News & Media
We are proud to be the topic of many conversations and an organization that is embraced by the media. Below you will find the latest news, our press kit, and more. Feel free to contact us if you are looking to engage a story about McClain Cellars.
Expansion
Growth Plans: We are constantly growing and seeking new locations. We currently have 4 locations and 2 more under construction in Southern California. Plans are in motion to expand into San Diego, Los Angeles, Temecula, and other areas throughout California.
Management
Founder/Proprietor: Jason McClain
Head Winemaker: Dean Guzman
Director of Operations: Jillian Howison
Services Manager: Whitney Chapman
Fun Facts
Founded: July 2016
DTC Production: 7k cases
Custom Crush: 20K cases
No. of Staff: 25+
Varietals: 31 Wines
Locations: 4 Tasting Rooms
Media Contact
Sole Black Owned Winery in Orange County and Central Coast Helps a Different Charity Every Month Through “Wine Flights”
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Jason McClain, Founder, and Proprietor of McClain Cellars, the only black-owned winery in Santa Barbara and Orange Counties, is helping communities to give back through award-winning wine flights.
McClain Cellars Opens New Game Room in its Buellton, Ca Tasting Room
BUELLTON, Calif., May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Nationally renowned business builder and vintner, Jason McClain opened doors to a new game room within his Buellton, Ca Tasting Lounge in April. Located on Industrial Way, the Buellton location is home to a luxury wine tasting lounge, a 5000 square foot outdoor patio, and offers over 20 different wines on the menu. McClain Cellars added arcade-style games, a pinball machine, foosball table, pool table, three flatscreen TVs, and dart boards to enhance the entertainment experience.
June 2022 – Endorsed by the 1st Woman of color to own a winery and a vineyard in the United States of America, Iris Rideau, founder of Rideau Winery & Vineyards, Santa Ynez, CA.
December 2021 – Featured by VOX Media promoting Solvang, CA for the Marriott Chase Bonvoy Credit Card.
National Media Coverage
January 2022 – Showcased as a Nationwide feature on NBC’s 1st Look with Johnny Bananas after Saturday Night Live. Highlighted our Solvang & Buellton locations.
Founded on Family Values
Black-Owned Winery
McClain Cellars has 4 wine tasting rooms across Southern California in Laguna Beach, Solvang, and Buellton. It is the only black-owned winery in both Santa Barbara and Orange County. All locations are “hip” modern industrial luxury tasting lounges that are a cross between a New York “Soho” music venue and a “Napa Valley” tasting venue. Featuring crisp whites, smooth reds, and creative blends, McClain is constantly creating 90+ point wines. The brand’s focus is on the experience, the story behind the wine and the joy the guest engages when visiting one of the locations.
Excellence at any Cost
The Fastest Growing Winery
We have no limits when it comes to growing our brand. Our goal is to make the name “McClain” one of the best brands in the world. WE DO NOT WHOLESALE our wines. We are one of the only medium production wineries in the state that focus entirely on a “Direct-To-Consumer” (DTC) business model. We want our guests to experience the very best that we have to offer. To do that our wines are only available at our wine tasting lounges, online, or through our wine club.
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Noah David
2023-02-25T20:06:44+0000
Yesterday was by far the worst experience I’ve encountered in my lifetime. I’m not certain if it was due to race or sexuality, but my partner and I were treated horribly. We decided to try this place because people rave about Solvang being the such an amazing, warm and welcoming city. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a woman. It wasn’t the warmest but we decided to make the best of it. I inquired about playing pool on the lovely pool table. The first comment was “you can only play if your buying wine or bites”. I mean it was obvious (or not) lol but okay. My reply “yes ma’am we are going to wine taste”. We started our tasting and played pool. Roughly 3:45p, my partner took a phone call. I stayed seated waiting for her to finish the call. I enjoyed the wine that was being brought by our server. I was not loud. My partner even stepped to the other side of the restaurant to take the phone call. Again, I stayed seated. When the woman (out server) came back she noticed that my partner walked off with the glass. I told her that she was just taking a phone call and I’m sure she’d be back. She was speaking with her family. I asked if it were a problem if she walks around the winery courtyard with the glass. (The glass was not full, remember we were only doing tastings). The woman argued that they could lose their liquor license because she walked out of the establishment with a glass and their logo on it. Then she made a comment saying “this is south beach, you can’t just walk around with wine”. But this time, the woman was upset and went to get a manager. As the manager approached, my partner walked back in. She sat down and started crying. Naturally, I’m going to console her to see what’s wrong. I stood up to go near her chair, the manager yelled out “whoa whoa… I’m calling the cops”. As if I was being aggressive with him. I told him to call them… we did NOTHING WRONG! They never asked us to leave. They never said anything to us. They told the cops that we were extremely intoxicated. Again, not true. This situation escalated for no reason. Other than my partner, walking around the courtyard with a wine glass. Moral of the story… I’d think twice about enjoying wine in this winery and city for that matter. It doesn’t seem to be LGBQT friendly. Also, Mr. Jason McClain, your server (the woman that helped us) made it very clear that the establishment was BLACK OWNED. She yelled it over the cops as we were in conversation. If it wasn’t a race issue, there was no reason for her to validate your race. Feel free to contact me directly to discuss this matter. Also, please watch your cameras. There were 3 cameras surrounding us (again pointed out by your team).
Cherika Ramsey
2022-12-27T19:22:32+0000
Great wine. We have have been here 4 years in a row. We always come as a group in the wine industry. Standard for wine industry discounts is complementary tastings and 30% bottle discount. We were surprised this year. 10% discount on tasting and bottle discount. Obviously hurting or just greedy. A slap to all wine industry professionals. Highly disappointing. Was hoping to purchase at least a case of the wine. No purchase today.
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2022-08-03T22:49:10+0000
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Rsa Bhuti Vuccy
2022-02-03T17:02:37+0000
Carla was great ! Made us feel right at home! Fire pit and comfortable seating
Tim Toledo
2021-04-03T23:41:31+0000
Review is solely on customer service. We made reservations and had a large party. Our original server waited our party and another large party so I understand why it took a little longer to get stuff. What I don’t understand is why after our server’s shift was over so someone else took over and the other large party left why we were pretty much ignored. Caught wind that the owner were there as well so we thought maybe they would come to our table to see how we were doing but they went to every single other table but ours. We were now the largest party there and pretty much forgotten. So if you dress like you have money by all mean come here and you’ll get the attention of the waiters and the owners. If not I would suggest going somewhere else.
Robert Myers
2020-11-22T00:17:27+0000
Some of the best wines I have ever tasted...from Napa, to the Columbia Valley, back down to Temecula.Knowledgable staff. Love the 5 different tasting menu options. Great live music. Felicia has a beautiful voice.Looking forward to returning.
Tamara L Snow
2020-07-20T15:21:51+0000
We’re breaking the law. Great music. Excellent wine 🍷!
Ben McKenna
2020-03-16T01:25:44+0000
Our 1st time was last night at their one year anniversary. The whole family came out to celebrate this memorable evening. Frank De Vaul played beautiful music throughout the night. We had the opportunity to meet the McClain's. They make wonderful wine to enjoy and the atmosphere is top notch. Our new favorite spot in Laguna Beach. Thank you for making us feel like family.
Timothy Buerger
2020-02-10T15:58:41+0000
Love everything about Jason and Sophia. Their love is infused in their wine AND I can taste/feel it. Good for the body and soul. 💗🙏🏻
Trina Watton
2020-02-10T05:56:06+0000
Amazing wines! Fun tasting lounge. Highly recommended.
Donna Hisey
2020-02-10T04:10:43+0000
The wine at McClain Cellars is excellent and it will be well worth your time to go to one of their tasting room!
Pamela London Franck
2020-01-03T22:02:40+0000
Natalie was an excellent Hostess! Just like one of the Family!
Rick Nan McClain Parente
2019-10-29T22:50:59+0000
Hostess were wonderful, nice hospitality. Great start of my evening.
Troy Hall
2019-09-22T04:57:17+0000
Spectacular wine, great atmosphere and awesome people!
Jeff Olsen
2019-08-25T00:04:14+0000
BEST WINE EVER!!!!! And lovely people who work there and vine there... my new wine tribe!
Esther Wildenberg
2019-08-24T00:33:58+0000
very nice wines...and love the stories behind them
Renee Glickman-Cohn
2019-08-09T22:45:46+0000
Fun and most important, very good wines!
Kevin Culbertson
2019-08-04T20:00:53+0000
Friendly and fun place to go for a glass or two of wine. Their wines are fantastic!!
Nancy Lambert
2019-07-06T16:39:07+0000
a Laguna must visit. wine and staff are excellent
Mark Meisberger
2019-06-27T05:00:46+0000
Super happy and knowledgeable staff! Met the owner today...visionary!! 😁
Scott Scherer
2019-06-01T21:28:02+0000
Great experience here! And some nice wine varieties! Cheers!
Geri Jacoby-Smith
2019-05-27T03:49:34+0000
Lovely wines & nice intimate atmosphere
Lily Doris
2019-05-25T00:02:47+0000
After my birthday plans fell through I quickly put together a day of fun including a trip to McClain Cellars after seeing their ad on Facebook. I had messaged them to find out more about their food offering and got a very prompt response with their food offerings as well as food options from their surrounding restaurants. Upon arrival we were greeted by several of their wine ambassadors in addition to Jason, the owner. They wished me a happy birthday and made sure my experience was top notch. All of the staff were pleasant to talk to! The wine was great and live music was another wonderful surprise. Not to mention it’s a family-owned business! I HIGHLY recommend a visit. We ended the night buying several bottles of wine and headed to the Italian restaurant next door for a wonderful meal. I will definitely be bringing friends and family back!
Christy Petersen
2019-05-17T15:20:00+0000
came in for the Mother's Day Special, was treated to an absolute amazing experience. thank you great service. worth the drive. thank you so much. Asia, Jeanine and Brandon
Jeanine Virgin
2019-05-13T02:36:12+0000
From a light and refreshing Pinot to a deep and flavorful Merlot, these wines do not disappoint! Made from grapes in a Santa Ynez Vineyard, it’s no surprise. Instead of driving hours to get to the Santa Ynez valley, I can now enjoy the same wines in beautiful Laguna Beach in a truly stunning tasting room. Well done!
Vince Montero
2019-05-12T19:28:43+0000
Amazing atmosphere and wonderful people!
Jennifer Suss McCusker
2019-04-11T04:36:44+0000
Great tasting room! Great staff! And great live music!
Sabrina Phillips
2019-03-30T19:15:20+0000
Loved the ambiance & friendly staff
Dana Finiguerra-Ortiz
2019-03-30T05:01:06+0000
I just love their new tasting room! The staff is knowledgeable and very friendly. I was able to try their new wines, all of which were just as delicious as their original 8 wines. Looking forward to going back again.
Jenna Irey Olson
2019-03-14T03:12:11+0000
Good vibes........................
John O'Neal
2019-03-10T22:47:51+0000
Everyone is so friendly. Met the owner and winemaker at the front door, welcoming people entering! Great reds!
Cathy Cendejas Bruich
2019-03-04T04:57:52+0000
The wine was fabulous. Very quaint atmosphere. This was my first visit, I would have loved to have known no food service. Cheese and salami from refrigerated case was very reasonable. Had a proper meal on PCH later in the day.I highly recommend for a local relaxing experience.
Roxana Shapiro Hallock
2019-02-25T15:04:46+0000
Wonderful experience excellent wine and great music.🍷
Paula Richardson
2019-02-24T07:13:29+0000
Thank you for a spectacular experience, yesterday. Every detail, every overview of your wines, the team & the space, exceeded my expectations. Can't wait to return!
Cheri Curry
2019-02-11T18:30:31+0000
What a fantastic wine tasting experience. Lots of great choices, and it’s truly a classy spot. The owners are first-rate when it comes to customer satisfaction 🥂.
Alvin Austin
2019-02-09T22:57:06+0000
Most awesome wine tasting experience around. Highly recommend to give it a try.
Sean Lancona
2019-02-09T11:08:55+0000
Looking forward to the Grand Opening of the tasting room.
Jane Mcclain
2019-01-09T04:23:12+0000
amazing place go experience a great bottle of wine.
Lo Ro
2018-12-03T15:33:55+0000
Drinking the merlot, now! Yum!
Lisa White Cantu
2018-12-02T03:28:26+0000
Jason and Sofia have really achieved elegant flavors in their wines. For example, if you like a jammy, structured, Bordeaux blend that evolves for hours into silky layers of ripe black cherry with balanced tannins and subtle vanilla, you will love their “Faithful Friend.” I can’t wait for the barrel tasting on November 3rd!!
John Carlson
2018-10-13T15:04:46+0000
We are so happy to be part of the growing McClain Cellars family! Can't wait to visit their new tasting room when it opens. Cheers to family, friends, faith and freedom!
Kim Hales
2018-10-05T22:45:02+0000
Great wine and very cool people, excited for my wine deliveries!
Chandra Moschina
2018-09-21T03:18:49+0000
Paired the 2016 Purpose Road with a Prime NY Strip Steak grilled to medium and a creamy risotto side dish. The wine was a perfect compliment to the food. The blend of the Sangiovese was just right to give the Merlot the backbone needed for steak/beef dishes. Highly recommend.
Vince Marizzaldi
2018-09-18T17:42:44+0000
Great wine, meaningful message and awesome people. Jason and Sofia got it going on. Faithful Friend was my favorite
Daniel Vasquez
2018-09-18T03:50:42+0000
My husband & I attended their wine tasting event and really enjoyed the wine. Conversation with many of their friends all their supporting and helping out was great too. We love wine, but it's even better shared with friends and delicious snacks. You certainly sensed what they stand for... Family, Friends, Faith & Freedom! We're looking forward to enjoying our new collection and attending their next event!. 🍷✨ Many Mahalos!🌺
Amy Vasquez
2018-09-18T02:42:36+0000
What an awsome couple The McClains , love the Summer Breeze wine , so refreshing with some sweetness to it, and ofcourse who would of thought flavoured popcorn with wine ? So good pairing it And ofcourse gotta have some celantro olive oil with pomagranate balsamic vinegarAhhh everything are so good
Nitta Blauvelt
2018-09-17T00:02:27+0000
We drove an hour and a half to attend a tasting at McClain Cellars, and was it ever worth it! An incredible variety of wines, each with their own unique characteristics, full of flavor, balance, just the right amount of tannins on the reds, and bright, refreshing finishes on the whites. My absolute favorite was Painted Dreams, lovely on the nose, a vanilla start and caramel finish, with a silky mouth feel and dark fruit flavors. Best of all, McClain has the selection of a long-established winery, without the snootiness. They are wonderful, warm, and engaging. We will be back!
Brenda Salomé Salamone
2018-09-16T17:20:41+0000
The Service An Wine Tasting The Whole Experience
Rob Allen Williams
2018-09-08T02:55:01+0000
My husband and I have been fortunate enough to walk this journey with the McClain family as they have poured their heart and soul into creating a company that can be enjoyed by all and built on the foundation of family, faith, friendship and freedom. Each one of their beautifully crafted wine stands on its own delivering the sweetest aromas, unique varietals and the most amazing tastes. Summer Breeze, Painted Dreams & Faithful Friend are just some of my very favorites, but I can honestly say that they are all delicious and are a MUST to try!!!!
Christen Barley
2018-08-05T17:54:16+0000
Loved the wines, love the artwork and love the vibe! An amazing couple bringing a great sampling of wines for every pallet!
Coryn Ellis
2018-08-03T23:53:42+0000
The wines are fantastic and discussion worthy. What a treat to try some new and unique. My wife and I had a wonderful time.
Jay Titus
2018-07-31T23:32:43+0000
My husband and I were fortunate enough to attend a tasting event with friends recently and the wine and experience were both fantastic. Jason and Sofia’s passion for their wine is evident through their meticulous attention to detail, a true labor of love. The bottles are exquisite and will add a beautiful piece of artwork to our dinner table in addition to the delightful wine!
Megan McMillan Stube
2018-07-30T18:52:52+0000
It was a tremendous opportunity to be able to a private wine tasting for McClain Family Cellars. Too often we pour a glass of wine and enjoy the taste without knowing any of the history or story behind how that wine ended up in our glass. On this occasion my wife and friends were able to not only taste some of the most amazing wines we also learned the backstory of each wine and how it came to creation. The McClain Family Cellars has done a remarkable job of telling a story with each and every wine and creating passionate flavors. Overall a beautiful event with great wines and even better people.
Doug Luden
2018-07-30T14:05:09+0000
Dell Shelton
2018-07-30T06:44:07+0000
Truly enjoyed our private wine tasting. Looking foward in purchases more cases as their wines come out. A true gem. Wine to share with special friends.
Cheri McClain
2018-07-29T20:47:46+0000
Shellie Karen Phelps and I tasted wines from a new winery in Orange County last night. Mcclain Cellars are soon to be in Laguna Beach. Even thought they are new the wines were great.
Jon David Phelps
2018-07-29T18:16:35+0000
What great wines, we bought 6 bottles of the Sacred Love! We will be buying much more in the future. Thank you Jason for making such great wines!!!
Arne DeWitt
2018-07-29T16:58:06+0000
They had a very interesting selections of wines.
Mike Pallas
2018-07-18T05:34:05+0000
We had the opportunity to attend this local wine tasting by McClain Cellars and I was very impressed. They brought a little bit of Paso to the OC! They did a great job on their reds and I was really impressed in their Family Values red. I typically do not like petit Syrah due to them being watery well this one was not. It was full bodies and delicious. Loves all of the others that we joined! Can’t wait to watch you grow McClain Cellars!
Krystn Meier
2018-07-11T02:42:20+0000
I went to an event with McClain's and was impressed with how warm and welcoming it was. The wines were also excellent. I would like to especially thank Mary for her help.
Elliott Brandon Fischer
2018-07-09T23:51:59+0000
Absolutely amazing selection of reds!!!!
Gayle McClain Pegg
2018-07-09T14:53:29+0000
Enjoyed a wonderful evening with Jason and Sofia while sampling their amazing wines. Sacred Love is one of the best reserve wines we’ve ever had. Full bodied and fantastic finish. Looking forward to future events and the launch of more wines.
Chris Barnett
2018-07-08T16:28:17+0000
Enjoyed a wonderful wine tasting today. Thank you. Wish the family the best of luck and look forward to visiting your winery soon. Love the artwork on your bottles and see you soon again. ��
Carol Pankowitz
2018-07-08T05:44:36+0000
McClain Cellars... nicely done! What a great tasting event! Super excited to be part of the F4 wine club! So many favorites already! ���
Kristen Rolapp-Hampton
2018-07-04T19:02:04+0000
Delicious wines! I’m so happy to have joined their wine club and able to get in on the ground floor. Very excited about future wine releases and parties! The McClains are very welcoming and make you feel at home and so excited to share their dream with you!
Leslie Gray
2018-07-03T04:12:18+0000
We had a great time at your first tasting tonight! Loved all six wines! Congrats! Cheers!
Vanessa Luden
2018-06-28T04:38:02+0000
What a blessing. This family is so gray. The dream they made into reality is such a great story. You should really check them out. Truly amazing... oh and the wine isn’t bad either!
Eva Marie Jared
2018-06-28T04:15:03+0000
Love the wines, love the makers! Thank you for chasing your dreams!
Gena Van Horne
2018-06-28T04:14:10+0000
Enjoyed the tasting tonight. We loved meeting not only the family but the devoted circle of friends. Bill was a fantastic person to have pour and talk with. Became wine club members tonight! Thank you for having us over to try some great wine!
Virginia Wantz
2018-06-28T04:04:56+0000
I've recently had the opportunity to taste three of their wines and they were all amazing! I tried their two whites and one red, Sacred Love. All 3 wines were smooth and easy to drink! It had a wonderful taste as well as an after taste. I can't wait to try the rest of them! You won't be disappointed. The bottles also have a beautiful design.
Diana Buenaventura Mattar
2018-06-18T18:58:02+0000
