Couple walking through a vineyard at sunrise.
Neighborhood Guides

Wineries of Ventura County Wine Trail

ByEssex

Love the idea of getting lost in wine country but don’t want to drive hours to get there? Are you ready to spend some time outdoors this spring and don’t want to spend your time searching for “wineries open near me” or “are wineries open?” Then it’s time you explore the vineyards in the coastal hills and communities of Ventura County. Nestled along historic highways 101, 126, and 33 like a glittering trail of vineyards, The Ventura County Wine Trail consists of over a dozen artisan wineries, each offering unforgettable experiences for everyone from the sophisticated to the wine indifferent.

After a year of staying home and spending time inside, visiting wineries with a view, savoring the sights and smells of a Ventura tasting room and wine rack will engage all your senses and bring you back to life! Whether you’re an experienced wine snob with a particular palette or just a fan of crushed grapes and good times, you’re sure to enjoy Ventura County’s unique wine tasting adventures!

Cheering with wine-filled glasses at a Ventura County winery.

Thousand Oaks / Westlake Village

Start at Sunland Vintage Winery in Thousand Oaks, where their adherence to roots creating Italian Varietals reminiscent of the old country resulted in award-winning “Giovinazzo” wines and other premium delights for the discriminating wine palate. They feature live entertainment as well as a new Tasting Room (with virtual tour) designed to encourage interactive participation.

Next drop by Alma Sol Winery, a family-owned and operated micro-boutique winery, sourcing premium fruit from top vineyard sites in California, with a particular focus on the beautiful Paso Robles appellation. Their mission, crafting exceptional Bordeaux wines, can currently be savored in small groups by reservation.

Camarillo

Back Patio Cellars is just over the hill in Camarillo. With great people, unforgettable flavors, and excellent décor, it's the perfect place for first-time wine drinkers to sip alongside seasoned sommeliers! They’re open, and reservations are strongly encouraged.

Grapes on vines in a vineyard.

Oxnard

Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard is the result of eight generations of hands-on, artisan winemaking. Vino enthusiasts can quaff at the elegant tasting bar, browse in the gift store, or take a tour of the state-of-the-art winemaking process! Hungry? Conveniently located within the winery is Tierra Sur Restaurant, or as ZAGAT called them, “a foodie paradise” specializing in New American seasonal cuisine that pair perfectly.

Strey Cellars in Oxnard is a contemporary winery and tasting room that doesn’t believe in frills, just great wine. They currently have outdoor wine tasting and offer curbside pickup. Don’t miss out on the Lodi Appellation sourced first-class fruit crafted Zinfandel, the vintner’s specialty!

Ventura

Located in the heart of the Ventura County Wine Trail, Magnavino Cellars offers various delicious, hand-crafted wines to dazzle and delight the senses. They have tasting room hours every weekend with gourmet cheese platters, salads, or a variety of small plates whipped up just for that evening!

Located in mid-Ventura, Panaro Brothers Winery is run by fifth-generation Italian-American winemaking brothers David and Vito Panaro. They specialize in small-lot single-grape varietal wines sourced from premium vineyards along California’s Central Coast, using Old-World traditions and modern techniques to appeal to various taste preferences. Their intimate tasting room is currently open for private parties, and the winery is open on weekends.

Ojai

Boccali Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in the bucolic Ojai Valley. Just the trip alone will amaze and delight, as will the Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel wines – are made from estate-grown Boccali Vineyards grapes! The Boccali Family also runs Boccali's Pizza & Pasta, which features the legendary and mouthwatering seasonal strawberry shortcake. No reservations are required for wine tasting!

Take home bottles along your trip as a reminder of your visit to the Ventura County Wine Trail, or simply order wine online. Cheers!

Destination activities in Ventura County may have varied hours and current restrictions due to COVID-19. We encourage you to call or check each company’s websites and social media channels for the most up-to-date information.

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