Inland Empire (San Bernardino & Riverside Counties)
Italians in California’s Inland Empire
San Bernardino & Riverside Counties
Ontario • Rancho Cucamonga • Upland • Riverside • San Bernardino • Redlands • Temecula
Introduction
When travelers think of Italian California, they often picture coastal Little Italies — San Francisco’s North Beach, San Diego’s Little Italy, or Los Angeles and San Pedro. But one of the most important Italian stories in Southern California unfolded inland, in the vineyards and agricultural communities of what is now the Inland Empire.
Long before warehouses, logistics centers, and suburban development, the Cucamonga Valley and surrounding areas were known for agriculture — especially grapes. The region’s dry climate, warm summers, and fertile soil made it ideal for winemaking, and by the late 1800s vineyards already covered large parts of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga.
Into this environment came Secondo Guasti, an immigrant from Asti, Italy, who would create one of the most remarkable Italian settlements in California history. In the early 1900s, Guasti established the Italian Vineyard Company, eventually controlling thousands of acres of vineyards in the Cucamonga Valley. At its peak, the operation became one of the largest wineries in the world.
But Guasti built more than a winery — he built an Italian community.
The settlement included:
- Housing for Italian workers
- A school
- A company store
- Vineyards and agricultural lands
- Winery buildings
- Roads and infrastructure
- A Catholic parish for Italian families
This created one of the most unique Italian immigrant communities in Southern California — not a dense urban neighborhood, but a rural Italian colony centered on vineyards and parish life.
The most important surviving symbol of this history is San Secondo d’Asti Catholic Church in Guasti. Built in 1926 and modeled after a church in Guasti’s hometown in Italy, it remains today the clearest physical reminder of the Inland Empire’s Italian past.
Although the original Guasti colony faded as Prohibition, suburbanization, and economic changes reshaped the region, Italian influence remained. Italian families continued operating wineries, farms, restaurants, and businesses throughout Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Riverside, and beyond.
Today, travelers can still explore:
Historic Guasti
San Secondo d’Asti Church
Italian wineries
Italian restaurants
Historic downtown districts
Italian American organizations
Cultural events and festivals
The Inland Empire therefore tells a different Italian California story — not coastal, not urban, but agricultural, Catholic, and rooted in California’s historic wine frontier.
Why Visit the Inland Empire for Italian Heritage
This region represents:
Italian vineyard settlement
Italian agricultural history
Italian Catholic parish community
Italian wineries
Italian American restaurants and markets
Italian fraternal organizations
Southern California Italian migration
It is one of the most overlooked — yet historically important — Italian regions in California.
Historic Italian Sites
Ruins of the Italian Vineyard Company in Guasti, once part of one of the largest vineyards in the world.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / public domain / Creative Commons
Guasti Historic District
Guasti Rd
Ontario / Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Historic Italian vineyard colony
Highlights:
- Italian worker housing
- Winery ruins
- Historic agricultural lands
- Italian immigrant settlement
More info:
https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=149463
San Secondo d'Asti Catholic Church
1711 S Guasti Rd
Ontario, CA 91761
Historic Italian church built for vineyard workers.
Named after:
San Secondo — patron saint of Asti, Italy
Galleano Winery
4230 N Vineyard Ave
Ontario, CA 91764
Website:
https://www.galleanowinery.com
Historic Italian family winery
Founded 1927
Joseph Filippi Winery
12467 Base Line Rd
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
Website
https://www.josephfilippiwinery.com
Italian American family winery
Museums & Attractions
Mission Inn Museum
3696 Main St
Riverside, CA
https://missioninnmuseum.org
San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum
1170 W 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA
https://sbdepotmuseum.com
Redlands Historical Museum
700 Brookside Ave
Redlands, CA
https://redlandsmuseum.org
Ontario Museum of History & Art
225 S Euclid Ave
Ontario, CA
https://ontariomuseum.org
Italian Restaurants — Inland Empire
Mario's Place
3646 Mission Inn Ave
Riverside, CA
https://mariosplace.com
Upscale Italian dining
Vince's Spaghetti
1206 W Holt Blvd
Ontario, CA
https://vincesspaghetti.com
Classic Italian American restaurant
Antonious Pizza & Italian Restaurant
118 E State St
Redlands, CA
https://antoniouspizza.com
Romano's Italian Restaurant
330 N 6th St
Redlands, CA
Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant
623 N Euclid Ave
Ontario, CA
Rossa's Cucina Enoteca
425 N Vineyard Ave
Ontario, CA
https://rossacucina.com
Allegro
1270 Auto Center Dr
Upland, CA
https://allegroupland.com
Alfredo's Pizza & Pasta
251 W Base Line St
San Bernardino, CA
Spaggi's
1655 N Mountain Ave
Upland, CA
https://spaggis.com
Italian fine dining
The Old Spaghetti Factory (Rancho Cucamonga)
11896 Foothill Blvd
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
https://osf.com
Italian Markets & Businesses
Claro's Italian Market
1655 N Mountain Ave
Upland, CA
https://claros.com
Galleano Winery
Ontario
Joseph Filippi Winery
Rancho Cucamonga
Italian American Organizations
Italian Catholic Federation (ICF)
ICF Branch — Inland Empire
Website:
https://www.icf.org/membership/branches/locate-a-branch/
Activities:
- Italian festivals
- Catholic celebrations
- Scholarships
- Cultural events
Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA)
Inland Empire Lodge
Website:
https://www.osdia.org/
Activities:
- Italian heritage festivals
- Columbus Day events
- Scholarships
- Cultural programming
UNICO National — Inland Empire Chapter
Website:
https://unico.org
Activities:
- Italian festivals
- Heritage events
- Educational programs
- Italian cultural celebrations
Italian Festivals & Events
These organizations host:
Italian Heritage Festivals
Italian dinners
Wine tastings
Scholarship banquets
Italian Mass celebrations
Italian cultural celebrations
Many events held in:
Riverside
Ontario
Rancho Cucamonga
Upland
San Bernardino
Where to Stay
Mission Inn Hotel
3649 Mission Inn Ave
Riverside, CA
https://missioninn.com
Ayres Hotel Ontario
1945 E Holt Blvd
Ontario, CA
https://ayreshotels.com
DoubleTree Ontario Airport
222 N Vineyard Ave
Ontario, CA
https://hilton.com
Ayres Hotel Redlands
1015 W Colton Ave
Redlands, CA
https://ayreshotels.com
Transportation & Getting Around
Driving is best. The Inland Empire is spread out.
Major highways:
I-10
I-15
I-215
CA-60
CA-210
Best cities to base:
Ontario
Riverside
Rancho Cucamonga
Parking
Most attractions offer:
Free parking
Street parking
Downtown garages
Mission Inn area:
Parking garages nearby
Ontario / Rancho Cucamonga:
Large free parking lots
Wineries:
Free parking
Airports
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
2500 E Airport Dr
Ontario, CA
https://flyontario.com
Closest airport to Italian heritage sites
Public Transportation
Metrolink
San Bernardino Line
Riverside Line
Omnitrans buses
https://omnitrans.org
RTA Riverside Transit
https://riversidetransit.com
Weather — Inland Empire
Typical climate:
Summer
Hot (90–105°F)
Fall
Warm and pleasant
Winter
Mild (60–75°F)
Spring
Best weather
Best Time to Visit
Best overall:
October – April
Best for wineries:
Fall
Best sightseeing:
Spring
Avoid:
Mid summer heat
Suggested Italian Heritage Itinerary
Day 1
Guasti
San Secondo Church
Filippi Winery
Dinner in Rancho Cucamonga
Day 2
Riverside Mission Inn
Italian dinner downtown
Museum
Day 3
Ontario wineries
Upland Italian markets
Redlands historic district
Why This Region Matters
The Inland Empire represents:
Italian agricultural colony
Italian vineyard workers
Italian Catholic parish community
Italian American wineries
Southern California Italian settlement
This is one of the most important Italian heritage regions in Southern California.
__________________________________________
Italian Restaurants & Businesses
Riverside
-
Mario's Place
3646 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 684-7755
Website: https://www.mariosplace.com/
Upscale Italian dining in the heart of downtown Riverside, directly across from the Mission Inn.
Rancho Cucamonga / Ontario / Upland
-
Vince's Spaghetti
8241 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Phone: (909) 981-1003
Website: https://www.vincesspaghettiroute66.com/
A classic Inland Empire Italian-American restaurant with Route 66 character and roots going back to 1945. -
Spaggi's
1651 W Foothill Blvd, Ste. H, Upland, CA 91786
Phone: (909) 579-0497
Website: https://spaggis.com/
Fine dining Italian restaurant in Upland. -
Claro's Italian Market (Upland)
1655 N Mountain Ave, Upland, CA 91784
Website: https://claros.com/
One of Southern California's best-known Italian markets and delis.
Historic Wineries & Italian Heritage Sites
-
San Secondo d'Asti Catholic Church
250 N Turner Ave, Ontario, CA 91761
Parish Office: (909) 390-0011
Website: https://www.ssdachurch.org/
The most important surviving landmark of the old Guasti Italian colony. Even if the larger settlement is gone, this church remains the clearest physical reminder of Inland Empire Italian Catholic life. -
Galleano Winery
4231 Wineville Rd, Mira Loma, CA 91752
Phone: (951) 685-5376
Website: https://www.galleanowinery.com/
One of the Inland Empire's most important surviving Italian winery traditions. -
d'Ellena Winery & Vineyard
12467 Base Line Rd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
Phone: (909) 899-5755
Website: https://dellenawinery.com/
A modern winery stop in Rancho Cucamonga's historic wine country.
Museums & Historic Attractions
-
Mission Inn Museum / Mission Inn Foundation
3598 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Museum & Tours: (951) 897-2089
Office: (951) 781-8241
Website: https://www.missioninnmuseum.org/ -
Ontario Museum of History & Art
225 S Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA 91762
Phone: (909) 395-2510
Website: https://www.ontariomuseum.org/ -
San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum
1170 W 3rd St, San Bernardino, CA 92410
Website: https://www.sbdepotmuseum.com/
Free admission and free parking, inside the historic depot.
Italian American Organizations
The Inland Empire does not have the same kind of concentrated Little Italy institutional footprint as San Diego, San Pedro, or San Francisco, but it is still connected to statewide and national Italian American networks through Catholic, fraternal, and heritage organizations.
-
Italian Catholic Federation (ICF) – Upland Branch 446, St. Anthony
Parish: St. Anthony Catholic Church
2110 N San Antonio Ave, Upland, CA 91784
Parish Phone: (909) 985-2803
ICF branch listing: https://www.icf.org/membership/branches/list/
Main website: https://www.icf.org/
This is the clearest currently verifiable ICF foothold in the Inland Empire. ICF branches often host St. Joseph's tables, parish dinners, scholarships, cultural programs, and charitable events. -
Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA)
California Grand Lodge: https://osiaca.org/
National locator: https://www.osdia.org/about/locations/
OSDIA supports lodges, cultural programming, scholarships, anti-defamation efforts, and statewide or national events. Check the California Grand Lodge and locator pages for the most current lodge information. -
UNICO National
California page: https://www.unico.org/california
Events calendar: https://www.unico.org/events
UNICO's public California page currently lists Marin and San Diego contacts. If an Inland Empire chapter is added or reactivated, the California and events pages are the best places to watch.
Festivals, Dinners & Heritage Events
For Inland Empire travelers looking for Italian events, the most realistic approach is to watch parish calendars, ICF branch notices, OSDIA California lodge announcements, and UNICO's event calendar. These groups regularly organize heritage dinners, scholarship functions, meetings, charity events, and cultural celebrations, though dates and locations can change from year to year.
- ICF Upcoming Events
- ICF 2026 Convention
- OSDIA California Grand Lodge
- OSDIA Calendar
- UNICO Event Calendar
Where to Stay
-
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 951-784-0300
Website: https://www.missioninn.com/
Best choice for travelers who want to stay in a historic setting and walk to downtown Riverside attractions. -
Ayres Suites Ontario Mills Mall – Rancho Cucamonga
4370 Mills Circle, Ontario, CA 91764
Phone: (909) 481-0703
Website: https://www.ayreshotels.com/ayres-suites-ontario-mills-mall
Convenient base for Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Guasti, and local wineries. -
Ayres Hotel Redlands – Loma Linda
1015 W Colton Ave, Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: (909) 335-9024
Website: https://www.ayreshotels.com/ayres-hotel-redlands -
Wigwam Motel
2728 E Foothill Blvd, San Bernardino, CA 92410
Phone: (909) 875-3005
Website: https://www.wigwammotel.com/
A Route 66 classic if you want a more retro and unusual stay.
Transportation, Parking & Getting Around
Best airport: Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the most practical airport for this guide.
-
Ontario International Airport
Terminal 2: 2500 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761
Terminal 4: 2900 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761
Airport info: https://www.flyontario.com/
Driving: A car is still the easiest way to do this guide well. The key corridors are I-10, I-15, SR-60, I-215, and Foothill Boulevard / historic Route 66.
Rail: Metrolink is useful if you want to connect Los Angeles with the Inland Empire, especially Riverside, San Bernardino, and connections toward Redlands.
Buses:
-
Riverside Transit Agency (RTA)
1825 Third Street, Riverside, CA 92517-1968
Main: (951) 565-5000
Rider info: (951) 565-5002
Website: https://www.riversidetransit.com/ -
Omnitrans
San Bernardino Transit Center: 599 W Rialto Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92401
Website: https://omnitrans.org/
Parking tips:
- Downtown Riverside has garages and paid lots around the Mission Inn area.
- Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and most winery stops are easier by car and generally simpler for parking than older downtown districts.
- The San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum notes free parking.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
The Inland Empire is usually easiest to visit in spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and walking districts like downtown Riverside, Ontario, Upland, and winery areas is much more comfortable.
- Spring: one of the best seasons for sightseeing, especially March through May.
- Summer: often very hot inland, especially in Ontario and Riverside.
- Fall: another strong season, especially for wineries and historic district exploring.
- Winter: generally mild compared with most of the country, though evenings can cool off.
Suggested 2-Day Inland Empire Italian Heritage Itinerary
Day 1 – Guasti, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland
- San Secondo d'Asti Catholic Church
- Ontario Museum of History & Art
- Galleano Winery
- d'Ellena Winery & Vineyard
- Dinner at Vince's Spaghetti or Spaggi's
Day 2 – Riverside & San Bernardino
- Mission Inn Museum
- Walk downtown Riverside
- Lunch or dinner at Mario's Place
- San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum
- Optional overnight at the Mission Inn or Wigwam Motel
❓ FAQs — Italians in California’s Inland Empire
Is there a Little Italy in the Inland Empire?
No. The Inland Empire does not have a traditional dense “Little Italy” neighborhood like San Francisco or San Diego.
Instead, Italian heritage is spread across multiple cities, especially:
- Ontario
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Upland
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- Redlands
The closest thing to an Italian historic district is Guasti, a former Italian vineyard colony.
What is Guasti?
Guasti was a planned Italian immigrant vineyard town founded in the early 1900s by Secondo Guasti.
It included:
- Winery
- Church
- Housing
- School
- Store
- Vineyards
- Italian workers
Today, the most visible surviving landmark is:
San Secondo d’Asti Catholic Church
Can you still visit Guasti today?
Yes — but it is not a preserved tourist town.
What you can see:
San Secondo d’Asti Church
Historic vineyard area
Guasti Road area
Surrounding wine region
Much of the original settlement has disappeared.
What is the most important Italian landmark?
San Secondo d’Asti Catholic Church
Ontario / Guasti
This is:
Historic Italian church
Built 1926
Modeled after Asti, Italy
Center of Italian colony
Are there still Italian wineries?
Yes — several.
Most notable:
Galleano Winery — Ontario
d’Ellena Winery — Rancho Cucamonga
Joseph Filippi Winery — Rancho Cucamonga
These continue the Italian wine tradition.
Are there Italian restaurants in the Inland Empire?
Yes — many.
Some of the best known:
Mario's Place — Riverside
Vince's Spaghetti — Rancho Cucamonga
Spaggi's — Upland
Claro's Italian Market — Upland
Antonious Pizza — Redlands
Papa Joe's — Ontario
Italian food is spread throughout the region.
Are there Italian American organizations?
Yes.
Italian Catholic Federation (ICF)
Order Sons and Daughters of Italy (OSDIA)
UNICO National
These groups host:
Italian dinners
Cultural events
Festivals
Scholarships
Community gatherings
Are there Italian festivals in the Inland Empire?
There is no single large “Little Italy festival,” but Italian events occur through:
ICF branches
OSDIA lodges
Catholic parishes
Italian wineries
Community organizations
These include:
Italian dinners
St. Joseph celebrations
Wine events
Heritage nights
Fundraisers
What city has the strongest Italian presence?
Historically:
Ontario / Guasti
Rancho Cucamonga
Upland
Today:
Riverside
Ontario
Rancho Cucamonga
Upland
How far is this from Los Angeles?
Approximate driving times:
Los Angeles → Ontario: 1 hour
Los Angeles → Riverside: 1 hour 15 min
Los Angeles → Rancho Cucamonga: 1 hour
Traffic can increase travel time.
How far is this from San Diego?
San Diego → Riverside: 1 hr 30 min
San Diego → Ontario: 1 hr 45 min
San Diego → Rancho Cucamonga: 1 hr 45 min
What is the best base city?
Best places to stay:
Riverside — walkable historic downtown
Ontario — central location
Rancho Cucamonga — near wineries
Upland — quiet historic town
Is a car required?
Yes — highly recommended.
The Inland Empire is spread out.
Public transit exists but is limited.
Driving is easiest.
Is parking easy?
Yes — generally very easy.
Most places offer:
Free parking
Large lots
Street parking
Downtown Riverside:
Garages available
Wineries:
Free parking
Restaurants:
Free parking
Is there public transportation?
Yes, but limited.
Metrolink trains
Omnitrans buses
Riverside Transit Agency (RTA)
However, a car is best.
What airport should I use?
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Closest airport to:
Guasti
Ontario
Rancho Cucamonga
Upland
Riverside
What is the best time to visit?
Best months:
March–May (Spring)
October–November (Fall)
Weather is most comfortable.
How hot does it get?
Summer temperatures:
90–105°F common
Sometimes higher
Spring & Fall:
70–85°F
Winter:
60–75°F
Is this a good year-round destination?
Yes.
Best seasons:
Spring
Fall
Winter
Summer can be very hot.
How long should I stay?
Ideal visit:
1 day — quick stop
2 days — full experience
3 days — relaxed trip
Suggested one-day trip?
Morning:
San Secondo Church
Ontario Museum
Lunch:
Italian restaurant
Afternoon:
Winery visit
Evening:
Dinner in Riverside
Is the Inland Empire important for Italian California history?
Yes — very important.
This region represents:
Italian vineyard colony
Italian agricultural settlement
Italian Catholic parish life
Southern California Italian migration
It is one of California’s most overlooked Italian heritage regions.
What makes this different from Little Italy San Diego?
San Diego:
Urban fishing community
San Francisco:
Dense immigrant neighborhood
Inland Empire:
Agricultural vineyard colony
Each represents a different Italian California story.
Are there Italian neighborhoods today?
Not really.
Italian heritage is scattered, not concentrated.
Look for:
Churches
Wineries
Restaurants
Organizations
Is this worth visiting for Italian heritage?
Yes — especially if you want:
Less crowded destinations
Historic Italian vineyard history
Italian wineries
Italian restaurants
Unique California Italian story
