Nebbiolo the first time I tried it. I did not understand it, but I knew I wanted a second glass.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Learning their history

24 Sep

Posted at 19:21h in 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, San Jose 2026

Heleje Wine Co

5303 east Woodbridge rd, Acampo Ca 95220
Heleje.com

Region: Lodi AVA/Mokolumne River Sub AVA

Owners: Jacob and Shauna DesVoignes and Frank Hartwick

Winemaker: Jacob Des Voignes

About: Heleje Wine Co is a small-batch, boutique winery rooted in the rich soils of Lodi, California. Guided by the heart of a farmer and the mind of a trained chef, each varietal and every vine on our family farms is hand-selected for its harmony with the land, climate, and growing conditions.

We believe exceptional wine begins with exceptional ingredients. That’s why our farming practices start with a simple question: How can we step back and let the vine do its best? By nurturing the vineyard with intention and respect, we bring wines to the table that are as intriguing as they are balanced—celebrating community, family, and the pure pleasure of the drink.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Picpoul Blanc, because It thrives in our area, producing big bunches of crunchy fruit. It has amazing flavor and great acidity.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? One undiscovered grape experience that comes to mind was tasting an unsulfured Fiano from Bryan Harrington. It was complex, refreshing, and lively on the palette. That experience has led to a love of Italian white varieties.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? What I love most about undiscovered grapes is the excitement of trying something new. There are many undiscovered wines that offer a completely different sensory experience when tasted for the first time.

07 Feb

Posted at 19:09h in 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, Wineries

Hitching Post Wines

420 E HWY 246 Lompoc CA 93427
hpwines.com

Region: Santa Barbara County

Owners: Frank Ostini & Gray Hartley

Winemakers: Frank Ostini and Weston Hartley

About: Led by Frank Ostini (owner of the Hitching Post 2 Restaurant) and Gray Hartley, Hitching Post Wines has passed its 40th vintage in its ongoing quest to create the finest wines possible of Santa Barbara County. The emphasis is to make intriguing, age-worthy Pinot Noirs featuring Santa Barbara County’s two iconic appellations, the Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills. However, other lesser-known varieties such as Chenin Blanc and Valdeguie have also caught their attention. With Frank Ostini as Chef Winemaker since its inception, these are food-friendly, handcrafted wines of balance and finesse that express the essence of the great vineyards of the Santa Barbara region. Moving forward, the next generation of Hartleys – Emily (DTC Manager) and Weston (Winemaker) – have joined the team and are doing much of the heavy lifting at Hitching Post Wines.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Valdiguie – It’s Racy. Defined as: (of a wine, flavor, etc.) having a characteristic quality to a high degree.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Valdiguie – It was so fresh and lively, and once in the barrel changed every month, from tart and tangy, then softening as the months passed to being this fresh, racy fruit that continues to get better and better and better.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Great heritage varietals that are lesser known have so much potential when taken seriously and given respect. There is greater freedom to explore old and new techniques and styles.

HitchingPost1

01 Mar

Posted at 23:12h in 2026 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, Wineries

Ironstone Vineyards and Flora Abielle

1894 Six Mile Rd., Murphys, CA
ironstonevineyards.com

Region: Lodi

Owners: Kautz Family

Winemaker: Steve Miller

About: At Ironstone Vineyards, our family’s roots in California agriculture span three generations, beginning with the planting of our first Chardonnay vines in 1968 and culminating in the founding of our estate winery in 1988 in Calaveras County near Murphys. Over the years, we have proudly championed distinctive varietals such as Cabernet Franc and Symphony, earning national recognition and numerous awards as leaders in producing wines that express the character and quality of our vineyards.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? My first choice is the uniqueness of the Symphony grape varietal. The intensely aromatic character of the rare Symphony grape, which is a crossing of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris, delivers an explosive floral, peach, apricot, and tropical fruit aromas.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Your first time drinking Obsession Symphony blows you away because the aromatics leap out of the glass with intense orange blossom, ripe peach, apricot, honey, and tropical fruit before you even take a sip.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? The natural aromatics and slight touch of sweetness of the Symphony grape make it exceptional with spicy and savory dishes. The hint of sweetness helps cool the heat from foods like Thai curry, Mexican cuisine, or spicy barbecue, while its bright acidity keeps it fresh alongside savory flavors such as roasted chicken, pork, charcuterie, or rich cheeses.