Discover Hidden Gems of SoCal Wine Tasting

Explore off-the-beaten-path wine destinations across Southern California.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Southern California is home to a wealth of wine tasting opportunities, from small boutique shops to full-service wine bars. This article highlights several hidden gems across the region, including Rosso Wine Shop in Glendale, San Dimas Wine Shop and Tasting Room, Off The Vine in San Pedro, All Corked Up in Santa Clarita, and Phlight in Whittier. Each location offers unique wine tastings, events, and experiences for oenophiles looking to venture beyond the well-traveled wine trail.

Why it matters

With the rise of big-box wine retailers, these independent, community-focused wine destinations provide an alternative experience that celebrates local, artisanal, and terroir-driven wines. By highlighting these hidden gems, the article encourages readers to explore the diverse wine culture of Southern California beyond the most popular tourist destinations.

The details

The article profiles several wine tasting spots across Southern California, each with its own distinct character and offerings. Rosso Wine Shop in Glendale is described as a "small but interesting wine store" with hand-picked Italian, French, Spanish, and Californian wines, as well as educational Friday and Saturday tastings. The San Dimas Wine Shop and Tasting Room is noted for its ever-changing weekly tasting menus, Sunday bubbly specials, and partnerships with local restaurants. Off The Vine in San Pedro is praised for its themed tastings, cheese plates, and "Wine Tasting and a Show" events with a nearby theater. All Corked Up in Santa Clarita is highlighted as a hybrid wine bar, store, and restaurant with live music and special tasting events. Finally, Phlight in Whittier is described as a wine and tapas bar in the city's historic Uptown district, offering daily wine flights.

  • Rosso Wine Shop tastings are held on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • San Dimas Wine Shop and Tasting Room changes its tasting menu each Tuesday.
  • Off The Vine holds wine tastings on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • All Corked Up in Santa Clarita hosts regular live music and special tasting events.
  • Phlight in Whittier offers daily wine flights.

The players

Rosso Wine Shop

A small but interesting wine store in Glendale, California that carries a curated selection of Italian, French, Spanish, and Californian wines.

San Dimas Wine Shop and Tasting Room

A full-service wine store in San Dimas, California that offers an ever-changing weekly tasting menu and Sunday bubbly specials.

Off The Vine

A wine tasting destination in San Pedro, California that hosts themed tastings, offers cheese plates, and partners with a local theater for "Wine Tasting and a Show" events.

All Corked Up

A hybrid wine bar, store, and restaurant in Santa Clarita, California that features live music and special tasting events.

Phlight

A wine and tapas bar in the historic Uptown district of Whittier, California that offers daily wine flights.

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The takeaway

These hidden gem wine destinations across Southern California offer an alternative to the mainstream wine experience, celebrating local, independent, and community-focused wine culture. By venturing off the beaten path, oenophiles can discover unique tasting experiences, events, and a deeper connection to the region's diverse wine offerings.