Discover Southern California Vintages at San
Diego's Wineries
San Diego's North County is among the finest varietal grape-growing regions in the western United States. The region boasts a variety of vineyards, from larger wineries that feature guided tours and full gift shops to small family-run places, where visitors can elbow up to the oak bar to taste a fume blanc and petite sirah, and get a "tour" by simply turning around and glancing at huge tanks, vats and machinery just behind them.
Right in San Diego's Backyard
Most San Diego wineries are located off Interstate 15, approximately a 45-minute to an hour's drive north of downtown San Diego. Be transported to a seemingly different world as you cross through mountain canyons in San Diego's northeast mountain valleys. When you start to spot vineyards atop hillsides and off winding dirt roads, you'll find the vines that are the region's best-kept secrets?
Just a tasting of some of the region's popular
wineries:
Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards
Located in Temecula, Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards is very much a family business. Known for their Almond Champagne, they produce a wide range of wines from grapes grown on location. Their tasting room is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 p.m and tours are also available. To round out your visit, there are picnic grounds and al fresco dining among the vineyards at their Creekside Grille restaurant. The tasting fee is $15 per person on weekdays and $20 per person on weekends and holidays. Wine Club members can taste for free and bring three guests.
South Coast Winery
Nurtured by the Temecula Valley's rich soil and meticulously tended by world class winemakers, South Coast Winery's vineyards produce many of the finest grapes in the region. A two-time winner of the prestigious Golden State Winery of the Year Award from the California State Fair, South Coast Winery has won over 1,600 awards. From Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Syrah to Cabs, reds and rosés, our fine wines will bring your dining experience to new heights or add the perfect touch to a party. The total California Wine Country experience including award-winning wines and gourmet dining awaits you at South Coast Winery.
Bernardo Winery
Located at 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte in Rancho Bernardo, the winery features its own olive oil and homemade pasta, and sells a variety of items in its Winery Village Shops to accompany its popular red and white wines. Tastings are $10 for 5 tastes from their Wine Tasting List. The tasting room is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday-Friday and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday-Sunday, and the Winery Village Shops are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday. Independent tours are open to the public daily, and picnic grounds are also available.
Falkner Winery
Located on Calle Contento Road in nearby Temecula the winery offers spectacular views of Temecula Valley. Falkner Winery produces premium wines with outstanding varietal character from grapes grown on the estate, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Sangiovese and proprietary wines, such as the "Rosato." Wine tasting is available from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Tours are conducted at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM every weekend; the cost is $10 per person.
Fallbrook Winery
Located on Via Rancheros Road in the town of Fallbrook, the winery produces premium wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot. Tours of the vineyard and aging cellars are available by appointment only - feel free to contact the winery Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM to schedule a tour. Weekday wine tours are possible Wednesday through Friday for $7 per person. Evening, weekend and holiday tours are also available for parties of 12 or larger at $15 per person.
Orfila Winery
Orfila is an ultra-premium boutique winery located in the San Pasqual Valley's pristine agricultural preserve at 13455 San Pasqual Road near the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido. Tours are available every day at 12 noon and tastings are offered from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily; a picnic area and newly enlarged winery gift shop are also featured.
Altipiano Vineyard and Winery
Located above the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with beautiful views of the San Pasqual Valley, Altipiano is a relatively newcomer to San Diego's winery scene. A simple private estate, the owners are involved in every aspect of the process. The tasting room is open Sat - Sun 11AM to 5PM and tours can be arranged in advance during the week.
Explore San Diego's Wineries on a Guided Tour
San Diego Wine and Beer Tours
San Diego Beer and Wine Tours takes you on a tasty adventure to San Diego's premier wineries. They'll pick you up from your home or hotel and take you on a relaxing and entertaining ride to delightful family run wineries. There, as you bask in the beauty of this temperate region, you'll taste superb local wines paired with gourmet farm-to-table favorites. Enjoy San Diego's rich history and viticulture, spectacular vineyard views, and wine tasting appreciation presentations on these tasty adventures to the San Diego Wine Country.
Destination Temecula
Don't want the hassle of driving while tasting? Destination Temecula assists visitors in planning wine tasting trips to San Diego's North County, including transportation to and from the winery region from any Southern California starting point. Knowledgeable staff shares their unique local perspective about the history and distinct sights found throughout the area, and guides visitors through expansive equestrian ranches, impressive estates, fragrant citrus orchards, acres of vineyards and, of course, to premium wineries for wine tasting.
