Did you know that close to 90 percent of the wine consumed in the United States comes from California? While regions like Napa and Sonoma County often take the stage, Southern Californians don’t have to look too far to find a whole host of vineyards and wineries right in their own backyard. So, the next time you head out to a dinner party or are just looking to relax on the back patio with friends, consider going with a local variety. Continue reading to learn about some of our favorite wineries near Irvine, CA, to pair with the perfect evening.
Laguna Canyon Winery
Located off Laguna Canyon Road just minutes from the beautiful coastline, Darren and Marlowe Huber brought their love of winemaking from their home in the Pacific Northwest to the sunny shores of Laguna Beach. Professionally trained in the craft of Italian wine making, Laguna Canyon uses grapes grown in the Napa and Sonoma region before being pressed, fermented, and bottled in their SoCal location. Laguna Canyon carries a full variety of red, white, and sparkling wines to perfectly pair with any meal or occasion. Their tasting room is open daily, where you can sample some of their finest products, from Napa-inspired Pinot Grigio that offers light, slightly fruity notes, to Argentinian-style Malbec reds with deep, earthy tones of chocolate and cherry. Private parties and special tasting events are available along with a Member’s Choice Wine Club. Twitter Facebook
NBVW
Since 1998, Bordeaux red wine grapes have been grown, harvested, and turned into award-winning Meritage reds and cuvees on this gorgeous hillside property. The winery, tucked away inside upper Newport Bay, grows up to five tons of red wine grapes over their 1,200-acre estate that produces not only their award-winning reds, but also a collection of single varietals like Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Rose. While their grounds aren’t normally open to the public, NBVW does offer private tours and tastings, along with small weddings and corporate events held either outdoors in their botanical gardens or inside their gorgeous 1,000 sq. ft. Wine Cave. Instagram Yelp
Orange Coast Winery
Family-owned and -operated since 2011, Orange Coast is the brain-child of Doug and Debbie Wiens, using grapes harvested from their vineyard located in the Temecula Valley region of Northern California. Doug’s multiple degrees in horticulture and food science serve the winery well in the meticulous techniques he employs, from the growing season throughout the entire fermentation process. This scientific approach is what gives each wine, from their floral and citrusy white blends to their rich and smoky Cabernets, their own distinct notes and flavors sure to delight your palate. Their tasting room located in Newport Beach offers a full menu of delicious meals that perfectly pair with their cellar. You can relax in their outdoor space while enjoying some live music and special events held throughout the week.
Stop by and Taste Them for Yourself!
As you can see, you don’t have to look too hard to find high-quality wines being created in your own community. Make sure to visit these wineries near Irvine, CA, to sample the best from their vines or pick up a bottle from your local wine seller today!