ESCONDIDO, Calif. —
Once I advised a good friend that I used to be going wine tasting in San Diego, she replied, “Have enjoyable — the wineries in Temecula are nice!”
Shut, however no cigar: Temecula is in Riverside County. It’s a standard mistake that provides San Diego County’s thriving wine scene quick shrift in comparison with its northern neighbor.
The county’s assortment of wineries takes many unexpectedly, but it surely was manner forward of the curve, with winemaking relationship from the 1820s. The northeast nook of the county, particularly, is filled with vineyards, most of them mom-and-pop operations. There are a couple of massive ones as properly, drawing guests to the dry, hilly terrain.
Not like that youthful upstart Napa, you received’t encounter busloads of vacationers; as a substitute, you’ll discover principally intimate, pleasant boutique wineries. There’s an emphasis on experimentation by passionate winemakers rising a wide array of varietals.
To get you began, right here’s a sampling:
1. Orfila Vineyards & Vineyard seems probably the most company, however it's a lovely setting for weddings and different occasions, that are massive enterprise right here. Its 70 acres function Rhône-style varietals, and far of the property is heavy with Syrah, Sangiovese, Merlot and Viognier grapes. It’s simply accessible from Interstate 15 in Escondido and is an efficient begin for a San Diego wine journey.
The tip: There’s typically stay music on weekend evenings, with meals from native meals vans. 13455 San Pasqual Highway, Escondido; (760) 738-6500, www.orfila.com. Six tastes and a free glass for $12.
2. Bernardo Vineyard, with roots within the 1800s and structure to match, is way more than a vineyard and might simply take up half a day. It’s a sprawling property with a village of specialty retailers promoting every thing from purses and jewellery to olive oil and flowers. Café Merlot serves breakfast and lunch, and V’s Espresso is an efficient place for a caffeine pick-me-up.
The tip: The tasting punch card will get you a free chocolate pairing on the Candy Shoppe to go together with every pour. 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego; (858) 487-1866, www.bernardowinery.com. 5 tastes for $12.
3. Cordiano Vineyard, on the aspect of a hill not removed from Orfila, is worlds aside: Seize a desk below an umbrella and drink within the sweeping views of the valley under this busy venue. The homeowners, longtime restaurateurs, serve connoisseur pizza. Cordiano focuses on reds but it surely does have a few whites.
The tip: As a result of many wineries don’t provide meals, save this onefor final: Pizza, wine tasting and delightful sunsets are an important mixture. 15732 Highland Valley Highway, Escondido; (760) 469-9463, www.cordianowinery.com. Seven tastes for $12.
4. Espinosa Vineyards, close to Cordiano, is just not listed on most wine nation handouts. The homeowners, Roberto and Noelle Espinosa, harvested their first crop a yr in the past. The cool, nice tasting room seems like a cave. Their choices are principally property wines and wines comprised of grapes harvested by their neighbors; the reds are the perfect, and everyone appears to purchase the Tempranillo.
The tip: When the small cave will get too crowded, step outdoors to the nice patio to benefit from the view. 15360 Bandy Canyon Highway, Escondido; (619) 772-0156, www.espwines.com. 5 tastes for $10.
5. Two small outfits — Vesper Vineyards and Stehleon — have taken a unique method: They opened a shared winemaking facility in an industrial park. Ignore the setting: Inside, the venue is comfy and the vibe is relaxed. They’ve additionally taken “mother and pop” to a different stage: Stehleon is owned by Al and Lisa Stehly, and Vesper by their daughter Alysha and son-in-law Chris Broomell, all of whom develop their grapes within the space. Al did the pouring; he’s a cheery, garrulous host and was delighted to point out us the nitty-gritty of the operation within the warehouse.
The tip: Take dwelling a refillable growler, which holds a liter (extra wine than most bottles). 298 Enterprise St., Suite D, Escondido; (760) 741-1246, www.vespervineyards.com, www.stehleonvineyards.com. Six tastes for $10.
6. Wealthy McClellan of Highland Hills Winery & Vineyard walked us by the enterprise of winemaking as he poured our tasting. The nice tasting room is air-conditioned (and heated in winter), not the norm for a lot of small operations and a refreshing plus for Ramona, which is ceaselessly sizzling. They've principally purple property wines; for me, the 2012 Mourvèdre was a standout.
The tip: Don’t be delay by the intimidating gate; simply ring the vineyard to get buzzed in. 18545 Rangeland Highway, Ramona; (760) 239-6515, www.highlandhillswinery.com. Six tastes for $10.
7. It was good to take a seat within the shade and look over the grounds surrounding the Salerno Vineyard, which bursts with paintings and is extra paying homage to a museum sculpture backyard than a winery. Pizza, salads, bread and olive oil are served together with the tasting, which is heavy on reds.
The tip: The vineyard hosts cultural choices from time to time; verify the web site or name forward for information. 17948 Freeway 67, Ramona; (760) 788-7160, www.salernowinery.com. 4 tastes for $10.
8. “Little, it’s as a result of we’re little!” stated Jeannine Embly of Hungry Hawk Vineyards & Vineyard in Escondido after I commented that the tasting room within the small vineyard close by was closed on a busy weekend. Hungry Hawk, on a hilltop in an space that’s a mixture of residential and semi-rural, manages to squeeze in a giant assortment of tastes, rising 15 kinds of varietals. 4 out of 5 tastes have been purple the day we have been there.
The tip: Deliver a picnic lunch to take pleasure in on the patio overlooking the San Pasqual Valley (preserve an eye fixed out for hungry hawks). 3255 Summit Drive, Escondido; (760) 489-1758, www.hungryhawkvineyards.com. 5 tastes for $10.
9. Hacienda de las Rosas celebrates its homeowners’ passions: wine and horses. You’ll be greeted by a horse searching for a handout within the corral subsequent to the parking zone. Stomach as much as the tasting bar for severe reds, which dominate its choices. The Mission-style vineyard makes for a really California expertise.
The tip: Deliver some stogies and revel in your wine within the Cigar Nook outdoors below a shade tree. 18011 Bluegrass Highway, Ramona; (619) 840-5557, www.sdwinery.com. 4 tastes for $10. Name forward to ensure it's open.
Final, however definitely not least, there are a variety of self-described “city wineries” in San Diego County that produce wines comprised of regionally sourced grapes in addition to grapes from throughout California and Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. Most are usually not as related to the land, and it’s not the identical as driving the backcountry, however they're nonetheless enjoyable to go to to pattern the wares. These venues are unfold across the county, and there might be one close to your resort or near your day-trip vacation spot. Google “San Diego city wineries” for info.
Post a Comment