Historic San Antonio Winery celebrates 100th anniversary in Los Angeles

LINCOLN HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Perhaps it's a sight many wouldn't expect near downtown Los Angeles, but a winery in Lincoln Heights is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The San Antonio Winery has been a landmark in Lincoln Heights since 1917, and after four generations, it appears to be stronger than ever.

"Let's say I started at 2 years old. So I've been doing this for 66 years," Santo Riboli, president of the San Antonio Winery said with a laugh.

While 66 years sounds like a long time, Santo Riboli's mother and father have him beat. Even though they're in their mid-90s, they're still active participants at the winery.

"They've been working here together for over 70 years," Santo Riboli said.

And now the fourth generation, Anthony Riboli, heads the wine making operations at San Antonio Winery.

"My grandparents, they worked hard. There are those days when you're tired and your knee hurts and it's like no, no, no. These people were working 12 hours a day all the time. Let's keep it going," Anthony Riboli said.

Making it to the 100 year point has not been easy for the San Antonio Winery. There were 90 wineries in Los Angeles back in 1917.

Shortly after prohibition ended though, San Antonio Winery was the only one left standing.

The perseverance has paid off, as San Antonio Winery now has tasting rooms in Paso Robles and Ontario. Their wine is also sold worldwide.

The secret to good grapes is the roots, and that's something the Ribolis never forget.

"My mother, great visionary, always said, 'Never leave Los Angeles,'" Santo Riboli said.