The year 2027 is an important milestone in the Riboli Family winery’s history: it marks 110 years as a staple of the Los Angeles winemaking community. Italian immigrant Santo Cambianica founded the San Antonio Winery in 1917 on Lamar Street, which he named after Saint Anthony, the patron saint of lost things.
The San Antonio Winery’s Los Angeles heritage owes much to founder Santo’s devout Catholic faith, which proved instrumental in the winery’s survival over the decades. Unfortunately, 1917 was a terrible time in American history to launch a new winery in a developing region, as Prohibition began with the 1919 Volstead Act. Santo obtained permission from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to continue making wine for sacramental and ceremonial use, which allowed the winery to survive. When the Great Depression hit, San Antonio Winery managed to flourish, being the top altar wine producer in the Los Angeles area.
Throughout the decades, the San Antonio Winery has remained a family-owned winery in California. Santo passed the business to Stefano and Maddalena Riboli in 1956, who expanded the vineyards to Monterey County, Napa Valley, and Paso Robles, as part of a consistent effort to pursue the highest-quality wine-making grapes. The original Lamar Street winery location has thrived across four generations. The family’s rich wine-making tradition continues to be an important part of the region’s cultural history.
With more than a century of experience making wines with California-grown grapes, the Riboli family has taken the time to curate an impressive selection of incredible wines.
The San Simeon label is the Riboli family’s flagship wine. These Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Syrah wines are made from grapes grown in Paso Robles, on California’s central coast. The family meticulously farms the grapes to achieve concentrated flavors and aromas, crafting unique wines of the highest quality.
The Opaque line is a delight for fans of deep, dark, and rich red wines. They’re made from head-trained grape vines at the Quarry Heights vineyard and owe their unique flavor to the calcareous shale soils. The Darkness blend combines Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot for a taste like no other.
Named after Highway 41 and the Creston Highlands, these Paso Robles wines are perfect for experiencing new flavors. The label includes Pinot Noir, Black Granite, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
The Riboli family’s legacy has created some of the most exciting and inspiring wines California has to offer. Whether you’re visiting a winery for a tasting or ordering several bottles for a special occasion, you’re enjoying the fruits of more than a century of iteration in one family’s journey, leaving each generation with something greater than the last.
FAQs
How did the Riboli family come to own the winery?
In 1956, Santo Cambianica passed the business to Stefano and Maddalena Riboli, who carried forward his vision and expanded the family’s vineyards across Monterey County, Napa Valley, and Paso Robles. Four generations later, the Ribolis continue to steward the winery, which has been recognized as the American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Where are the Riboli family’s vineyards located?
The family farms across several of California’s most celebrated growing regions, including Paso Robles on the central coast, Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail, and Monterey County. The original winery on Lamar Street in Los Angeles has remained the heart of the operation since 1917.
Can I visit San Antonio Winery for a wine tasting?
Yes – the Riboli family welcomes guests at three tasting room locations: the original Los Angeles winery on Lamar Street, Ontario, and Paso Robles. Hosted tasting experiences can be reserved online through the winery’s booking partner, Tock. The Los Angeles location also features the Maddalena Restaurant and The 1917 Outdoor Restaurant, while the Paso Robles location includes its Maddalena Restaurant — making any visit a full-day affair, especially if you want to take in a Dodger game or an event nearby.
Where can I buy Riboli family wines?
Riboli family wines are available directly through the online shop, where you’ll find the full collection of wines, estate selections, gift bundles, and personalized wine labels. You can also purchase bottles in person at any of the three tasting room locations. For wine lovers who want regular access to limited releases and member perks, the Artisan Premier Club and Sweet Wine Club offer ongoing shipments, exclusive discounts, and tastings.