2027 Wineries Los Angeles

01 Nov Hanna Winery & Vineyards

Posted at 22:13h in 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2027, Wineries

Hanna Winery & Vineyards

9280 Highway 128, Healdsburg, CA 95448
www.hannawinery.com

Region: Sonoma County

Owner: Christine Hanna

Winemaker: Jeff Hinchliffe

About: At HANNA Winery & Vineyards, we consider ourselves iconoclasts, always eager to challenge convention and explore what lies beyond the familiar. We are a family-owned winery with vineyards spanning the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Moon Mountain District. We have a dual identity: as an internationally recognized standard-bearer for Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, and as a micro-producer of terroir-driven, lesser-known varietals that reward the curious drinker. We are experimenting with new varieties on our ranches in order to adapt to changing climatic conditions, and satisfy our own zest for new and novel aromas and flavors.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Saint Macaire holds a special place in our hearts. It is a rare Bordeaux variety with a personality all its own, and we are captivated by its distinctive aromatic character. We are still exploring the full range of what this grape can express, which is precisely what makes it so compelling. We love a grape that keeps us curious. And then there is Grillo. Some discoveries are best discussed in person, glass in hand. Ask us about it at the festival—no recording devices, please.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Our first Saint Macaire fermentation in 2015 gave us a moment we will never forget. After pressing, winemaker Jeff Hinchliffe climbed a ladder to smell the tank and was met with an astonishing rush of aromas: ginseng, sarsaparilla, and Kalamata olives. The experience was so unexpected he nearly fell off the ladder.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? The ineffable joy of being at the avant-garde—and the smell, taste, and texture of novelty. Lesser-known grapes invite us to question what we think we know about wine. They offer the excitement of experimentation, the possibility of surprise, and the chance to explore expressions of place and varietal character that haven’t yet become part of the mainstream conversation. At HANNA, we love the freedom to follow our curiosity, challenge convention, and bring something genuinely distinctive to the glass.

07 Feb Hitching Post Wines

Posted at 19:09h in 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, Los Angeles 2027, 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.

01 Nov Jennifer Gray Wine

Posted at 21:50h in 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2027, Wineries

Jennifer Gray Wine

100 Los Padres Way, Unit 7, Buellton, California
www.jennifergraywine.com

Region: Santa Barbara

Owner: Jennifer Gray

Winemaker: Jennifer Gray

About: Jennifer Gray Wine is my small-lot project focused on balance, texture, and drinkability. I work with thoughtfully farmed fruit and take a minimal-intervention approach, guided by intention rather than dogma. I aim to make wines that feel grounded and approachable. These are wines made for the table, for conversation, and for people who enjoy curiosity as much as they enjoy a good glass of wine.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Grenache Blanc: traditionally a blending wine, I believe that it can be very beautiful, nuanced, and textured—very drinkable!

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? I remember the lightbulb moment of tasting Pinot Blanc and going—wow—this is a relative of Pinot Noir? I’m fascinated by the grape mutations that have led to other lesser-known varieties.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? They provide variety in a sea of the same wines that exist in the marketplace and an opportunity to discover new flavors, aromas, and textures in wine!

13 May JMC Cellars

Posted at 23:03h in 2025 Wineries, 2026 Wineries, 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2027, San Jose 2026, San Jose 2027, Wineries

JMC Cellars

6800 Greenville Road, Livermore CA 94550
jmccellars.wine

Region: Livermore Valley

Owner/Winemaker: Jessica Carroll

About: JMC Cellars is a small winery owned and operated by women who are all geeks about wine. This small ragtag group is lead by a retired civil engineer who fell in love with wine and never looked back. The JMC Cellars group is all about the weird and wonderful of wine. We like to try new things and are always open for a challenge, which is how we have things on our menu like Teroldego and Grignolino. We are a place where love of wine, meets love of knowledge, and love of people.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Favorite “undiscovered” grape would have to be Viognier. When Jessica was just starting to make wine when she went on a trip to France and in a tasting discovered that in certain regions in France they co-ferment Syrah (her favorite discovered grape) with Viognier, and it makes a beautiful wine. So she started to make it as a single varietal and loves it.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? One of the first lesser-known grapes that Jessica discovered was Roussanne. It was a grape that one of the first wineries she worked at used for a single varietal and it fueled her interest in grapes from the Rhone region in France, as that is where Syrah comes from as well.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? We love learning about undiscovered grapes, they all have wonderful unique flavors and histories that are so interesting to dive into.

24 Sep Heleje Wine Co

Posted at 19:21h in 2026 Wineries, 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, Los Angeles 2027, San Jose 2026, San Jose 2027

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.

22 Feb Langhart-Hill Wines

Posted at 20:54h in 2026 Wineries, 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, Los Angeles 2027, Wineries

Langhart-Hill Wines

480 Foreman Lane, Healdsburg, CA 95448
langharthill.com

Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma

Owner: Dennis Hill

Winemaker: Dennis Hill

About: After decades of successful professional winemaking, our owner-winemaker, Dennis Hill, has shifted his focus to producing a few esoteric wine styles and rare grape varieties. Many grapes are estate-grown in the Russian River Valley near Healdsburg. Dennis is not beholden to one specific wine style but prefers to appreciate the great diversity of all wines. One will find both classic and obscure wines and varieties within the Langhart & Hill and Rumpelstiltskin portfolio.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Dobričić is one of the darkest, most tannic grapes on the planet. My goal is to make a more approachable but complex red wine that shows character. Dobričić is the specialty of Šolta, the Croatian island in the Adriatic, from where my grandfather immigrated 100 years ago.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Malvasia Bianca and its siblings are a large and ancient variety(s) grown in many regions of the world and make a wide range of wines, including the sweet Malmsey and other Madeira wines. It does well in warm regions and makes profoundly aromatic wines. What surprised me was the great complexity and vibrancy it can make in more mild climates, showing citrus, honeysuckle, and minerality.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? Undiscovered grapes allow me to make something completely new and discover its qualities and characteristics. When we quit learning, life is no longer fun.

02 Sep Lava Cap Winery

Posted at 23:11h in 2026 Wineries, 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, Los Angeles 2027, San Jose 2026, San Jose 2027, Wineries

Lava Cap Winery

2221 Fruitridge Rd., Placerville, CA 95667
lavacap.com

Region: El Dorado

Owner: Charlie & Noreen Jones

Winemaker: Nolan Jones

About: Lava Cap is a third-generation family farm located in Placerville, high in the Sierra Nevada foothills at an elevation of 2700 feet. Our estate mountain-grown grapes are sourced from some of the highest vineyards in California. Our unique volcanic soils, weathered from ancient ash flows, produce wines that are intensely aromatic and luscious with deep, rich fruit erupting with flavor.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Barbera! Great acid, bright flavors, food friendly.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Planting and working with undiscovered grapes is part of the DNA of El Dorado winegrowers. Rather than being centered on a single “signature” variety, our region is still actively exploring its possibilities. Every time we plant a new grape, we’re asking how it will respond to our volcanic soils, our 3,000-foot elevations, and our steep slopes. It’s an ongoing search for the varieties that not only thrive here but that truly come alive in our mountain terroir.

You can experience that spirit of discovery in Lava Cap’s tasting room, and throughout the region. Instead of focusing on just one grape, guests are invited to explore wines from a wide range of varieties. It makes tasting here an adventure—you’re experiencing a kaleidoscope of expressions, from crisp Grenache Blanc to vibrant Barbera to mountain-grown Viognier. That sense of exploration and diversity is what makes El Dorado so distinctive, and it’s why planting undiscovered grapes has always been central to who we are.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? What I love most is the sense of possibility. With undiscovered or lesser-known grapes, you’re not bound by consumer expectations or rigid tradition—you get to let the vineyard and terroir tell the story. In El Dorado, our volcanic soils and high elevation create natural tension, acidity, and aromatics in wines, which means these “undiscovered” grapes often shine in ways people don’t expect. Sharing them with guests is a chance to taste something authentic, distinctive, and new.

20 Sep Le Vigne

Posted at 17:56h in 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2027, Wineries

Le Vigne

5115 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, CA
www.levignewinery.com

Region: Paso Robles

Owner: Walter & Sylvia Filippini

Winemaker: Ben Mayo

About: At Le Vigne, our identity is built on a true marriage, both literal and metaphorical, of heritage and passion. On one side, the family’s deep farming roots in Paso Robles, where the land has been cultivated since the 1960s. Grapes were first planted in 1982, a year before Paso Robles was officially recognized as an AVA, and the winery was built shortly before the Estrella District sub-appellation was established. On the other side, Walter Filippini’s Italian culinary heritage brings a distinctly Old World perspective to our wines. Walter’s culinary background also informs our approach in the cellar: we strive to create wines with balance, structure, and refreshing acidity—wines that shine on the table and elevate the dining experience. The result is a collection of wines that have won multiple accolades including Winery of the Year USA from the London Wine Competition &two Paso Robles Winery of the Year awards.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? Sangiovese. We make sparkling wine, rose’, & traditional reds with Sangiovese. It retains acidity in high heat & it’s a great food wine.

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? Assyrtiko. It was the first Greek varietal that I tried that really stood out & spoke for its place of origin. The tongue tingling acidity balanced by the minerality & lemon zest make quality versions a world class wine.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? I think every wine geek loves to find something new. It’s especially cool when it is a grape generally only native to a small region.

24 Sep Lyons Vineyard

Posted at 19:33h in 2026 Wineries, 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2027, San Jose 2026, San Jose 2027, Wineries

Lyons Vineyard

3564 Sagunto St., Suite 302 Santa Ynez CA 93460
www.lyonsvineyard.com

Region: Santa Barbara County

Owners: Skye Lyons & Sarah Lyons

Winemakers: Ryan Carr with Skye & Sarah Lyons

About: Located in the Los Olivos District AVA, in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, Lyons Vineyard is a small family-run vineyard founded in 2017 with a focus on Rhône varietals. After years of growing Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Viognier for some of Santa Barbara’s top winemakers, we launched our own label in 2022. We make limited-production, small-batch wines that let the fruit and the land shine through. Our signature style is balance; wines with depth and interest that still hold their freshness and acidity. We love to showcase our two Grenache clones side by side, showing just how different the same varietal can be. We also bottle 100% Mourvèdre and love comparing vintages to show the influence of Mother Nature from year to year. We love how tasting these comparisons can spark curiosity, open up conversations, and remind us that wine is at its best when it’s bringing people together!

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? We LOVE Grenache! It can be incredibly elegant yet with layers of flavor. We always try to introduce Pinot Noir lovers to lighter-style Grenache because we think it’s a great gateway to new varieties; more people should discover it!

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? We have wonderful memories traveling to Tuscany with Skye’s late father (Stephen Lyons, to whom our vineyard name is a tribute) when we were much younger in our wine journey. We were hopping from one little town to the next to try the local food and wine. One of our favorites was a white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, produced from the ancient variety of the Vernaccia grape grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area. The wine was inexpensive yet expressive and full of character!

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? We love to show our friends how wonderful these grapes can be! Providing so many more options for different moods, food pairings, gatherings with friends or just a random Tuesday night. We believe part of the fun of being on a wine journey is learning and tasting! What better homework is there than that?

19 Dec Madroña Vineyards

Posted at 02:35h in 2026 Wineries, 2027 Wineries, Los Angeles 2026, Los Angeles 2027, San Jose 2026, San Jose 2027, Wineries

Madroña

P.O. Box 454, Camino, CA 95709
www.MadronaVineyards.com

Region: El Dorado, Sierra Foothills

Owners: Maggie and Paul Bush

Winemaker: Paul Bush

About: Madroña is a family-owned and operated winery started in 1973. Located in the cooler foothills of the Sierra Nevada (El Dorado), our family pioneered high-elevation grape growing and wine production in California. With 70 acres of naturally farmed grapes (no herbicides, all organic products), sustainability is a driving force for our winery. Our wines are a reflection of the unique volcanic soils and cool climate of our vineyards, with my winemaking style being more hands-off than hands-on. After 50 years, we’ve learned that our vineyards produce structured and varietally focused wines with good natural acidity, meant to be enjoyed at table with friends and family.

What is your favorite undiscovered grape? I would say Nebbiolo. Nebbiolo is so totally unlike any other variety in the world, both in the vineyard and in the winery, that it surprises me every vintage. It’s light in color, heavy in structure, bold in the palate yet very elegant in its characters. It’s an enigma in the winery that is best left alone to mature and express itself on its own. Nebbiolo is truly unique!

What was your first experience with an undiscovered grape? To be honest, I grew up in a family that produced grapes and made wines that were suited for our elevation (3,000 feet). I didn’t consider that some varieties are more well-known or less known. They were just Riesling and Gewurztraminer or Nebbiolo and Malbec. And since we sell most of our wines through our tasting room, each individual variety has individual consumers who love it.

What do you love most about the undiscovered grapes? I love the surprised look on a winetaster’s face when they taste something new and exciting. It’s like a whole new world has just opened up, which then opens up an interest in trying even more unusual and exquisite varieties.