FORBES: Moraga Bel Air—A Hidden Los Angeles Winery With Hollywood History

Los Angeles boasts a wealth of hidden gems that even locals may overlook, and one of the most intriguing is the Moraga Bel Air Vineyard and Winery. Tucked away behind elegant estate gates in a generally unassuming residential area, this estate boasts a rich and fascinating history that adds to its allure. Originally owned by the legendary Hollywood director Victor Fleming—renowned for cinematic classics like “Gone With the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz”—the Los Angeles winery features an inviting ranch house where Fleming would entertain Hollywood icons including Vivien Leigh, Jean Harlow, Spencer Tracy, and Clark Gable.

In 1959, the estate came under the ownership of Tom Jones, then CEO of Northrop Corporation, who recognized the land's potential for viticulture. With a vision for the future, he began planting vineyards and introduced a diverse array of grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Over the years, he expanded his vineyard operations by adding Petit Verdot and Sauvignon Blanc, culminating in the estate's first vintage of Moraga Bel Air in 1989.By 2004, Jones's vision took an impressive leap forward with the construction of wine caves, which added a new layer of sophistication to the estate’s operations. In 2005, the completion of a state-of-the-art winery solidified Moraga Bel Air's status as the first bonded commercial winery in Los Angeles since the Prohibition era. Fast forward to 2013, when media mogul Rupert Murdoch struck a deal with Tom Jones to acquire this remarkable property, bringing fresh attention to the vineyard.

During a recent visit to Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to attend a wine tasting at Moraga Bel Air Winery. Having explored numerous tasting rooms in downtown LA, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a vineyard estate winery in the area. When I reached out to Moraga and learned they were located in Bel Air, it took a significant effort not to respond with, "Yeah right." However, a quick glance on Google Earth confirmed that the location was indeed in Bel Air.

On my way to the winery, I asked my Uber driver if I could connect to his stereo. Embracing my inner nerd, I couldn’t resist playing the theme song from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I promised the driver an extra tip if he rolled down the windows and sang along with me. To my delight, he enthusiastically replied, "[expletive] I’ll do it for free!" We blared that iconic tune all the way to the gate.

When arriving I called the main number and eagerly anticipated the massive gates—reminiscent of the Forbidden City—opening. As I walked up the hill, I felt transported to a serene corner of Tuscany, enveloped in tranquility, sweeping landscapes, and a stunning Mediterranean-style mansion from the 1920s at its center. General Manager Paul Warson greeted me at the entrance to the tasting room, and I expressed my gratitude for the invitation. In a semi-apologetic tone, I admitted, "I'm sorry I didn't know this place existed." Paul chuckled and replied, "We hear that a lot!"

Now, let's talk about wine. Moraga produces two signature wines crafted in the Bordeaux style: the Estate Red, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend, and the Estate White, made from crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. We enjoyed a vertical tasting featuring wines dating from 1997 to the current 2019 vintage. I was pleasantly surprised by the consistency of flavor profiles across both the red and white wines. It’s easy to see why these wines start at $100+, given their complexity and smooth finishes. One notable change in recent years is that Moraga Bel Air is now open by appointment to the public for tastings and tours, and their wines can be purchased online, whereas previously it was members-only access.Before wrapping up my visit, I asked Paul if I was trustworthy enough to take one of his glasses outside to the tire swing. He smiled and nodded in approval. I’m grateful that the wine at Moraga is well-balanced because, clearly, I am not. I nearly spilled the wine on myself twice before deciding to take it easy on the swing.

Seize the opportunity to explore Moraga Bel Air, one of California’s most remarkable wineries—truly a hidden gem in LA. Immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning scenery, and exceptional wines that make the Los Angeles winery unique!

Read the original feature here: https://bit.ly/ForbesMoraga