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
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