Who needs an Uber when you can stroll between sips and bites? We’re talking Orange County wine bars and restaurants that are so close you can practically cheers from one to the other. Whether you’re after a boujee wine-tasting experience or just looking to graze and sip your way through Orange County, we’ve got the perfect walkable duos for your next night out. Grab your date (or your besties) and your walking shoes—it’s time to wine and dine!
Avec Moi – If Parisian charm had a home in Dana Point, it’d be Avec Moi. This chic little Orange County wine bar is serving up biodynamic wines and French-leaning charcuterie in an intimate, candlelit setting. You’ll feel trés sophisticated sipping on a crisp Sancerre while munching on brie and honey-drizzled walnuts. Très magnifique!
Truly Pizza – Just a short jaunt away, Truly Pizza is slinging artisanal, wood-fired pizzas in a laid-back yet stylish setting. Here, it’s all about high-quality ingredients and an elevated take on the classics. Go for the prosciutto and arugula pizza, and don’t sleep on their homemade burrata. It’s the perfect follow-up to all that vino.
Local Insight: Don’t leave without trying their soft-serve topped with EVOO and salt!
Bianchi – Straight out of Paso Robles, Bianchi is bringing big-time wine-country vibes to Laguna Beach. Think rustic elegance, warm lighting and a lineup of perfectly balanced reds and whites. Whether you’re here for a bold Cab or a refreshing Albariño, you’ll feel like a true connoisseur.
Reunion Kitchen – Just steps away, Reunion Kitchen is where classic American comfort food meets polished bistro energy. Get the short rib stroganoff or the prime rib—you won’t regret it. Oh, and don’t forget to snag a craft cocktail to keep the good sips flowing.
Lido Tasting Room – Tucked on the quaint Lido Isle, this sleek Newport Beach wine bar is always giving cottage-core with its dutch door and farmhouse touches. It’s casual and community-focused, the kind of place where you can sip boutique California wines and chit-chat with the locals.
Pali Wine Co. – The Anaheim Packing District is buzzing with cool spots, and Pali Wine Co is no exception. Specializing in pinot noirs and chardonnays, this urban Orange County tasting room is stylish and unpretentious—just good wine, good vibes and alfresco seating for extra ambiance.
Local Insight: There is no fee to join their wine club community! Anyone can enjoy access to new releases, 20% off all wine purchases, complimentary tastings and more.
Semi Tropic – This is where the natural wine lovers go to play. Semi Tropic is fun, funky and filled with organic, biodynamic pours that’ll make you rethink everything you know about wine. Plus, the aesthetic? So on point.
Local Insight: Semi Tropic has live jazz every Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m.!
Westend – Literally right next door, Westend is an effortlessly cool hideaway offering slow-smoked barbecue and timeless cocktails in an inviting, Southern Gothic-inspired setting. The dim lighting, leather booths and perfectly crafted cocktails make it the ideal place to grab some grub and end the night on a high note.
Wine Gallery – A PCH fave, the Wine Gallery in Laguna Beach is both a boutique wine shop and a super cozy bar serving up California’s best small-batch wines. This is where the locals go (iykyk), and they have a long, curated wine list curated by Chris, the owner, who has a serious passion for vino. Order one of their housemade flatbreads to pair, and you’re golden.
Maro Wood Grill – Just steps away, Maro Wood Grill is all about wood-fired goodness. The restaurant draws culinary inspiration from Argentina and features an open kitchen that cooks up mesquite wood-grilled, grass-fed beef and organic chicken. The ribeye? Insanely good. The empanadas? Even better. Add a bold Malbec to the mix, and you’re living your best life.
The Cellar – A cozy, European-inspired wine bar in downtown San Clemente, this local favorite feels straight out of a rom-com. The space is candlelit and cozy, their cheese and charcuterie boards are top-tier and the wine selection is always on point. Bonus: live music on select nights!
Parlor Woodfire Kitchen & Cocktails – New to the San Clemente scene (formerly Brick Restaurant), Parlor is quickly becoming a go-to for wood-fired pizzas, craft cocktails and a lively yet laid-back atmosphere. The kitchen uses local white oak and almond to fire and finish its dishes, which are all made from scratch. Their truffle mac and cheese is also a dream come true, and their cocktail game is strong (in both ways).
Originally published in Locale Magazine
Text by Kaylin Waizinger
