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, the rolling hills of Ramona, and the growing wine region of East County, while others share their award-winning artisanal wines and blends in urban spaces throughout the county. Alongside these exceptional wineries, Oceanside distilleries, wine bars and cocktail lounges are also making a splash, crafting signature spirits for your sipping pleasure.
DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
Quigley Fine Wines
1551 Fourth Ave, Suite 101, San Diego • (619) 795-7043 52 map on page 73
Savor international wines and West Coast vintages at this family-owned artisanal wine importer in downtown San Diego. The venue at the corner of Fourth and Cedar features a gorgeous giant teak tasting bar and knowledgeable servers inviting patrons to saunter up and sample. By-the-glass, flights, or bottle options are paired with an exceptional menu of boutique wines from France, Spain, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand — all carried exclusively through Quigley — as well as wines crafted by top California and Oregon winemakers. Open 4-8 p.m. Wed.-Sat. and steps from restaurants and nightclubs, Quigley is a prime spot to enjoy a drink after work, to start the night out, before a Padres game, or before or after dinner. Live music is offered on most Friday evenings. Membership in Quigley’s Wine Club includes private tours with various overseas wineries, access to first offering of special wines, a free glass or classic tasting and a Venissimo Cheese plate upon wine club pickup at the tasting room, invitations to exclusive events, shipments to your home, and other perks. Drop by this welcoming gathering place, discover your new favorite wine, and raise a glass to a memorable time. Also order online at quigleyfinewines.com and join the wine club at quigleyfinewines.com/wine-club/ [Coupon on page 69]
EAST COUNTY
Granite Lion Cellars
2801 Jamul Highlands Rd., Jamul • (619) 669-2982 21 map on page 74
Uncork and unwind while sipping award-winning wines produced right on the premises at this picturesque East County vineyard, where patrons “come for the wine, (and) stay for the experience.” The expansive estate winery — part of a growing wine region along scenic Highway 94 — features an enchanting oak grove serving as both the backdrop of a stunning new tasting room location, and a wow-worthy waterfall leading to a shady picnic area. The grove is nestled in 10 acres of French and Italian red and white varieties, providing plentiful choices for every palate. Tastings from the Weekly Wine Menu are available 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, and bottles are available for purchase in person or online. Wine club members enjoy exclusive promotions, events, and discounts. Savor gourmet bites from food trucks on select days. granitelioncellars.com [Coupon on page 69]
ESCONDIDO
Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum
29013 Champagne Blvd., Escondido • (760) 749-1666 34 map on page 72
Tour this wine and car lover’s dream, blending fine wine with classic automobiles in San Diego’s North County. Vintage vehicle buffs can check out the world’s largest collection of American convertibles (spread across three separate buildings), Coca-Cola memorabilia, early household appliances, and other blasts from the past. At the tasting room, visitors can sample an impressive selection of reds and whites — all with antique autos adorning the label.
A glass, flight or bottle of Deer Park estate wine may be enjoyed in the tasting room, outside on the covered patio or on picnic grounds. Wines grown on the property include Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Chardonnay, California Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot Port (judged the best in San Diego), Peach Mead, Rose, and select blends. Check out the gift shop and deli, stocked with goodies perfect for pairing with Deer Park wines. Open at 10 a.m. Thursdays-Sundays. deerparkwine.com [Coupon on page 69]
OCEANSIDE
Frankie’s 406 Pier View Way, Oceanside • (442) 266-2270 2 map on page 40
Stir up your evening or grab a nightcap at Frankie’s, the swanky new cocktail lounge in downtown Oceanside. A mellow haven with a distinguished interior, the Pier View Way venue offers select high-end drinks at 4 p.m. Mon.-Thurs with a 1 p.m. start Fri.-Sun. Slide into a padded booth, relax at the long bar, or watch the world go by while sipping on the patio. Enjoy classic cocktails such as martinis or whiskey sours, or try traditions with a twist, such as the light and refreshing “Afterglow” — a Negroni riff with equal parts Madre Mezcal, Bordiga Rosso, and blood orange and white peppercorn infused Sirene Americano Rosso. Masterful mixologists can also whip up just about any custom order. Domestic and draft beers round out the mood-elevating menu. On Sundays, live music adds to the easy vibe. frankiesoceanside.com
The Privateer Marketplace & Wine Bar
1704 S. Coast Hwy., Oceanside • (760) 453-2254
The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza
1706 S. Coast Hwy., Oceanside • (760) 453-2500 10 map on page 72
Taste the difference at this South “O” hot spot, firing up phenomenal Neapolitan-style pizzas in its 100 percent coal fire oven. An early star of South Oceanside’s now shining culinary scene, the restaurant is also known for fresh and locally sourced ingredients used in its gourmet appetizers, salads, soups and specialty dishes. Savor starters such as Mahi Mahi Taquitos or Grilled Octopus or skip right to palate-pleasing pastas such as Baked Ziti, and Shrimp Linguini; also try the new Chicken Gnocchi or lean into a juicy sky-high burger. Draft beers and one of the largest selections of wines in North County round out the imaginative menu. For a change of pace, check out The Privateer Marketplace & Wine Bar — right next door. Wine tastings and wine-paired dinners, an expansive retail shop, as well as the entire menu from The Privateer restaurant are offered. Sit back, relax, drink and socialize in this cool South “O” addition. Indoor/outdoor seating available at both venues. Open at 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays-Sundays for lunch and dinner. Closed Mondays. Visit privateer-marketplace.com and theprivateercoalfirepizza.com
OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO
Rose’s Tasting Room
2754 Calhoun St., (Inside Fiesta de Reyes near the Juan St. entrance)
San Diego (619) 293-7673 27 map on page 73
Please your palate sampling local wines and microbrews at Rose’s Tasting Room, a warm and inviting family-owned shop in Old Town San Diego’s Fiesta de Reyes plaza. Wine and beer selections from San Diego County producers rotate monthly and keep happy customers coming back. Tastes, flights and bottles of red, white and rosé wines, as well as draft local craft beers, are available, not to mention an extensive offering of unique gifts and food items. Happy Hour runs from 3-5 p.m. daily (weekends too!) and includes $1 off a glass of wine and $1 off a pint of beer. Open daily. rosestastingroom.com
TEMECULA
Avensole Winery
34567 Rancho California Rd., Temecula • (951) 252-2003
18 map on page 74
Sample New World California-style wines with a focus on Zinfandel at this enchanting hilltop vineyard estate producing some of Temecula’s finest grapes. From its perch on the Ranch California Road ridgeline, the winery crafts proprietary blends and grows exceptional varietals such as Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat Canelli, Old Wine Zinfandel, “Heritage” Zinfandel and Old Wine Cabernet Sauvignon. Any of these award winners can be experienced and/or paired with light bites in the tasting room, or with farm fresh cuisine at Avensole’s lovely restaurant. The property itself is a sight to behold. Take in the gently rolling hills blanketed with vineyard rows, plus landscaped grounds, with a koi pond, rose garden and manicured ceremony lawn, the perfect backdrop for weddings and other special events. The tasting room is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; enjoy live music on weekends. avensolewinery.com [Coupon on page 69]
Cougar Vineyard & Winery
39870 De Portola Rd., Temecula • (951) 491-0825 10 map on page 74
Make tracks to Cougar Vineyard & Winery, specializing in 100 percent estategrown Italian varietals paired with some of the most picturesque views of Temecula Valley. Cougar sits atop a hill overlooking the vineyards, scenic horse farms and the beautiful mountains that surround the De Portola Wine Trail. The vineyard not only grows its own grapes and olive trees, but also produces and bottles all its award-winning wines and pure house-made olive oil on site. The 10-acre property features a popular tasting room, a large barrel room for events and Sangio’s Deli to order pizzas, charcuterie, hot or cold sandwiches, salads and more from. Besides a large tasting room, Cougar is known for the serene outdoor seating and their famous Adirondack chairs that face the vineyard view. Loyal wine club members and first time visitors can reserve their preference of seating on the website, to relax and enjoy their favorite wines, a sparkling sangria or even a glass of beer with lunch or dinner from the deli. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Please check Cougar’s website for current events, hours of operation and to make your reservation today. cougarwinery.com [Coupon on page 69]
De Portola Wine Trail
DePortola Road., Temecula • (855) 398-9463 10 map on page 74
This five-mile stretch of wineries along 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 European-inspired architecture and lush vineyards of these 10 neighboring wineries, create the perfect country setting for wine tasting with friends, hosting a private event or planning the wedding of your dreams. Award-winning wines, culinary creations and welcoming owners and staff, give this wine lover’s destination its one-of-a-kind vibe. 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
Fazeli Cellars
37320 De Portola Rd., Temecula • (951) 303-3366 10 map on page 74
Behold bold reds, light whites and sweet rosés at this picturesque venue, where “Roots Run Deep.” Modern Moorish architecture and the Shiraz grape as the benchmark varietal combine to honor the Persian ancestry of welcoming owner BJ Fazeli. Dining is enjoyed in a luxurious alfresco setting from a second-floor covered patio overlooking Temecula’s panoramic valley. Savor everything from salads to flatbread from Baba Joon’s Kitchen – the winery’s A-rated Persian-Mediterranean inspired lunch destination. Patrons may also purchase wine flights, a glass or bottle along with their meal. With more than 20 varietals of boutique wines on the menu paired with breathtaking views, the Fazeli experience awes on every level. Weddings and other private events are also unforgettable here. The winery’s own wedding coordinator and executive chef can create an extraordinary custom experience for guests. Open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. fazelicellars.com
Vindemia Vineyard & Winery
33133 Vista Del Monte Road, Temecula • (951) 760-9334
45 map on page 74
Sample bold handcrafted reds and crisp whites at this family-owned winery overlooking the Temecula countryside. Warm and inviting, the intimate venue prides itself on its excellent wine selection, knowledgeable staff and personal touch. Sip by the glass or enjoy pours at the outdoor tasting bar, located in a private rose garden, or on the sunny terrace below. (Outside picnic fare is welcomed!) Become a Wine Club member and enjoy access to limited production estate wines, wine discounts, complimentary tastings and — in a nod to the one of the owners, who is also a hot-air balloon pilot — savings on a California Dreamin’ balloon excursion. The perfect place to take a date or friends for an afternoon, Vindemia also welcomes four-legged friends to its peaceful property. Stop by this hidden gem anytime from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. vindemia.com [Coupon on page 69]
Wiens Family Cellars
35055 Via Del Ponte, Temecula • (951) 694-9892 16 map on page 74
Journey through the rolling hills of Temecula Valley to Wiens Family Cellars. This family-run estate winery proudly produces premium big reds, crisp whites, refreshing rosés, and show-stopping Amour De L’Orange, a savory sparkler with a citrus twist. With an array of varietals to choose from including Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon to Syrah, you’re sure to find your next favorite. Tastings are $25, which includes six tastes plus an elegant souvenir glass. Become a wine club member and enjoy complimentary wine tasting, regular discounts and club events. Also, pair their wine with a fabulous pizza truck every Friday-Sunday. Wiens is open for your tasting pleasure 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. wienscellars.com. [Coupon on page 69]
