Sonoma and Napa tend to get all the attention when it comes to wine tasting, but the southern part of the state has been cultivating its own wine scene for some time now. If you just moved to a condo in downtown San Diego and want to explore SoCal or are simply looking for new things to do on the weekend, consider taking a road trip to one of these wineries.
Vesper Vineyards
Just right up the road in Escondido is locally owned Vesper Vineyards. Owners and San Diego natives Chris Broomell and Alysha Stehly have been receiving much praise for their wine and were mentioned in SFGate’s Top 100 Wines of 2013. Vesper is one of a handful of wineries in the immediate San Diego area and is becoming a must for wine enthusiasts.
Fox Wine Co
Santa Barbara’s Fox Wine Co is worth the drive for those looking for a nice weekend getaway. Blair Fox won the Andre Tchelistcheff winemaker of the year award in 2013 and continues to bring big, rich Syrahs to the table, as well as a wonderful Pinot and a sparkling Grenache rose for those warm summer afternoons. Make sure to visit their vineyard in Los Olivos for a real treat!
Ponte Inn and Winery
Go stay a night at Ponte Inn and Winery in Temecula. The estate sits on a 300-acre vineyard that not only has great wine, estate-grown olive oil, amazing food and sustainable agricultural practices, but is rated as one of the top 50 outdoor dining establishments as well as a top 10 hotel in the US.
Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards
Founded in 2003 and family owned, this winery up the coast from San Diego features 10 planted acres that produce a variety of wines, including Cabernet, Merlot, Grenache, and a Petit Verdot. Keep in mind, this estate isn’t open to the public and tastings are by appointment only. The estate is also available to host weddings.
Check back regularly for more information on things to do in and near downtown San Diego. We update our 92101 blog often to keep current and future residents up to date on everything going in the area in addition to offering real estate tips, tricks, and general information. Not seeing what you’re looking for? Let us know! ')}