Moraga Vineyards
Moraga Vineyards, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains within the prestigious Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, is one of California's most unique wine estates. Perched at 550-900 feet of elevation, the vineyard benefits from a distinctive terroir that shapes its refined wines. The property, owned by Rupert Murdoch, has a rich history and a commitment to excellence.
Winemaking in the Los Angeles Basin dates back centuries, with wild grapes growing in the region since the 1700s. Moraga’s estate honors this history, and its wine label features wild roses, which still bloom on the property today. Originally owned by Victor Fleming, famed director of Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, the land was transformed into a horse ranch in the 1930s. In 1959, Tom and Ruth Jones purchased the property, and by 1980, they had planted grapevines inspired by their love of Bordeaux. Despite early setbacks from Pierce’s disease, they eventually replanted the vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, establishing Moraga as a serious contender in California winemaking.
The estate’s first commercial vintage was released in 1989, with winemakers such as Bruno D’Alfonso and Tony Soter contributing to its success. A state-of-the-art winery was completed on-site in 2005, cementing Moraga’s status as one of the first bonded commercial wineries in Los Angeles since Prohibition.
In 2021, winemaker Paul Warson joined Moraga, bringing extensive experience from Napa Valley, Australia, and Santa Ynez. Warson’s expertise in estate vineyards ensures that Moraga continues to produce wines of exceptional quality, staying true to the legacy established by the Joneses and carried forward by Murdoch. Alongside his work at Moraga, Paul also crafts his own wines under the Warson Wine Company label, drawing from the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Angeles County.
Painting by Agata Zaborowski
