The Cucamonga Valley is a federally recognised American Viticultural Area (AVA) and one of the oldest wine regions in the state — vines were first planted here in 1839, decades before Napa. The granite-and-decomposed-rock soils, the heat of the Inland Empire, and the cool nighttime air flowing down off the San Gabriel Mountains made the valley famous for Zinfandel, Carignan, and Mission grapes.
What survives is a handful of historic operating wineries scattered across Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and Mira Loma — most notably Galleano Winery in Mira Loma, a family-run operation since 1927, with tastings and tours by appointment. The wines are not at Napa's standard, but the historical interest is significant and the prices are modest.