Southern California

The Southern California Region extends from Ventura County, north of Los Angeles, to the southern border of California below San Diego.  While the region may be better known for its beaches, theme parks and the entertainment industry, it’s also the birthplace of California winemaking.  In 1769, Father Junipero Serra planted wine grapes at Mission San Diego de Alcala.  Today, visitors can explore the landmarks of Hollywood, the magic of Disneyland, and the adventure of the San Diego Zoo -- all while enjoying the fruits of the region’s vineyards.

Commercial winemaking boomed in Southern California in the early 1900s, until Prohibition and development forced the closure of many wineries and the removal of vines.  Yet winemaking still thrives in small pockets of Southern California, in the counties of Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.

Generally, breezes from the Pacific Ocean moderate the warmth of sunny Southern California, creating a climate conducive to growing a wide range of grapes, including the classic Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties, and "new-wave" Rhône, Italian and Spanish varieties.

The Southern California region is home to more than 150 wineries, spread throughout the Temecula Valley, Cucamonga Valley, Ramona Valley, San Pasqual Valley, Saddle Rock-Malibu, Malibu-Newton Canyon and Ventura County.