Vino: Local San Diego Wineries

Cravings have stricken all of us at one point or another, and occasionally, their pull is relentless. For the wine drinkers affectionately referred to as “winos,” there is absolutely no substitute for a fantastic glass of wine. Many are falsely under the impression that they have to high tail it up north to Napa to satisfy their insatiable desire for a decent glass of wine from the vine. Save the gas for next week, for San Diego’s very own majestic local wineries will ensure the prevention of any “wining” about the long-distance pursuit of fermented fruit bliss.

Discover these local San Diego wineries for your next glass.

Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo

Established in 1889, Bernardo Winery was conceptualized by five Sicilian partners to create what is now the oldest continually operating winery in Southern California. In addition to antique buildings that house premier San Diego artisans, there are more than 13 Artist Village Shops, a wine tasting room and a restaurant within the gated confines. Live music on the patio takes place every Sunday from March through November, and private tours and tastings are also offered for those who desire a more personal perspective on the winery. Wines produced include Chardonnay, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Pinotage, Port, Sherry and Muscatel. For more information, visit bernardowinery.com.

Eagles Nest Winery in Ramona

With more 20 gold, silver and bronze medals to display, Eagles Nest Winery is San Diego County’s leader in overall wine and port production awards. Located in the scenic Ramona rural valley, Eagles Nest is situated high on a hill to ensure a picturesque view. The winery is family owned and operated by Dennis and Julie Grimes who both hold an extensive educational background in winemaking and viniculture. Its red wine varietals include Merlot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, the Rhone staple Syrah/Shriaz and others. White varietals include the popular Rhone varietal Viognier, and the windery is experimenting with Picpoul Blanc. Scheduled wine pourings, Vintners Association events and community benefit events are also held at the winery. For more information, visit eaglesnestwinery.com.  

Fallbrook Winery in Fallbrook

As San Diego’s largest winery, Fallbrook’s microclimate is ideal for conceiving remarkable, as well as award-winning wines. Nestled between the Pacific Coast and Pala Mesa Mountains, it makes its home on an impressive 36 acres and is one of the leaders in the South Coast wine region.  The recent planting of 12 acres of Merlot, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc and Syrah promotes lethal levels of salivation. Tastings and tours of the vineyard and aging cellars are available by appointment. With 36 acres to cover, plan to spend a hefty chunk of your day in exploration mode. For more information, visit fallbrookwinery.com.

Hacienda de las Rosas in Old Town

With so many wineries to choose from, ambience can be the difference between determent and captivation. Hacienda de las Rosas’ costumes and products reflect the traditions of the late 1800s San Diego. The obvious recognition for an intriguing setting benefits visitors by breaking the typical mundane winery mold and enhances the experience. The knowledge of an on-site wine expert, who can be found at the custom-carved wine bar, is at the disposal of your inquiries. If savoring in solitude is more your pace, its garden room can accommodate you. To add to the enticement, visitors leave with a keepsake Old Town wine glass. For more information, visit haciendawinery.com.

Orfila Vineyard and Winery in Escondido and Julian

Since opening its doors in 1994, Orfila Vineyards has been awarded more than 1,300 medals in major national and international competitions. The winery is just a hop, skip and a jump away from downtown on the way to the Wild Animal Park. Barter your $10 for six tastings while enjoying a picturesque view of the San Pasqual Valley on a 10,000-acre agricultural preserve. Its annual Grape Stomp is held every August at their Escondido location, and a Merlot Futures Party in celebration of the release of the Ambassadors Reserve Merlot and Syrah which takes place in November. Its selection of red, white, Rose, Merlot and Syrah Futures and Sparkling wine is impressively extensive.

For more information, visit orfila.com.

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