Business Profile: San Antonio Winery
A Legendary Italian American Family Business in Los Angeles
An Italian American Landmark in California
Few businesses better represent Italian American entrepreneurship in California than San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles. Founded in 1917 by Italian immigrant Santo Cambianica, the winery began as a small family operation dedicated to bringing traditional Italian winemaking to Southern California.
More than a century later, the business is still operated by the Riboli family, making it one of the longest-running Italian American family businesses in the state — and the last remaining historic winery in downtown Los Angeles.
This is the classic Italian American story: immigrant founder, family ownership, generational growth, and deep roots in the local community.
Surviving Prohibition — The Italian American Way
When Prohibition shut down wineries across the country in the 1920s, most Los Angeles wineries closed permanently. San Antonio Winery survived by producing sacramental wine for the Catholic Church, allowing the family business to continue operating when others disappeared.
That decision preserved not only a business — but a piece of Italian American history in Los Angeles.
A Multi-Generation Italian American Family Business
After founder Santo Cambianica, the winery passed to his nephew Stefano Riboli, who expanded operations with his wife Maddalena. The family later added tasting rooms, restaurants, and new vineyards while keeping the original Los Angeles location active.
Today, multiple generations of the Riboli family remain involved, continuing a tradition of:
- Family ownership
- Italian winemaking traditions
- Community involvement
- Hospitality and food culture
- Expansion without losing identity
This multi-generation model reflects a hallmark of Italian American business culture.
What You’ll Find There Today (2026)
San Antonio Winery is more than just a winery — it’s an Italian American cultural destination. Visitors can enjoy:
- Wine tasting room
- Italian restaurant (Maddalena Restaurant)
- Italian gift shop
- Event spaces
- Historic exhibits
- Family-run hospitality
The winery produces numerous California wines and operates vineyards in Monterey County, Napa Valley, and Paso Robles, while maintaining its historic Los Angeles headquarters.
Why This Business Matters to Italian California
San Antonio Winery represents:
- Italian immigrant entrepreneurship
- Catholic and community roots
- Family-owned legacy business
- Italian American hospitality culture
- California agricultural heritage
- Survival through adversity
It is not just a winery — it is one of the oldest continuously operating Italian American businesses in Southern California.
Visit Information
San Antonio Winery
737 Lamar Street
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Website: https://sanantoniowinery.com
Other locations:
- Ontario, CA
- Paso Robles, CA
⭐ Internet Reviews — San Antonio Winery (Los Angeles)
San Antonio Winery is one of California’s oldest Italian-founded wineries, operating since 1917 in Los Angeles with restaurants, tastings, events, and a market.
Online reviews highlight its historic setting, Italian food, wine tastings, and large events.
🍷 Winery & Restaurant Overall Ratings
Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ~4.5 / 5
Yelp Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ~4.2 / 5
TripAdvisor Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.4 / 5 (80+ reviews)
👉 Google Reviews
https://www.google.com/search?q=San+Antonio+Winery+Los+Angeles
👉 Yelp Reviews
https://www.yelp.com/biz/san-antonio-winery-los-angeles
👉 TripAdvisor
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g32655-d477359-Reviews-San_Antonio_Winery-Los_Angeles_California.html
🍝 Restaurant Reviews (Maddalena Restaurant / Cafe)
💬 Google Review Highlights
“Old school Italian restaurant with huge portions.”
“Great place for lunch and wine tasting.”
“Classic Italian cafeteria-style comfort food.”
“Historic LA Italian spot worth visiting.”
⭐ What People Love
- Italian-American comfort food
- Wine tasting with lunch
- Historic Italian winery atmosphere
- Large portions
- Family-friendly dining
🍷 Winery & Wine Tasting Reviews
💬 Google Review Highlights
“Great wine tasting experience in Los Angeles.”
“Beautiful historic winery with friendly staff.”
“Perfect place for events and wine flights.”
“Fun Italian winery in the middle of LA.”
⭐ What People Love
- Historic Italian winery
- Wine tastings & tours
- Outdoor patios
- Gift shop & market
- Events & celebrations
The winery offers tours and tastings at its historic Los Angeles location and features Italian cuisine at its on-site restaurants.
⭐ TripAdvisor Reviews
TripAdvisor Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.4 / 5
(80+ reviews)
💬 TripAdvisor Highlights
“Excellent Italian food and wine.”
“Large portions and reasonable prices.”
“Great stop when visiting Los Angeles.”
“Fun winery experience in the city.”
🏆 “Best Winery in Los Angeles” Mentions
San Antonio Winery is frequently mentioned as:
- One of the last historic wineries in Los Angeles
- A must-visit Italian landmark
- A popular event venue and tasting destination
- A classic old-school Italian restaurant & winery combo
It is often included in travel lists of historic Los Angeles destinations alongside cultural landmarks.
💬 Local Reddit Recommendations
Reddit users frequently recommend visiting the winery:
“Come to San Antonio winery… family-run… open for 108 years.”
“Two restaurants on site… old-school Italian cafeteria style.”
“Weekends can get crazy… lots of customers.”
Another discussion notes:
“Great event space… reasonable budget.”
And local users recommend it as an LA wine destination:
“Throwing San Antonio Winery out there for LA county wines.”
Overall Internet Consensus
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Historic Italian winery
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Italian restaurant
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fun wine tasting experience
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Popular event venue
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Unique Los Angeles landmark
Most Recommended Experiences
- Wine tasting flights
- Maddalena Italian restaurant
- Winery tour
- Stella Rosa wines
- Outdoor patio dining
- Italian desserts
- Gift shop
