Swap your surfboard for a glass of wine. Orange County's breathtaking weather makes it feel like paradise. But that warm climate also mirrors famous wine regions across the Mediterranean. Bathed in sunlight and cooled by Pacific breezes, Californian vineyards produce red wines with body and white wines that zing with citrus.
Don’t just take our word for it. If you’re looking for things to do in Orange County, a wine tasting should be at the top of your list.
Anaheim
Home to Disneyland Resort and numerous clubs serving wine from California’s outstanding wineries, Anaheim may be the happiest place on Earth.
1. Colony Wine Merchant
Discover complex wines honed through years of passion and expertise. Iconic Californian wine brands, such as Opus One and Screaming Eagle, find their way into dusty wine cellars across the globe. While they’re famous for a reason, it would be a mistake to think they’re all California has to offer.
Instead, look to family wineries for the most unforgettable flavors. With its curated selection of wines from family vineyards and small producers, Colony Wine Merchant makes it easy to find your new favorite. These growers inject experience and passion into every bottle, from Pinot Noir to Zinfandel.
The wine bar is where most of the action is. Here, you’ll find lesser-known vintages from California and the rest of the world served by the glass alongside foods that complement your chosen beverage. The Annual Sunday Afternoon Wine Tasting lets you experience 50 boutique wines in May.
2. Pali Wine Co. Anaheim
Before grapes, there was citrus. The rise of the naval orange made California a powerhouse citrus producer, but the fruit needed a quick trip to the Packing District before it moved across the country.
Of course, times changed, and so did this historic neighborhood. The Packing District is now a bustling foodie haven with everything from artisanal cheeses to olives and wine. Just as California transitioned from citrus to wine, the old Sunkist packing house evolved into the site of Pali Wine Co.
This venue fuses urban winery sensibility with experimentation, offering gentle crowd-pleasers alongside robust blends. The wines in the tasting room change with the season, so there’s always something different.
Move your tasting onto the patio to experience new flavors while overlooking a piece of California’s rich history.
Dana Point
Raise a glass while overlooking the ocean at Dana Point, the world’s dolphin and whale-watching capital.
3. Frisby Cellars Dana Point Tasting Room
Innovation and tradition both have a place in our hearts. After all, circus traditions form the foundation of our shows, but they wouldn’t be groundbreaking without something sprinkled on top. You’ll find something nostalgic and special about the wine tastings at the Frisby Cellars Dana Point Tasting Room.
The grapes that go into these wines come from Paso Robles. Think of Paso Robles as France’s younger cousin across the ocean. You’ll even find bold Rhône-style varietals, such as the iconic GSM blend, alongside expressive viognier—a rarity across the states.
Listen to the sounds of the nearby harbor as you sip wine or try craft beer fresh from Orange County breweries. Beautiful views are par for the course on the patio.
4. Old Acre Winery
If you stare at a glass of Napa cabernet sauvignon for too long, you may get lost in its deep, inky color. Wine with such intense flavor requires suspension of belief because so many unlikely events had to coincide to make it a reality.
From mineral-rich soils expelled by ancient volcanoes to crisp morning fog that lends an acidic punch to the grapes, nature goes all out in Napa. That’s why you’ll delight in tastings at Old Acre Winery.
The boutique wine lounge specializes in small-batch cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay from incredible wineries in the Napa Valley. Unlike many wine bars, this venue's entire selection can be enjoyed by the glass or carafe if you can’t finish a bottle.
Settle in for a long afternoon with wine, cheese, and charcuterie, or visit on a Sunday to discover what makes brunch in Orange County so exciting.
Dare to Be Dazzled!
Adventure awaits in Orange County with high-energy Cirque du Soleil shows. Dive into a world of acrobatics and wonder.
Laguna Beach
Feel the sand between your toes as you stroll along the coast. Then, head toward Laguna Beach’s galleries and wine tastings to kick off your evening.
5. Laguna Canyon Winery
Leave the city behind and settle in for a long afternoon. The only thing better than a tasting package is the atmosphere you enjoy it in, and we think this one’s rather unique. Deep in the heart of Laguna Canyon Winery, surrounded by scenic hills and grape vines, you’ll develop a unique understanding of where your favorite drops come from.
Lush vines sprawl out as far as the eye can see, bowing from the weight of plump petit verdot, cab sav, and Syrah grapes. When the time comes, each grape takes a short trip across the vineyard to be destemmed, crushed, and fermented.
Feeling thirsty after watching all that? Head down to the tasting room to test the finished product with the winery’s automatic tasting machines.
6. McClain Cellars
Bright, modern, and inviting, McClain Cellars’ tasting lounge feels different from the dark cellars you’re used to. Vivid colors and paintings pop from gunmetal decor, creating a fun space. We think it’s rather poetic, as Laguna Beach is a hot spot for artists, and this tasting lounge feels like a trendy gallery.
Keeping with the same theme, the wine bottles themselves celebrate art. Each bottle showcases unique paintings complemented by names that capture the winemaker’s intentions. You’ll see what we mean if you take your bestie and sip Faithful Friend together.
Skylights bring the Laguna Beach sun into McClain Cellars, but there’s also a patio if you’d rather sit outdoors. Come during the evening when it’s lit up with gorgeous string lights.
Los Alamitos
Uncork beach-town vibes in Los Alamitos. It’s that combination of a winery and the suburban atmosphere that makes for dreamy afternoon tastings.
7. Seal Beach Winery
Like performers, grapes carry limitless potential, but only skilled choreography brings out their best qualities. When experience and tradition collide, that first glass of pinot noir makes you want to get up and dance. That’s why we think you’ll perform acrobatics to reach Seal Beach Winery
The winery’s management sources grapes from renowned Californian vineyards, such as Sta. Rita Hills and Los Olivos. These growing regions are known for high-quality fruit with rich tannins and lively acidity.
From there, skilled hands produce everything from grenache to malbec. Many tasting rooms neglect the zone between red and white wines, but that’s not the case here. Get ready for bright, fruity rosé that will have your taste buds doing somersaults.
Mission Viejo
Discover some of the best public tasting rooms just past Mission Viejo's hillside.
8. Bellante Family Winery
Santa Barbara County has a legendary reputation for complex yet balanced grapes. Because of this, wineries across California covet the fruit, knowing it’ll help shine a spotlight on their vintages.
Bellante Family Winery may not be the largest winery in Orange County, but it knows how to craft showstopping wines from Santa Barbara grapes. Expect a French-inspired tasting. Viognier shimmers in the glass, exploding with honeysuckle on your palate, while pinot noir brings a familiar, comforting fruitiness. Wild berries and plums intermingle.
The winery’s signature tasting includes viognier, pinot noir, and Rhône reds to let you experience a little of everything. Other options are also available to limit your adventure to reds. The tasting is free if you buy a few bottles.
9. Wineworks for Everyone
As delicious as wine is—especially when paired with the perfect meal—it’s not always approachable. Don’t know a malbec from a merlot? Not a problem. True to its name, Wineworks for Everyone shares a love of wine without all the pretension.
From the moment you walk in, you can tell the owners live and breathe wine because it’s displayed proudly throughout the restaurant. Ask what drop pairs with your short rib panini or potato pizzetta, and you’ll see why many restaurants can’t go without their sommeliers.
When wine complements your meal, both become better, like two dancers performing harmoniously. Check out Wineworks’ special wine tastings if you're not feeling all that hungry. These seasonal events celebrate everything from prominent Orange County winemakers to wines from specific countries.
Newport Beach
Enjoy tastings in luxurious Newport Beach before heading to Balboa Island for a peaceful stroll along the harbor.
10. Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery
Vineyards and wineries are two sides of the same coin. While they work together to create amazing wines, it’s rare for places to do both. However, that’s the appeal of Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery.
A vineyard within the suburbs already feels surreal—like you’ve stepped straight out of the city into muddy farmlands. Tours and tastings go hand-in-hand here, and the combined package offers the best way to see how humble grapes transform into rich wines.
The venue offers tastings by appointment only, so you should schedule ahead. However, the whole tour and tasting takes place over two leisurely hours. After a good look at the vineyards and production facilities, you’ll head underground into the amazing Wine Cave for the tasting.
11. CUCINA enoteca
The right wine paired with a meal is like a chameleon. Its flavors blend into what you’re eating, surpassing the experience you get from either alone. Choosing wines that do this is difficult, and sommeliers spend years—even decades—honing their craft.
Whether you’re eating squid ink linguini or a Wagyu steak, the 200-plus wines at CUCINA enoteca ensure a perfect match. While the restaurant stocks just about every varietal, its specialty is Italian. Expect bold, impressive pairings, such as guanciale and Sangiovese.
If you’re not in the mood for a meal, CUCINA enoteca offers events that make your evening all about wine, from educational seminars with world-class sommeliers to private tastings. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for your favorite varietals.
San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano lives for winemaking. The neighborhood is a great place for tastings and breathtaking winery-themed weddings.
12. Rancho Capistrano Winery
There’s more than one way to taste wine. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can certainly sip a random selection. However, part of the fun of a tasting is comparing wines against each other, and that's best done with a vertical or a wine flight. This allows you to see how vintages and varietals differ.
Rancho Capistrano Winery is the largest in Orange County and stocks a selection large enough for expansive wine flights. You’ll begin with the lightest and brightest wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp and full of youthful acidity, this opening act transitions to lighter reds and finally to Syrah and other structured varietals brimming with tannins.
Don’t skip dinner at this winery. Rancho Capistrano has won awards for its food pairings.
13. Five Vines Wine Bar
We love to experiment with our performances, but we also have our favorite dance routines and acrobatics—movements that really get our blood pumping when the audience cheers. Wine lovers are the same, and we’re not about to tell you to step out of your comfort zone with a grenache if you adore chardonnay.
Instead, you should embrace your favorites, and one of the best ways to do this is to try a wine flight from Five Vines Wine Bar. These tastings let you try three wines from the same varietal, so you may find a hidden gem. However, you can also pick individual wines.
Everything is hand-selected from boutique wineries, so you won’t find these labels anywhere.
Silverado
Sophisticated flavors contrast against the rustic charm of the mountain backdrop in Silverado.
14. Cowboy Canyon Winery
Holster your revolver. You won’t need it where we’re going, because this saloon is free of outlaws. While Western pioneers preferred whiskey, Cowboy Canyon Winery evokes the same trailblazing spirit with power-packed wines.
As you approach the tasting room, discover what sets this winery apart. Soft country music pours out, guiding you toward a wine selection that's nostalgic yet unique.
Cowboy Canyon Winery is known for its award-winning Bordeaux blend—a classic from France. But don’t skip the Miss Kitty. An affectionate nod to the owner’s mother, this sparkling muscat is the perfect match for warm Californian afternoons.
15. Giracci Vineyards and Farms
A popular spot for weddings and other special events, Giracci Vineyards and Farms pairs its award-winning wines with farm-to-table foods. Grand as it is now, the vineyards began from a humble interest in wine shared by its husband and wife operators.
Over the years, their passion saw them go from making wine at home to producing small batches from a warehouse. Naturally, a full-scale winery was the next step, and the couple knew Orange County was the right location for their dream to flourish.
Tastings offer the chance to try four wines of your choosing. The selection includes highly regarded Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel, so red wine drinkers are in good hands. Giracci also makes a dreamy sauvignon blanc with lots of floral notes to refresh you after a long, hot day.
Raise a Glass to Your Orange County Wine Tasting Adventure
There’s no shortage of skilled winemakers across Orange County. But the party doesn't have to end when you crack the last bottle. Come to one of our shows for a dazzling performance that combines intricate dance moves, spellbinding acrobatics, an unforgettable musical score, and cutting-edge special effects.
Like an unexpected sparkling Syrah, our performers also have a few tricks up their sleeves. Take your senses on a wild ride and be prepared to be awestruck as we make the impossible look easy. We've been performing for live audiences for four decades, and like fine wine, we get better with age. Experience it all for yourself.