Sip on the Unique: Discover Southern California's Hidden Wine Gems

Hey there, wine lovers! If you think California wines are all about Cabernet and Chardonnay, it’s time to expand your palate with a delightful detour into Southern California. Meet Angeleno Wine Co., where winemaking is a canvas for creativity, and unique varietals are the brushstrokes painting a vibrant picture of the region!

The Uncommon

At Angeleno Wine Co., they're on a mission to redefine what Southern California wine can be. Imagine sipping on wines crafted from rare varietals like Tannat, Graciano, Godello, Loureiro, Treixadura, and Alicante Bouschet. Each bottle is a tribute to the diverse terroir where the desert kisses the sea, and every sip is a celebration of elegance and balance. Plus, all their wines are naturally made and 100% vegan!

Meet the Dynamic Duo Behind Angeleno

Let’s raise a glass to the passionate people behind these intriguing wines!

Jasper Dickson grew up in Sunnyvale, California, where his early exposure to winemaking ignited a lifelong obsession. Thanks to his father, a home winemaker, Jasper spent his childhood exploring vineyards, inhaling the intoxicating aroma of fermenting grapes, and soaking up the lush scenery. When he moved to Los Angeles, he met Juan Alonso, and the adventure began!

Then there’s Amy Luftig, who made her way from the outskirts of Cincinnati to the sunny West Coast. While pursuing a career in public policy and healthcare access, she discovered her true passion during a volunteer stint at a harvest. Who knew that shoveling grapes, cleaning barrels, and early morning fruit-picking could be so exhilarating? Amy found her tribe among the spirited souls who embrace the winemaking lifestyle, and she’s been captivated ever since.

Join the Adventure

So, whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just looking to explore something new, Angeleno Wine Co. invites you to join them on a delicious journey. With each glass, you’ll not only taste the unique characteristics of Southern California but also the passion and hard work of two individuals dedicated to their craft.

Another winery to check out is Antilope Valley Winery 

Larry Gilman, the hands-on owner and farmer of Mandeville Vineyards. His vineyard vision was born while navigating the challenging hills behind his house—an adventure that was almost impossible but undeniably inspiring!

Larry is not just a passionate vintner; he’s also an accomplished actor and director, having won awards for his direction of The Zoo Story featuring Woody Harrelson. His impressive resume includes performances and direction in New York, Los Angeles, and even on Broadway, alongside Off-Broadway productions, regional theater, television, and film.

In addition to his artistic talents, Larry leads workshops on self-expression, creativity, leadership, and out-of-the-box thinking. He helps others discover their authentic selves and refine their messaging for the media, all while sharing best practices for delivering impactful presentations.

With a zest for life, Larry is all about living fully rather than just observing. Though there are no guarantees of success in following his passion, he is committed to crafting the best wines possible by nurturing the finest grapes that the climate and soil can provide.

Join Larry on this exciting journey at Mandeville Vineyards, where he invites wine lovers to share in the experience of making exceptional wine.

DeWayne and Marilyn Boccali have been the heart and soul behind Boccali's Pizza & Pasta, a beloved home-style Italian restaurant in the picturesque Ojai Valley, for over three decades. Renowned for its traditional Italian dishes with a local twist, the restaurant uses farm-fresh produce sourced from their very own Boccali Ranch in Upper Ojai Valley. The rich, fertile soil combined with DeWayne's impressive five decades of farming experience results in a bounty of flavorful fruits and vegetables that give their menu a unique edge. DeWayne also serves as co-winemaker and vineyard manager for the family winery.

Joining him in this venture is his partner and fellow winemaker, Joe Boccali, who also happens to be a musician and educator in Ventura County. Raised in the farming tradition, Joe has been involved in developing the land that is now home to Boccali Vineyards since he was a child. As co-winemaker and cellar master, he continues to deepen his winemaking knowledge and skills.

In 2004, the Boccali family planted their first rows of vines where their Christmas tree farm and seasonal pumpkin patch once thrived. By 2006, they harvested their first crop, which was used to create a small batch of wine exclusively for family enjoyment. The following year marked a milestone with the production of their inaugural vintages: Topa Topa Syrah, Old Winery Zinfandel, and Shangri-La Grenache Blanc, all offered to the public for the first time. Each subsequent year saw the planting of new vineyard sections, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.

Today, Boccali Vineyards spans approximately 5 acres and produces between 1,500 and 2,500 cases of wine, depending on the whims of the growing season. For wine enthusiasts visiting the Ojai Valley, Boccali's Winery offers a delightful experience steeped in family tradition, local flavors, and the passion of two dedicated winemakers.

Read our guide to Ojai wineries                                                                                                                                                                       

Alma Sol WInery is a micro-boutique winery that sources premium fruit from top vineyards sites in California. This micro-boutique winery is family-owned and operated with the mission to craft exceptional Bordeaux wine varietals and special blends. All fruit is hand-picked in small lots that respect the fruit and is just one of the hands-on facets of producing the artisan wines of Alma Sol Winery. Owners John and Lisa wanted to make the best possible Cabernet Sauvignon they could and to set out and prove that California's Central Coast could provide a great Bordeaux. Noteworthy is that their inaugural release of 2009 recieved numerouis accolades, including a 90pts review from Wine Enthusiast. *

Hours:

Sat-      2:00pm to 6:00pm
Sun-     2:00pm to 5:00pm