Tina and Brett- April 19, 2024
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Explore a curated list of the best wine bars in the county, from hidden havens to trendy hotspots, all offering unique ambiances, exceptional wines, and delicious bites. From adventurous tastings to familiar favorites, find your perfect Orange County wine adventure.
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We’ve been wanting to make this list of the best wine bars in Orange County for awhile, and it’s finally here. When most people think of Orange County, they think of pristine beaches, glitzy restaurants, and some of the world’s best shopping. But, what most people may not know is that Orange County also has a robust wine scene.
Try these picks for your next wine adventure in Orange County!
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Tustin
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin is a wine-centric restaurant and wine bar that has everything a wine lover could want. The wine list at The Winery has an incredible 650 bottles to choose from from regions all over the world, and the atmosphere is sophisticated, while also maintaining that easygoing California casual feel.
With lots of comfortable seating, elegant decor, and a menu that includes mouthwatering dishes like braised short rib, filet mignon, and even a “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” section with exotic game meats, you really can’t go wrong with this Orange County wine bar.
Pro Tip: Visit The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin for happy hour where you can enjoy delicious snacks like duck wings, Kobe sliders, and pork belly lollipops.
Curious to learn more? Take a look at our full .
Postino Wine Cafe at Park Place, Irvine
In Irvine’s Park Place, Postino Wine Cafe offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for Orange County’s wine lovers. This trendy spot boasts bright colors, comfy seating, and pop-art accents, making it ideal for a casual date night or a fun gathering with friends.
But what truly sets Postino apart is its commitment to serving exceptional wine from small producers. Overseen by an Advanced Sommelier, the wine list at this Orange County wine bar prioritizes quality over big-name brands, featuring lesser-known producers alongside favorites from California, France, Italy, and beyond. For the truly adventurous, there’s even a Wine Cult Club offering exclusive access to unique, under-the-radar wines.
Pro Tip: Order the bruschetta, it’s a must order appetizer that pairs perfectly with tons of wines on the list.
Our review of Postino Wine Cafe at Park Place covers everything to know before you visit this best of the best wine bar in Orange County.
Five Vines Wine Bar, San Juan Capistrano
Five Vines Wine Bar in San Juan Capistrano is a wine bar that’s garnered so much attention that it was named as one of the nation’s top 25 wine bars by Travel + Leisure Magazine. This cozy haven boasts an ambiance that perfectly complements its focus on boutique wineries, alongside a curated selection of craft beers. Owner Randy prides himself on creating a welcoming space for all palates, whether you want to explore unique white wines like Muscat and Gruner Veltliner, or stick with familiar favorites like Pinot Noir, Cava, and Malbec.
The other thing we love about this wine bar in Orange County is the way they structure their wine flights. Wine lovers can choose from 2 ounce “tastes”, 6 ounce glasses, or order a bottle to share.
Pro Tip: Be sure to order some snacks with your wine. Chef Omar is one of the best, and just about every dish we’ve tried at Five Vines has impressed us.
Our review of Five Vines Wine Bar in San Juan Capistrano has everything you need to know before you go.
Wine Lab, Costa Mesa
Dog friendly wine bars in Orange County do exist, and one of the most popular options is Wine Lab in Costa Mesa. From charcuterie boards to gooey grilled cheese sandwiches and flatbread pizzas.
Wine Lab offers five different wine flights, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, or you want to challenge a friend to an impromptu blind tasting, this wine bar offers a “Bartender’s Blind Flight”. If you guess what all three wines are, then the flight is on the house!
It’s also worth mentioning that if you find a bottle you really like, Wine Lab has a bottle shop too, which makes stocking up your cellar a breeze.
Pro Tip: Parking can sometimes be tricky at Wine Lab. If you can’t find a spot in the parking lot, opt for valet.
Brightwater’s Wine Bar & Restaurant, Huntington Beach
Brightwaters is a Huntington Beach wine bar with an impressive lineup of wines. Whether you like white wines like Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, Brightwaters is a wine bar in Orange County that has it all.
Just like the wine list, there’s a wine flight for every type of drinker. Stick with lighter bodied wines when you choose the Bubbles or Rose flight, or lean into rich reds with the “Deep Reds” option.
This wine bar is just a 10 minute walk from . So, if you find yourself in Huntington Beach for a night or two and you want to hit a wine bar, head to Brightwater’s.
Pro Tip: Come for the wine and stay for the live music!
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