Hayward’s wine scene is primarily found in the rural Palomares Canyon, a scenic area that bridges Hayward and Castro Valley. While these wineries have Castro Valley mailing addresses, they are the local "Hayward hills" wineries where residents go for a rustic, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Since it is January 2026, many of these wineries are hosting "Winter in the Canyon" events, often featuring barrel tastings and mulled wine.

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🍷 Primary Wineries in the Hayward Hills

Westover Winery & Palomares Vineyard

A hidden gem specializing in a massive variety of wines, most notably their award-winning Ports and dessert wines.

• The Vibe: Extremely casual and unpretentious. The tasting room is housed in a Mediterranean-style villa with a creek-side picnic area and a waterfall. It is a favorite for those who want to avoid the "commercial" feel of Napa.

• Specialties: They produce over 50 different wines, including rare Port varieties, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Hours: Weekends 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

• Website: westoverwinery.com

Chouinard Vineyards & Winery

Established in 1977, Chouinard is a family-run operation known for its beautiful terraced vineyards and historic schoolhouse-turned-tasting room.

• The Vibe: Rustic and historic. The winery is set in a redwood barn, and the grounds are perfect for a quiet afternoon picnic under the trees.

• What to Order: They are well-regarded for their Zinfandel, Chenin Blanc, and sparkling wines. In the spring, the winemaker often gives demonstrations on "knapping" arrowheads found on the property.

• Hours: Weekends 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

• Website: chouinard.com

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🍇 Nearby Urban Wineries (15–20 Mins Away)

Because Hayward’s downtown is more focused on craft beer (like The Bistro), many locals head to the "Urban Wine Trails" in nearby Alameda and Oakland.

• Urban Legend Cellars (Alameda):

  • The Vibe: Located in "Spirits Alley" on the old Naval Base. It offers a sleek, modern industrial tasting room with views of the San Francisco skyline.

  • Website: ulcellars.com

• Brooklyn West Winery (Oakland):

  • The Vibe: An urban winery in Jack London Square housed in a vintage warehouse. They source grapes from all over California to create small-batch blends.

  • Website: brooklynwestwinery.com

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🗺️ Nearby Wine Regions

If you are looking for a full day of estate hopping, Hayward is the "gateway" to the Livermore Valley Wine Country, located just 20 minutes east via Hwy 84.

• Wente Vineyards: The oldest continuously operated family-owned winery in the country.

  • wentevineyards.com

• Concannon Vineyard: Famous for being the home of America’s first Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • concannonvineyard.com

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💡 Local Tip for January 2026

If you are visiting Palomares Canyon this month, be aware that the road is winding and can be narrow; after winter rains, check for local road advisories on the Alameda County Public Works website .

Would you like me to find out if Westover Winery has any specific Port-tasting events this weekend, or would you prefer a list of wine bars in Downtown Hayward?