It’s not every day you find a winery tucked beside a centuries-old mission in a historic downtown, but Rancho Capistrano Winery isn’t your everyday wine experience. 

This family-owned winery has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors. Its patio is lush and pergola-shaded, the tasting room buzzes with energy, and the menu is full of California-grown flavor.

The California Grown team recently visited Rancho Capistrano Winery’s flagship location in San Juan Capistrano. 

From a diverse wine list featuring California-grown grapes to a chef-driven menu highlighting local produce, this winery is a hub for gathering, sipping, and celebrating the bounty of the Golden State. 

A Winery Grows in Orange County

Rancho Capistrano Winery was founded in 2012 by Kyle and Sylvia Franson, Orange County locals who wanted to bring a premium wine and dining experience to the region. 

While it may look more like a hacienda than a hillside vineyard, the San Juan Capistrano location is a full-service wine tasting room and restaurant that channels California’s rich agricultural spirit into every glass and plate.

Unlike most California wineries, Rancho Capistrano Winery doesn’t grow grapes on-site. Instead, they source fruit from premier growing regions throughout the West: Paso Robles, Lodi, Northern California, and even parts of Washington.

This allows them to offer an impressive range of over 40 wines, from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to lush Rhône-style red blends.

Winemaker Kylie Huffman, a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate, oversees production and has already made a name for herself with vibrant, expressive whites like her namesake “Kylie” wine, which is made from Symphony grapes. 

Huffman’s innovative style allows the winery to offer pours ranging from familiar varietals like Chardonnay to unexpected sips like South African Pinotage and Portuguese Aragones, all vinted and aged at their San Clemente facility.

Where Wine, Food, and Family Come Together

What sets Rancho Capistrano Winery apart isn’t just the wine; it’s the experience. The flagship San Juan Capistrano location is centered around a 3,000-square-foot outdoor patio with a fireplace, string lights, and tables full of guests sipping wine flights or digging into seasonal California cuisine.

With its laid-back ambiance and dog-friendly vibe, the winery balances casual and upscale, making everyone feel welcome. 

Their restaurant, open daily, serves dishes that pair perfectly with the wines and highlight California-grown ingredients whenever possible. A few standouts include:

• Fig Bruschetta: Toasted bruschetta topped with fig jam, whipped Gorgonzola, fresh baby arugula, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze.
• Flatbreads topped with market-fresh vegetables and herbs, ideal for sharing with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
• Weekly specials that reflect the best of the season’s bounty, such as Avocado Crunch salad in summer or roasted squash in fall.

California at the Core

Though Rancho Capistrano Winery sources grapes from across the West, the heart of its operation is distinctly Californian. Working with grape growers in places like Paso Robles and Lodi supports California agriculture and introduces wine lovers to the incredible diversity of terroirs across the state.

That connection to California agriculture goes beyond the wine list. The kitchen regularly features local produce from Southern California farms, and the team prioritizes sustainability with practices like small-batch winemaking and minimizing waste in both the kitchen and the cellar.

Unsurprisingly, Rancho Capistrano Winery was named Southern California’s Best Winery by the OC Register. With its unique blend of community-focused hospitality, diverse California-grown wines, and a farm-forward food program, it’s redefining what it means to be a winery in an urban setting.

Three Locations, One Passion

Rancho Capistrano Winery has grown to include two additional locations in Ladera Ranch and San Clemente. Still, the mission remains to provide guests with a warm, welcoming place to gather over great food and great wine. 

Each location has its own personality, but all three maintain the same standards regarding quality, community, and showcasing the best of the Golden State.

Extend Your Stay in San Juan Capistrano

If you’re planning to visit Rancho Capistrano Winery, leave time to explore the surrounding area. San Juan Capistrano is steeped in history and agriculture, offering a perfect weekend destination for food and wine lovers.

After tasting, stroll through the Los Rios Historic District, visit the San Juan Capistrano Farmers Market, or head to The Ecology Center.

For a broader taste of Orange County’s agricultural scene, read our guide to What To Do In Orange County, where you’ll find farm tours, food halls, and outdoor markets perfect for rounding out a California-grown itinerary.

Article by Aida Mollenkamp. Photography by James Collier.