August marks the start of grape harvesting seasons for the Northern Hemisphere. While Costa Mesa may not be the heart of wine country, Orange County still has plenty of wine tasting experiences to explore. Take a look below for just a few of the best and most unique wine tasting in Orange County and Costa Mesa.
Wine Lab
Tucked away in the eco-friendly shopping center The CAMP, Wine Lab offers daily tastings. The flight menu changes regularly, so you’ll always have something new to try, but usually includes a white, red and top red flights.
Wine Lab also serves craft beer, more than 50 wines by the glass and bites, and offers happy hour flights every day of the week.
LCA Wine
LCA Wine offers Friday and Saturday wine tastings as well as special events focused on education. Friday night happy hour tastings are focused on four higher-priced and more exclusive wines for $10 per person, while Saturday tastings are $5 per person. Flights are hand-selected by LCA sommeliers and guests are welcome to bring in their own bites so make sure to stop at one of SOCO and The OC Mix’s great dining destinations. We recommend The Cheese Shop or Greenleaf Gourmet Chop House for a snack to go!
We Olive & Wine Bar
We Olive may be known for its artisanal California olive oils, but the mom and pop shop has also managed to established itself as a delightfully unexpected wine tasting hot spot. You’ll find the We Olive Wine Bar in the interior of SOCO and The OC Mix, with a perfect view of the unique shopping center’s open area and an outdoor patio. Stop in for a complimentary olive oil tasting with a flight of California wines or craft beer and wine by the glass.
Small bites are available for purchase, but outside food from its OC Mix neighbors is welcome as well. Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday, with a special First Tuesday pairing of five wines, cheese and olive oils.
Orange Coast Winery
This family-run winery located in Newport Beach serves its own award-winning wines using grapes from its vineyards in the Temecula Valley and Northern California. The Orange Coast Winery tasting menu includes flights of six tastings of white or red wines for $20. The tasting room also offers wines by the glass and a menu of flatbreads, sandwiches and small bites to keep you going. The tasting room is open seven days a week, with live music on Wednesday nights beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Hi-Time Wine Cellars
Since 1957, Hi-Time Wine Cellars has been a staple for Orange County wine lovers. The shop is family owned and operated, so you’re likely to find multiple generations working on any given day. Among its extensive selection of more than 10,000 wines, you’ll find a wine bar offering tastings four nights per week and occasional classes. Keep walking through the store and you’re likely to discover the Napa Technology tasting machines, which offer tastings of select wines all hours of operation.
While the ambiance of Hi-Time Wine Cellars is far more relaxed than you’re likely to find in wine country, you’re sure to be impressed with the staff’s knowledge and friendliness, and the store’s impressive collection.
