Pali Wine Co. is bringing the coastal vineyard lifestyle to the city’s heart. Their tasting rooms offer a down-to-earth, terroir-driven introduction to some of the Central Coast’s most exciting wines.

On a recent visit to Orange County, we stopped by Pali Wine Co. at the Anaheim Packing District. This winery embodies sustainability, terroir, and neighborhood charm. 

With deep Central Coast roots and a forward-thinking philosophy, Pali Wine Co. is a must-visit for anyone interested in the future of California wine. From its organic vineyard in Lompoc to its tap wine service and educational tastings, everything at Pali Wine Co. is driven by intention. 

Read on to see how this dynamic winery is making sustainable wine more approachable and why it deserves a spot on your wine itinerary.

From Vineyard to City Block

Founded in 2005 by Tim and Judy Perr, Pali Wine Co. has evolved from a boutique Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer into a forward-thinking winery. 

Their name pays homage to the Pacific Palisades, where the founders grew up, and this sense of place permeates every aspect of their operation—from their 50-acre organic vineyard in Lompoc to their thoughtfully designed tasting rooms in Santa Barbara, Anaheim, and San Diego.

Today, it exemplifies California’s commitment to sustainable agriculture while maintaining deep community roots. 

Three Labels, One Mission

What sets Pali Wine Co. apart in California’s wine landscape is its thoughtful approach to showcasing different expressions of Central Coast terroir through three distinct labels. 

“Our Pali label is more Burgundian style. We have a lot of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir,” says Mia Murillo, General Manager of the Anaheim tasting room. “Our winery is in Lompoc, so that’s a great area for those kinds of wines.”

The Tower 15 label showcases bigger, bolder wines from vineyards up and down the Central Coast, while the Neighborhood label reflects their commitment to natural winemaking. “We go as far as Sonoma. We come down to Santa Barbara County and everything in between,” Murillo adds.

Expanding Varietals, Expanding Palates

Pali Wine Co. has also expanded its vineyard through grafting new varietals onto existing vines. “About two or three years ago, we started grafting some other grapes. So now we have Dornfelder, our Chenin Blanc, our Syrah,” Murillo shares.

The Dornfelder stands out: “It has a big, rich, deep, inky color to it, but you drink it and it’s not very big and bold. It still has that nice lightness to it.”

Where to Start

Murillo recommends the PCH Rosé as a great introduction to the Pali style. “It’s a rosé of Pinot Noir, so you get a little bit of something chilled while also getting that Pinot Noir aspect, which is our bread and butter.”

For something unexpected, try the Dornfelder or the chilled red Blood Moon. “It’s great with any pizza,” Murillo notes.

Sustainability Rooted in Practice

At Pali, sustainability is more than a buzzword. “We’re doing a lot of regenerative farming at our winery. We’re farming organically now to hopefully start getting those certifications here,” explains Murillo.

They’ve eliminated harsh chemicals and use cover crops and organic practices to support soil health. “Every year, we try to make sure that we’re keeping the microorganisms of our winery intact by doing different sustainability practices there,” says Murillo.

Innovation on Tap

Pali’s sustainability efforts extend to its tap wine program. “We also have tap wine. Our winery will put the wines in the kegs and send them down to us. It’s a bit more eco-friendly that way,” Murillo explains. It reduces packaging waste and allows for flexible pours with a smaller carbon footprint.

Plan Your Visit

With three tasting rooms across Southern California, there are plenty of ways to experience Pali Wine Co. “The idea is to bring the Central Coast experience into everybody’s neighborhood,” Murillo explains. This philosophy transforms wine tasting from a destination activity into an accessible neighborhood experience.

The Anaheim tasting room sits in a building that once made marmalade from local oranges.
“Before, there used to be Orange Groves all around here… this building used to be an old marmalade-making place,” says Murillo. “They would make the marmalade here, pack it up, and it’s right on the railroad.”

Whether you’re exploring their historic Anaheim location, visiting their Santa Barbara Funk Zone tasting room, or discovering their San Diego outpost, Pali Wine Co. offers an authentic taste of Central Coast terroir paired with genuine agricultural education. 

Article by Aida Mollenkamp. Photography by James Collier.