NationalGeographicPersonalExplorer
Wine Shop Hours: Mon-Fri from 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Sat-Sun 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Restaurant Hours: Mon-Fri from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Sat-Sun 9:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Although Northern California is recognized for world-class wine, it is a little-known fact that at one time, nearly 100 wineries flourished near the Los Angeles River. French winemaker Jean-Louis Vignes is credited with planting the first vines from Bordeaux in today’s downtown district in 1833. In 1917, Santo Cambianica—an immigrant from Northern Italy—settled on Lamar Street, amid a bustling Italian-American community. He founded the San Antonio Winery, which today remains a family-run business. San Antonio is the last winery in downtown L.A., and is therefore designated a cultural landmark. Enjoy a free 40-minute tour, and an Italian meal in the winery’s restaurant, Maddalena.
