The Mediterranean climate and rolling hills of San Diego County create the ideal conditions for growing grapes. These are some of our favorite wineries and vineyards in the local area.
Bernardo Winery
- Location: Rancho Bernardo, CA
- Website: www.bernardowinery.com/
Founded in 1889, one year after Escondido was founded, Bernardo Winery is the oldest vineyard in San Diego County. And it is the only one to survive both Prohibition and the Witch Creek Fire. It has been owned by the Rizzo Family for three generations. Amenities include a restaurant, coffee house, live music, village shops, and galleries. The Rancho Bernardo Farmers Market is held here on Fridays from 9 am to 1:30 pm.
Forgotten Barrel Winery
- Location: Escondido, CA
- Website: https://www.forgottenbarrel.com/
Forgotten Barrel is the reincarnation of Ferrara Winery, the second oldest vineyard in San Diego. The vineyard was planted circa 1890, and was purchased by George Ferrara in 1919.1 In 2011 the Ferrara’s put it up for sale.2 Then in 2016 the historical site was purchased by Rodger Grove who reopened as Forgotten Barrel in 2017. The rustic hideaway offers walking and wine tasting tours, and it is available to book for private events.
Shadow Mountain Vineyards
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Posted by Shadow Mountain Winery and Tasting Room on Wednesday, August 5, 2020
- Location: Warner Springs, CA
- Website: https://shadowmountainvineyards.com/
Tucked away on the eastern slopes of Palomar Mountain is Shadow Mountain Vineyards & Winery. The first grape vines were planted by Italian immigrants Agusto and Helen Mase. The current owners Alex and Pam McGeary purchased the property in 1990. The vineyard uses low yield, high quality production techniques. The vines are planted 3,500 feet above sea level in a harsh, unforgiving environment that is perfect for wine grapes.
Campo Creek Vineyards
- Location: Campo, CA
- Website: https://www.campocreekvineyards.com/
Campo Creek Vineyards and Winery was part of the 400-acre Clark Ranch, established in 1885. Today the winery still maintains the no-nonsense cowboy attitude of the original ranchers. The first generation of Campo Creek grapes was planted in 2003. The boutique vineyard has around 10,000 grape vines, and is open to the public on weekends. The wines are also available from the Tasting Room in Poway from Wednesday to Sunday.
Orfila Vineyards & Winery
- Location: Escondido, CA
- Website: https://www.orfila.com/
Orfila Vineyards and Winery is a 70-acre estate nestled in the hills of the San Pasqual Valley. They are located between Interstate 15 and the Wild Animal Park. The winery was founded in 1994 by Leon Santoro, who passed away in 2006, leaving a legacy in the southern California winemaking community. They have two tasting rooms in downtown Escondido and Oceanside. The vineyards are open to the public daily, and for private events.
Mahogany Mountain Vineyard & Winery
- Location: Ramona, CA
- Website: https://mahoganymountain.com/
Mahagony Mountain Winery was founded in 1996 on a 43-acre estate located at a 1,500 feet elevation. The microclimate has hot days and cools nights that create ripe, intensely flavored fruit. The local, family owned winery uses organically grown, hand picked grapes, and age the wine in small oak barrels. The tasting room is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. The wine is also served at San Diego County restaurants.
Espinosa Vineyards
- Location: Escondido, CA
- Website: https://www.espinosavineyards.com/
The first commercial vineyards on this property were planted in 1936 by Lewis and Alda Hart. But it was converted to a machine shop in the 1950’s. After the 2007 “Firestorm” Roberto and Noelle Espinosa replanted the grapevines in 2008. Roberto has a background in microbiology. Today wine from the boutique, family owned vineyard is available in limited production. The tasting room is open on weekends by reservation only.
Dulzura Vineyard & Winery
- Location: Dulzura, CA
- Website: https://dulzurawinery.com/
Dulzura Vineyard and Winery is another property that was part of the historic Clark Ranch. It was founded in 2009. Their wines are made from local Dulzura grapes. Bottles are available in limited case quantities directly from the winery, and are not available for purchase in stores. The winery does not serve food, but they invite you to bring your own and make a picnic out of it. There is also a historic guest house available for stays.
Cheval Winery
- Location: Escondido, CA
- Website: https://chevalwinery.com/
Donna and Dr. Randy Kaufman purchased the vineyards while they were hunting for property for Donna’s show horses. Dr. Kaufman has over 38 years experience in the wine industry as a winemaker and vineyard developer. The tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday on afternoons and evenings. The winery is available for private events. There is a Luxury Villa and a Vineyard Casita that can be booked for overnights.
References:
- https://www.finehomesandliving.com/lifestyle/food_drink/wine_tasting/a-history-of-san-diego-wineries/article_175bae20-3775-5b1c-84d1-9b2e511aea0d.html
- https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-landmark-escondido-winery-sale-2011sep13-story.html
