Swirl and sip handcrafted reds, whites and rosés from the countryside to San Diego’s urban core. Passionate winemakers welcome guests to their inviting wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms, while others share their award-winning artisanal wines and blends in urban spaces throughout the county. Alongside these exceptional wineries, wine bars, cocktail lounges and taprooms, craft signature spirits and beers for your sipping pleasure.
DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
Quigley Fine Wines
1551 Fourth Ave., Ste. 101, San Diego • (619) 795-7043
52 map on page 77
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 4-9 p.m. Tues.-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 expand your palate by joining the wine club at quigleyfinewines.com/pages/wine-club [Coupon on page 71]
Prohibition
548 Fifth Ave., San Diego • (619) 501-1919
55 map on page 77
Love glamour and Gatsby? Sneak over to the Gaslamp’s most exclusive speakeasy, Prohibition, for an evening of immersion into the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald and beyond. Located behind a covert entrance in downtown San Diego on 5th Avenue (ask Eddie O’Hare, Esquire for directions), this intimate 1920s-themed nightclub is the perfect escape. Featuring a wide array of delicious craft cocktails including the Kentucky Tippler, the Hotel Nacional, and the Elijah Craig 18 Year Bourbon Old Fashioned, each crafted with artistic execution, Prohibition features live jazz and blues music and an excuse to pull on the 1920s attire to kick off the weekend. Street clothes are acceptable Sunday through Thursday, but dress code is requested Fridays and Saturdays. Prohibition is open 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Monday through Sunday and can be found in the San Diego Gaslamp and online at prohibitionsd.com
ESCONDIDO
Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum
29013 Champagne Blvd., Escondido • (760) 749-1666
34 map on page 76
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, Cabernet, Syrah, Chardonnay, California Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot Dessert Wine (judged the best in San Diego), Peach Mead, Rosé, 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-Mondays. deerparkwine.com [Coupon on page 71]
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 77
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. 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. New outdoor seating to enjoy the San Diego weather. rosestastingroom.com
RAMONA
Ramona Valley Vineyards Association
1444 Main St., #251, Ramona 22 map on page 78
Discover award-winning reds, whites and rosés produced in Ramona Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) and Highland Valley, home to 45-plus wineries nestled in the heart of San Diego County. A short drive from Interstate 15 and just east of Poway and Escondido, all are family-owned, cultivating grapes and bottling estate-grown varietals right on the premises. Enjoy the chance to meet the owners and winemakers, and take in sweeping vistas and warm sunshine, while sipping on personal favorites alongside new releases. All wineries feature beautiful tasting venues, and are generally open Friday through Sunday, and offer various vineyard tours, barrel tastings, gourmet lunches, farm-to-table dinners and other unique experiences. In 2023, savor the RVVA’s Summer of Rosé — perfect for warmer days; Cheers to the Valley on July 27, showcasing the area’s top vintages; the Ramona Art & Wine Festival in November; and the region’s winter Ramona Holiday Wine Trail, inviting wine lovers to celebrate the season with special tastings over three weekends in December. Learn more at rvva.org
TEMECULA
Carter Estate Winery and Resort
34450 Rancho California Rd., Temecula • (877) 644-0740
14 map on page 78
Sip, savor and relax at this wine lover’s escape featuring romantic bungalows set among lush Temecula Valley vineyards. Guests enjoy an exclusive collection of fine wines from this sustainable winery, including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir Rosé. All may be sampled during a palate-pleasing sit-down wine-tasting experience so that patrons can discover their favorites. Indulge by the glass, flight or bottle, at the tasting room bar or linger outside at tables next to the vines. Bubbly wine lovers will appreciate Carter’s super sparklers produced from the Méthode Champenoise, a process dating back to the 17th century, yielding bright fruit flavors and aromas. Also be sure to join the Carter Resort & Wine Club for discounts on wine tasting, bottles, merchandise, overnight stays and more. For current hours of operation, visit carterestatewinery.com
Cougar Vineyard & Winery
39870 De Portola Rd., Temecula • (951) 491-0825
10 map on page 78
Make tracks to Cougar Vineyard & Winery, specializing in 100 percent estate-grown 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. With a commitment toward bringing authentic Italian wines to Temecula in mind, they have registered five Italian varietals with the TTB, which means they produce wines you can’t get anywhere else in the United States. Cougar not only grows its own grapes to produce award-winning wines but also produces olive oil from the estate olives 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. Cougar is well-known for its serene outdoor seating and the famous Adirondack chairs that face a spectacular vineyard view. Dog lovers will appreciate the opportunity to bring their furry friends with them to the dog-friendly winery, which even has its own K-9 Wine Club! Cougar also features several wine clubs to choose from with a friendly, knowledgeable staff to help members decide which is right for them. Both members and first time visitors have the opportunity to plan their visit by reserving their choice of seating on the website where they can enjoy their favorite wines, 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 71]
De Portola Wine Trail
DePortola Road., Temecula • (855) 398-9463
10 map on page 78
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 11 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: Altisima Winery, 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 78
Behold bold reds, light whites and sweet and dry 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 events coordinator and executive chef can create an extraordinary custom experience for guests. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily with brunch served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sat. & Sun. fazelicellars.com
Inn at Churon Winery
33233 Rancho California Rd., Temecula • (951) 694-9070
23 map on page 78
Soak in vineyard views, beautiful sunsets, award-winning wines, and/or stay the night at this lovely estate, modeled after a French chateau and perched on a hilltop in Temecula Wine Country. Guests are welcomed into Churon with its Grand Lobby Rotunda and 40-foot high ceiling surrounded by murals. A curved marble staircase descends into the tasting room with its long bar and carved wood wine racks and stately pillars. Enjoy renowned Churon wines from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; and 10 am.-5 p.m. Sun. The venue also presents live music on Saturday afternoons. Savor breakfast and lunch at Cafe Churon, which is open to the public Fri.-Sun. Tying the knot or hosting a party? Churon specializes in intimate outdoor weddings and all other events with exceptional service. Reserve the entire chateau for an unforgettable time. Learn more and/or book a beautiful night stay at innatchuronwinery.com [Coupon on page 71]
Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery
34225 Rancho California Rd., Temecula (951) 676-1711
21 map on page 78
Discover an unforgettable and unique experience at Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery. Located in the heart of Temecula Wine Country, the venue will take you on a journey of wine and culinary delights. Enjoy Maurice Car’rie’s award-winning artisan red wines along with its famous baked brie in a sourdough loaf. Beautiful grounds offer a serene place to sit back, relax, and delight in the delicious array of food and wine offered. The winery offers All Day Happy Hour 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Mondays, late-night Fridays (dates/times posted on ultimatevineyards.com), live music Saturdays and Sundays, and a weekend craft fair. Host your next event in The Barn, the property’s newly renovated event center. As one of the founding wineries and vineyards of Temecula Valley, Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery is dedicated to state-of-the-art, sustainable wine-making. The vineyard was established more than 50 years ago and its Chenin Blanc vines continue to produce healthy grapes for the wine connoisseur. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.; and 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sat. ultimatevineyards.com [Coupon on page 71]
Ponte Family Estate Winery
35053 Rancho California Rd., Temecula • (951) 694-8855
19 map on page 78
Immerse yourself in stunning scenery and the wine-making passion that defines this sustainably farmed family estate vineyard, one of the oldest and largest in Temecula Wine Country. Most of the vines on the 310-acre expanse produce Cabernet, Merlot, and Chardonnay, along with varieties of Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Moscato. Sip your way through these award winners in the spacious, barn-style tasting room, open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Enhance the experience dining al fresco in a garden setting at the Restaurant at Ponte, open for lunch and dinner; and/or embark upon a behind-the-scenes ranch tour, which includes sampling young wine straight from a tank or cask. Environmentally friendly, the venue recycles corks as well as empty Ponte wine bottles for patrons who receive a $1 voucher on their next purchase. Olive oil is also harvested straight from on-site olive trees (and available for sale). Not ready to set down that glass? Turn your day into a stay at the four-diamond Ponte Vineyard Inn, featuring its underground speakeasy, The Cellar, Temecula wine country’s premier full-service bar and restaurant, an easy stroll from the winery next door. pontewinery.com [Coupon on page 71]
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
34843 Rancho California Rd., Temecula (888) 457-6226
18 map on page 78
Drink in the rolling vineyards and exceptional estate-bottled wines at this stunning venue basking in the Temecula Valley sunshine. Along with its sister resort, Carter Estate Winery and Resort, South Coast is regarded as a premier vintner among both discerning and casual palates. Sip and savor bold reds, bright whites and rosés, and sparkling and sweet wines by the glass or bottle. Also uncork aromatic blends and other pronounced flavors from the winery’s Wild Horse Peak label. Two tasting rooms, including one for Carter Resort & Wine Club Members, feature live music on most weekends. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, the boutique resort sets the gold standard for excellence as a five-time recipient of the California Winery of the Year award. Reserve a stay in a villa or suite among the vines, float about in the gleaming outdoor heated saltwater pool, indulge in a spa treatment, enjoy stargazing, a horse-drawn carriage ride or hot-air balloon flight, and toast to it all at South Coast’s elegant restaurant, The Vineyard Rose Restaurant. southcoastwinery.com
Wiens Family Cellars
35055 Via Del Ponte, Temecula • (951) 694-9892
16 map on page 78
Experience exceptional wine at Wiens Family Cellars, a sanctuary of taste and refinement in the rolling hills of Temecula Valley. The estate winery proudly produces premium big reds, crisp whites, refreshing rosés and savory sparklers expressive of the region’s unique terroir. Winemakers are passionate artisans dedicated to their craft, consistently curating authentic blends made from traditional techniques, fostered in innovative practices to ensure the utmost quality and character in every bottle. Each wine is a testament to the dedication and expertise poured into its creation. Tastings are $30, and include six palate-pleasing pours and a souvenir glass. Enjoy site tours (by reservation only) guided by assigned wine experts, weekend food trucks and live music, and 90-minute private tastings in the elegant, oak-barrel-lined Cellar Room ($50/person by reservation only). Savor Wiens’ varietals, rooted in authenticity and winemaking excellence, at the venue 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. wienscellars.com [Coupon on page 71]
VISTA
Local Roots Kombucha
1430 Vantage Ct., Ste. 101, Vista • (760) 295-1949
40 map on page 78
Enjoy a local San Diego vibe at its best at this beautiful modern-industrial taproom, located conveniently near the intersection of Vista, San Marcos, and Carlsbad. The brewery offers 40 rotating taps featuring fan favorite craft hard kombuchas such as Blood Orange Mimosa and Purple Haze, as well as the latest and greatest in experimental flavors, local craft beers, and wine. “The Boochyard,” as it is affectionately called, is a dream come true for those seeking community and a cleaner alcohol option. Drink in the offerings under their outdoor, twinkling lights or cozy up for date night by one of their two fire pits with a glass of refreshing hard kombucha and a delicious modern Italian dinner. The onsite Blade 1936 specials delight the taste buds and, best yet, pair perfectly with kombuchas brewed on the premises. Local Roots has earned the buzz and is worth the many trips you’ll doubtlessly take after visiting either of their two taprooms in Vista and Solana Beach. Open at 11 a.m. daily. localrootskombucha.com