Skip the trek to Napa and enjoy some local OC vineyards
Are you looking for a nearby adventure to liven up one of your next weekends? Switch up your routine and make the most of your summer by heading to a gorgeous Orange County winery!
A quick day trip to a local vineyard is a great way to step out of the neighborhood, get some fresh air and sip on delicious wine. When you’re done with your tasting(s), grab some bottles to go so you can create your own tasting experience right in your Main Street Village apartment! The below wineries near Irvine, CA are some of our favorites in Orange County.
Laguna Canyon Winery
17 minute drive away from our community
This boutique urban winery is an intimate hidden gem located in Laguna Beach just a short drive away from our community. The premium grapes that Laguna Canyon Winery uses come mainly from Napa and Sonoma Valley; they then transport and process the wine in-house.
With 62 working oak wine barrels, this prime Orange County winery offers a few different types of tastings, some of which include sampling directly from their French oak barrels. If you want to dine while you sip, they have charcuterie boards available for purchase during your tasting.
Ready to check it out? Book your tasting here; reservations are required! You can visit from 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. every day except Monday.
McClain Cellars
20 minutes away from our community
If you want to make a day of it, McClain Cellars is conveniently located right down the street from Laguna Canyon Winery! Their Laguna Beach location is what this establishment calls a cross between “a New York ‘Soho’ music venue and a ‘Napa Valley’ tasting lounge.” As elegant as it is chic, their winery contains a tall glass garage door, skylights and a shaded patio.
A unique feature of McClain Cellars is that they harvest and make all their own wine in the Santa Ynez Valley, later brought back to Orange County for guests to enjoy. You can reserve your tasting here; they offer both indoor and outdoor options.
The best part? Their offerings don’t stop at on-location wine tastings. Every Wednesday and Saturday night at 7:00 p.m., they host a free, virtual wine tasting event to bring their winery to your own living room! Want to create the ultimate authentic McClain experience at home? Prepare for the virtual event by ordering an “at home” wine tasting kit with various options for different flights.
Giracci Vineyards and Farms
24 minutes away from our community
Want to head in a different direction? Giracci Vineyards and Farms is located alongside the gorgeous Limestone Canyon Regional Park in Silverado, CA — uniquely situated on a stunning farmland!
For an extra-unique experience, you can book an appointment to tour this historic winery’s grounds and learn about the history of their wines and land. These wine tours include a tasting by their sommelier and the chance to explore their production facility and barrel room as well!
If you want a tour-less tasting, book a COVID Reservation Table to try some wine, order food and relax under their beautiful oak trees.
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Do you frequent wineries often or will this be your first time? If the former, let us know your favorite spots near your Irvine apartment home! Happy sipping!