Sip wines with a sommelier at a quaint tasting room or test your knowledge at a wine trivia night. The options are endless.
Enjoy a tranquil vineyard experience at family-owned Domaine Artefact in Escondido. The winery specializes in Rhone-style wines and is kid and dog friendly.
Take advantage of first-rate in san diego luxury car services to explore unique wine tours and make the most of California’s wine country.
Baily’s Winery
Originally from San Marino, Phil Baily and his wife Carol moved to Temecula in 1981. Soon, wine enthusiasts were beating a path to their tiny tasting room on Pauba Road. Then, they opened a bigger facility and gift shop on Rancho California Road. Over time, the winery grew to the point that Phil was able to leave his consulting practice and devote his full attention to the business.
Today, the winery has two spacious tasting rooms and produces a wide variety of wines from the region. Their most popular varietals include merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and malbec. The winery also offers a reserve vertical tasting for $40 that includes six years of the same varietal served with appetizers.
Located steps from the onsite Carol’s Restaurant, this pet-friendly spot makes some of the best reds and whites in Temecula. Try the 2020 albarino and touriga nacional as well as several other award-winning offerings. Be sure to sign up for their wine club for discounts and free tastings.
Hungry Hawk Winery
While wine regions to the north in Temecula Valley and to the south in Mexico’s Guadalupe Valley are garnering more national attention, San Diego is home to a number of local wineries that are true hidden gems. These wineries are spread out throughout the county, from hip urban tasting rooms to family owned estate vineyards.
Located in Escondido, Hungry Hawk Vineyards and Winery has quickly become one of the most sought after boutique wines in San Diego. The ten acre estate grows 15 different varietals, including estate grown Spanish and Bordeaux grapes, while practicing minimal and sustainable farming methods.
The winery offers a wide range of reds, whites, and roses from grapes sourced from Central California and Baja, and their flagship 2020 Alcyone Harmony is a must-try. Tastings and tours are available daily. Reservations are recommended, especially during the busier months. Guests can enjoy a private tasting in the cellar for up to 40 people.
Carmel Mountain Ranch
The community of Carmel Mountain Ranch is a close-knit place where neighbors become friends and lifelong connections are forged. The city prides itself on fostering an inclusive and connected environment and offers a wide array of educational opportunities. Located close to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Poway Lake, Carmel Mountain Ranch residents can enjoy endless outdoor activities. The town also features a variety of world-class shopping centers, including the Carmel Mountain Plaza and Westfield North County Mall, providing a wealth of retail options for every taste.
Baily’s Winery is a family-owned and operated boutique tasting room in Bird Rock that serves local wines. They have a selection of reds and whites, with their Bordeaux varietals being especially popular. A tasting is $20 and includes six sips.
Charlie & Echo
Wine tasting at a winery is a great option for anyone visiting San Diego and looking to experience California’s vineyards without the drive. The city’s wineries have tasting rooms in central locations and many offer food bites or do-it-yourself picnics. Some are more strict about allowing outside food, so be sure to call ahead.
Charlie & Echo is a natural winery that uses unoaked vinification with minimal processing and no filtering in their wines. They only use grapes from low input, organic local vineyards. They’re also carbon positive and donate 1% of their profits to the planet, so you can feel good about drinking their wines.
Located in the Miralani Makers District, their new tasting room is dog friendly and features an L-shaped cedar and pine tasting bar with custom table seating. The space is adorned with large-format label art from local designers and is an Instagrammer’s dream. Their flagship wines include a pinot noir and chardonnay.
