It doesn’t look like much from the outside — a low brick building somewhere in quazi-no man’s land just across the LA River off North Main Street. A few cars parked on the quiet street and a couple people emerging with wine boxes did little to indicate the existence of a restaurant and wine store on the other side of the wall.

When I opened the door to San Antonio Winery I was in for a bit of a shock. The place was brightly lit and bustling with activity as if Christmas came early to the wine store. This is not at all what I was expecting on a Friday afternoon. When asked if they were always this busy a store attendant replied, “Actually, this is kind of slow for us.”

The store is well-organized and well-stocked. In fact, there was so much to look at I got a little dazed. After recovering from sensory overload I walked up to the crowded tasting bar where it took a little while to get service, but once I roped a wine guide he was most attentive and helpful during my stay.

You can taste any 3 of their listed wines for free, several of which are multiple award winners at county fairs and wine competitions. For $8 you may also taste 3 of their best reds- a petit verdot, a Bordeaux blend and a Rhone blend. The pours for the paid flight are larger and, like Ralph’s, you get to keep the wine glass with the San Antonio logo. They will not let you taste more than 5 wines because “you can’t drive after that.” Very true, but it makes life difficult as they have over 35 different wines to choose from.

San Antonio Winery also carries items from other manufacturers. My wine guide pointed out it is most unusual in the wine-making business to sell the competition. Indeed, the shop is stocked floor-to-ceiling with bottles from other wineries. I also spied a variety of grappas, tequilas, fruit wines and even ice wines and ice ciders. Again, it was sensory overload. I will most definitely be back to scrutinize their inventory with a fine-tooth comb.

A Long Line of Dedicated Winemakers

San Antonio Winery, a historic landmark, was established in 1917 and is a family-operated business to this day. The Riboli family produces several tiers of wines under different labels using grapes grown in Los Angeles and Paso Robles.

What is the difference between all the different labels? My wine guide explained they vary in price according to the type of grapes used, whether the wines are bottled using traditional cork or synthetic cork and whether they’re meant to be consumed in the near or long term. The wines are all very good quality and you can find a wonderful wine on any budget.

An interesting fact I learned is San Antonio Winery survived Prohibition by selling communion wine to the Church. It still does so today and there are three lines of communion wines that are “blessed” and not sold to the public. Fascinating.

Not Just a Winery

Maddalena Restaurant is adjacent to the wine shop and serves up an impressive selection of soups, salads, paninis and hot entrees. Everything looked and smelled delicious. There is plenty of seating in their elegant dining hall. They even serve breakfast at 10:00am.

Between the wine shop and restaurant is a small gourmet foods section selling kitchen- and cooking-related items such as spices, chocolates and candies. I noticed many of the food stuffs were imported. It was almost like shopping in Dean&Deluca.

If you are so inclined, San Antonio Winery also holds several “Wine Appreciation Seminars” throughout the year. These events range from $58 to $125 and includes lunch or dinner at Maddalena Restaurant.

I left San Antonio Winery ever so impressed and thinking it will be at least 7 more visits before I taste their entire line of wines…

San Antonio Winery and Maddalena Restaurant
737 Lamar Street
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 223-1401

Wine Shop Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30am-7:00pm
Saturday-Sunday 9:00am-7:00pm

Maddalena Retaurant Hours
Open every day 10:00am-7:00pm

Stay tuned for the last episode of The Wine Chronicles, “A Metro Jaunt to Arroyo Whole Foods.”

-the wine chronicles episode 1: a wine enthusiast’s hope and heartbreak
-the wine chronicles episode 2: Ralph’s as community (wine) cooler
-the wine chronicles episode 3: learning to be less of a wine retard
-the wine chronicles episode 4: diy wine tasting at 626 reserve

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