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 wineries are located off Interstate 15, approximately a 45-minute to an hour’s drive north of downtown San Diego, yet seemingly a world away. Some vineyards stand atop hills and provide sweeping views of the valley, while others are set off winding dirt roads. San Diego’s wineries are one of the area’s best-kept secrets.
Following is just a tasting of some of the region’s popular wineries:
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. The tasting room is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, and the Winery Village Shops are open from 10:00 a.m. 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 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Tours are conducted at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. 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 through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. 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 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 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily; a picnic area and newly enlarged winery gift shop are also featured.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.
San Diego Wine & Culinary Center
If you would rather enjoy your wine tasting adventure in a downtown San Diego location, visit the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center on Harbor Drive for incredible wine and food discovery.
