Hamilton Oaks Winery

29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA

Address:	29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA
Phone:	+1 949-364-2063
Site:	hamiltonoaksevents.com
Rating:	3.4
Working:	Closed Closed Closed Closed 12–7PM 12–7PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 19

Reviews 4

Jason Karuza

Summary: Highly overpriced ($15/person) tastings for 5 tiny pours. Malbec and Zinfandel are very smooth and tasty but overpriced. Cute, antique decor and friendly, but stingy, staff. Lots of parking. Value matters, Hamilton Oaks. This isnt Napa. Went here for the first time on a Sunday at 2:30pm with my wife and Mom because my Mom had a Living Social two-for-one deal for tasting at Hamilton Oaks. When we first arrived, we were greeted by an old-West styled view of the parking lot and premises. Lots of dirt, desert plants, a rattlesnake warning sign, metal patio tables and chairs, and old wooden buildings that are historic in their own right. We walked into the first one to the left and experience an antique-filled past with oil lamps, real iron-made clothes irons, and a smell of decades gone. Pretty neat. Behind both buildings is a beautiful green lawn with some lines of lights hanging across it. It must be used for events like weddings and social gatherings. I imagine it would be lovely at night. We then made our way inside to the main building and tasting room. Inside, the rustic theme continued. This was an old building and there were articles on the wall and lots of antique items in view to help lock in the early 1900s feeling. When you first enter, there is a desk where a receptionist usually sits, but there was none when we came in. So we walked around and saw the sights while a woman behind the tasting counter engaged a patron that was having a tasting. We werent greeted or acknowledged, even though were milling around right in front of the bar, until we finally approached the bar itself. Then out came two other women from the kitchen to the left of the tasting bar and we were greeted. We presented our coupon and paid $15 for a third tasting. Each tasting granted five tastes of their dozen or so wines. We made our first picks and they were poured using bottles with the 1oz regulated stoppers. Just a single pour until stopped; nothing more. $3. We took our glasses outside to one of the patio tables to sit and enjoy the overcast afternoon while waiting for my Moms friends to join us for a tasting, too. The sparkling wine was nice and light, had some sweetness and some fruit to it. The Malbec was super smooth and had a good amount of flavor. Very well crafted. After a few sips, all was gone, so we went back in for our second round. The same pours transpired. 1oz; $3. Done. And we returned back outside. Soon my Moms friends arrived and we conversed and had a good time while they got their tastes and we periodically went back in to get our remaining rounds. When it was time for my wife and I to try the port, our glasses were taken and two little boot-shaped shot glasses were placed on the bar and the tiniest of pours were given (they didnt match each other, either), and two thimble sized paper cups with chocolate truffle were provided to pair. I brought them outside, showed the rest of my table (all were shocked at how tiny the pours were, definitely less than an ounce), and then we attempted to do a sip, taste, sip combination to observe the pairing, but it was difficult because there was just so little port. And just like that, our tasting was done. The highlights were the Malbec and Zinfandel, which were very smooth and flavorful. The cabs were disappointing, the blends were alright, and the port was un-assessable. I dont know how they can justify $31-$40 a bottle for these wines, and $15 for five very small tastings in this area. My guess is they cant, which is why they are trying to drum up business with Living Social deals. My Mom inquired about the wine club and if they do complimentary tastings for the member plus a guest. It turns out that you have to be married/living together/family to get a complimentary tasting with a member. "You have to live in the same house." I really dont get it. Unfortunately, none of us will be returning.

Stacy Winn

My husband and I have been fans of Hamilton Oaks for many years -- wine club members as well. We were so happy when they opened the tasting room in San Juan Capistrano. We love the location -- the old historic Swanner house. The wines are great and Ron and Connie as wonderful hosts. They have live music on Sundays. Its great to go and enjoy some wonderful wine, listen to some music and enjoy the cool vibe. They are dog friendly too, so we always bring Ozzy with us to enjoy the day!

Melanie Scherzer

Very small pours. 37.00 dollars. Unfriendly hostess. I am a local resident. Will my views with others.

Catherine Shields

Married here, best wedding Ive ever been to