Swirl and sip handcrafted reds, whites and rosés from the countryside to San Diego’s urban core. Passionate winemakers welcome guests to their inviting tasting rooms and vineyards in beautiful Temecula Valley and rolling hills of Ramona, while others share their award-winning artisanal wines and blends in urban spaces throughout the county.
CARLSBAD: Paon Wine Bar & Bistro and Paon Restaurant 2975 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad • (760) 729-7377 • 29 map on page 64
As the premier upscale restaurant in North County celebrating ten years in business, Paon has become the “place to go” in Carlsbad Village for special occasions, polished corporate events or simply to indulge in an outstanding meal. Superb California cuisine with French influences and a seasonal selection of locally-grown, organic produce alongside exclusively prime meats, game or fish, all pair perfectly with the world-class wine list Paon is known for. In addition to the elegant, art deco dining room and cocktail lounge, Paon Wine Bar & Bistro (adjacent to restaurant) serves a slightly lighter menu with wine tastings, more extensive wines by the glass and live piano music some evenings.
Paon’s Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, Open Table’s Diners’ Choice Award, Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence and the loyalty of fine dining enthusiasts, are all great reasons to dine or plan your special event (with choice of private event spaces) at Paon. Restaurant hours are Mon. & Tues. 4pm-close, Wed. - Sun. 11:30am-close. Paon Wine Bar & Bistro is open 4pm-close Mon.-Thur., 3pm-close Fri. and 1pmclose Sat. & Sun. paoncarlsbad.com
RAMONA: Milagro Winery
18750 Littlepage Road, Ramona • (760) 787-0738 • 37 map on page 66
Spend an afternoon at this panoramic 110-acre Ramona winery, bottling estategrown Bordeaux and Italian varietals in an intimate, enchanting setting. Rolling hills and stunning sunsets provide a spectacular backdrop for weddings, private parties and other special events. On weekends, enjoy sampling and learning about different wines in the modern and rustic tasting room. Live music is also offered (see Milagro’s Events Calendar online). Stroll the vineyard, home to an organic farm and fruit and nut orchard, and picnic on Milagro’s patio while taking in sweeping vistas of the Ramona Valley. Open 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. milagrowinery.com [Coupon on page 59]
SAN DIEGO: Koi Zen Cellars 12225 World Trade Dr., Ste. P, San Diego • (858) 381-CORK (2675) 42 map on page 64
Gather with friends and neighbors at this pretty, polished winery tucked away in a Carmel Mountain Ranch business park. At Koi Zen Cellars, high-quality grapes sourced from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Lodi and Lake County are crushed, fermented, barreled and aged onsite. Sip and savor Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malbec and more by the glass, flight or bottle along with live music on weekends. Also toast to the venue’s cool painting and craft classes, community fundraisers and popular wine clubs. koizencellars.com
The Cork & Craft
16990 Via Tazon, San Diego • (858) 618-2463 • 19 map on page 64
The Cork & Craft, at Abnormal Company is San Diego’s only restaurant, winery and brewery in one. The Rancho Bernardo venue boasts 41 taps and an extensive wine list, inviting guests to sample some of the best beer and wine from around the world. Food is focused on serving refined plates in a casual environment. The Cork & Craft offers options from small and intimate dinners in its library, social receptions with drinks and appetizers on a semi-private patio, to fully customized multiple coursed beer and wine pairing dinners in the beautifully appointed dining room. Offering lunch, dinner, Sunday Brunch and Happy Hour. Closed Mondays. thecorkandcraft.com
TEMECULA: Callaway Vineyard & Winery 32720 Rancho California Rd., Temecula • (951) 676-4001 45 map on page 66
517 4th Ave., Ste. 101, San Diego • (619) 478-0899 55 map on page 65
Experience exceptional wine and farm-to-table cuisine paired with stunning views at this award-winning hilltop winery in Temecula. Established in 1969, Callaway is well-known and for good reason: It offers a premium wine selection and a tasting room teeming with happy patrons. Steps away, guests may enjoy fine dining at Meritage while gazing onto expansive vineyards. Walking tours of the lush and beautiful estate are offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Naturally, Callaway makes for the perfect backdrop for weddings and special occasions, and the winery considers it a pleasure to help you create precious memories. Also enjoy a taste of Temecula at Callaway’s San Diego Gaslamp Quarter location! Sample a flight or glass or buy a bottle to take home. callawaywinery.com [Coupon on page 59]
Cougar Vineyard & Winery 39870 De Portola Rd., Temecula • (951) 491-0825 10 map on page 66
Make tracks to Cougar Vineyard & Winery, specializing in 100 percent estategrown Italian varietals paired with picturesque views of Temecula Valley. Cougar not only grows its own grapes, but also produces and bottles its award-winning wines on site. The 17-acre property on the De Portola Wine Trail features a popular tasting room, barrel room, gift shop and live music Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. Order fresh salads, sandwiches, hot paninis and pizzas from Sangio’s Deli, kick back on the sunny patio, and raise a glass to a memorable day among the vines. cougarvineyards.com [Coupon on page 59]
De Portola Wine Trail DePortola Rd., Temecula • (855) 398-9463 10 map on page 66
This five-mile stretch of wineries on De Portola Road hosts some of the most scenic views in Temecula, named one of the “Top Ten Wine Travel Destinations of 2019” by Wine Enthusiast. Rich in history, the trail passes through Valle de los Caballos, which translates to The Valley of the Horses; an area surrounded by tranquil horse farms with charming white fences, scattered throughout the rolling hills of this picturesque destination. The elegant but welcoming architecture and lush vineyards of these ten neighboring wineries, create the perfect country setting for wine tasting with friends, hosting a corporate event or planning the wedding of your dreams. The De Portola Wine Trail association of wineries welcomes you: Cougar Vineyard & Winery, Danza del Sol Winery, Fazeli Cellars, Frangipani Estate Winery, Gershon Bachus Vintners, Leoness Cellars, Masia de la Vinya Winery, Oak Mountain Winery, Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery and Somerset Vineyard & Winery. To learn about upcoming events and individual winery information visit DePortolaWineTrail.com