San Diego County is known for its world-famous beaches, stunning landscapes, and amazing weather. But did you know that it is also home to some of the best wineries in the country?
If you’re looking for a fun day out with your friends or loved ones, why not head to one of San Diego County’s many wineries? There’s something for everyone here, from small family-owned operations to large commercial wineries. We’ll look at some of the best wineries in San Diego County and tell you a little bit about what makes them special. So put on your wine country finest and let’s get started!
History of Wine in San Diego
San Diego County has a long and rich history of winemaking. The San Diego Mission’s lands, as the favorable climate and soil conditions permitted the vines to flourish, are now home to a rich history of viticulture and viniculture dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
The region’s climate is ideal for growing a wide variety of grape varietals, and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean helps to moderate temperatures. Today, there are more than 115 wineries in San Diego County, producing everything from sparkling wines to robust reds.
How to choose which winery to visit?
There are many things to consider when choosing a winery to visit in San Diego County. The most important factors are the type of wine to taste and your budget. If you’re looking for a great Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, we suggest heading to a larger winery. If you’re on a tighter budget, there are plenty of smaller wineries that offer tastings for as little as $15 per person. Just be sure to call ahead and make reservations, especially during peak tourist season.
Our List of Top Wineries:
Altipiano Vineyard and Winery
Address: 20365 Camino Del Aguilla, Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: 619-857-7242
Hours: 12:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. (Friday -Sunday)
Website: www.altipianovineyard.com
Tasting Fees: $50/person for private wine tastings
Altipiano is a family-owned and managed artesian boutique vineyard and winery located high above the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido’s Highland Valley Wine Country, surrounded by Denise & Peter’s Tuscan Villa with a Tasting Room, Winemaker’s Library, Barrel Room, and Winery production facility.
The main building, a beautiful Tuscan-inspired mansion that invites guests to sit, sip and enjoy the magnificent, compelling scenery and a focus on Italian varietals, is complemented by shaded, inviting patios; umbrella-covered tables; fountains; and terraced gardens.
The behind it all is the winemaker and Co-Owner, Denise Clarke, who is an international award-winner! She focuses on Italian varietals that include the Estate Brunello, Barbera, Primitivo, Super Tuscan, and more.
Your adventure begins the minute you walk through the Villa patio and are seated at the point table with a view of the vineyard.
Expect to be thoroughly pleased with a tasting of five excellent vintages, followed by a re-tasting of two favorites.
Upon leaving the winery, you will be gifted an organza-wrapped Austrian Reidel 19 oz wine glass as a token of appreciation.
Cordiana
Address: 15732 Highland Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: 760-469-9463
Email: reservations@cordianowinery.com
Hours: 12:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. (Wednesday – Thursday, Sunday), 12:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. (Friday – Saturday)
Website: www.cordianowinery.com
Tasting Fees: $20/person for 5 wines
Cordiano Winery in Escondido is family-owned and -operated, with a focus on Old World varietals. The winery is in the heart of San Diego County’s wine country, and their tasting room offers stunning views of the vineyards.
Cordiano Winery was created by Gerardo and Rosamaria Cordiano who first started a pizzeria called Dante’s Pizza, growing to 35 locations. Once they both moved to San Diego in 1990, they were convinced to stay. Upon selling the pizza restaurants, they opened their lifelong dream winery. The menu has an extensive list of pizzas and pasta to choose from given their Italian descent.
Reservations are recommended ahead of time with a maximum group of 20 and with a two-hour table limit. If you have any groups over 20, they require you to call ahead of time.
This spot is pet friendly if your dog is always on a leash. Children are welcome but must always remain at the table.
Wines by the bottle are priced fairly between $28 to $40 per bottle.
Be sure to save room for homemade dessert items such as Tiramisu or Cannoli.
Bernardo Winery
Address: 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, CA 92128
Phone: 858-487-1866
Hours: 11:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. (Wednesday – Saturday), 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. (Sunday)
Website: www.bernardowinery.com
Tasting Fees: $20/person for 3 wines
Bernardo Winery is a California winery that was established in 1889 on property that once belonged to a Spanish land grant. Over the years, it has evolved into not only a highly productive San Diego winery but also a destination for wine enthusiasts and tourist groups alike.
Bernardo Winery is the oldest winery in San Diego County and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. They offer a variety of wine tastings, as well as food options. Enjoy the wine flights for $20 to sample a unique offering and take it back to your table.
Bernardo Winery is located on San Diego’s North County coast and produces wines from grapes grown in the region, such as Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Viognier, Chardonnay, and Sangiovese.
A traditional winemaking facility with a century-old building that was formerly a tractor barn has been converted into a modern winemaking facility on the north side of the property.
Brunch is offered on Sundays from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., including a bottom-less mimosas deal for $22 with a purchased entrée.
Reservations are required for both the tasting room and the restaurant.
Pets are not allowed on the winery grounds unless they are a service animal.
We love the ambiance here! Be sure to listen to the live music while strolling through the courtyard surrounded by cute village shops located throughout.
San Pasqual Winery Seaport Village
Address: 805 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-544-9463
Email: info@sanpasqualwinery.com
Hours: 11:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. (Sunday – Thursday), 11:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. (Friday – Saturday)
Website: www.sanpasqualwinery.com
Tasting Fees: $5 for 2 pours, $12 for 5 pours
San Pasqual has three locations: La Mesa, Seaport Village, and La Mesa Wine Works and Winery in the industrial area of La Mesa. Producing small lot, handcrafted wines, they are best known for their award-winning Syrahs, but they also have a variety of other red and white wines to choose from. Be sure to check out their tasting room, which is in an old train depot!
Beach House Winery
Address: 1534 Sleeping Indian Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Phone: 760-732-3236
Email: info@beachhousewinery.com
Hours: 12:00 P.M – 4:00 P.M. (Saturday – Sunday), Other days by appointment
Website: www.beachhousewinery.com
Tasting Fees: $15/person for 6 wines
Beach House Winery is an award-winning winery, with all our wines produced directly at the winery. Located on the ridgeline of the “Sleeping Indian” in Oceanside, California, offering sweeping ocean views and panoramic views of San Diego County. This is the first vineyard, “Vigna al Mare, “otherwise known as, Vineyard at the Sea, established in a beautiful seaside community.
George and Kim Murray have had a passion for winemaking since 1998 and decided to establish Beach House Winery in 2010. With over 30 years of winemaking experience, they have created an inviting and relaxing atmosphere serving up the highest quality hand-crafted wines to enjoy with friends and family.
Conclusion for the Best Wineries in San Diego County
The best wineries in San Diego County are truly a sight to behold. With their stunning architecture and breathtaking landscapes, these wineries offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. So, if you’re looking for a wine-tasting adventure that will leave you feeling enchanted, be sure to visit one of San Diego’s top wineries!
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