San Diego Wineries

by Rachell Lara

San Diego Wineries

Welcome to the sun-drenched vineyards of San Diego, a hidden gem in the world of wine aficionados! With its idyllic climate and rich soil, it's no wonder that San Diego County has blossomed into a premier destination for wine lovers. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or simply looking for a delightful weekend getaway, the local wineries here offer a bouquet of experiences that are sure to tantalize your palate.

For the longest time San Diegans had to venture to Temecula when they wanted to go wine tasting without having to make the trip up to Northern California's Napa and Sonoma wine regions. Temecula was close enough a weekend getaway or even a day trip. While we have had wineries in San Diego since before California was a state, it hasn't been a very big scene in here. Maybe it was spawned as an alternative for all the microbreweries, but we now have wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms all over San Diego County. In fact, according to the San Diego Vintners Association, we have 114 wineries in San Diego County.

San Diego Wineries offer a variety of experiences, locations, and wines, and many with many located in urban areas you don't even have to drive out the countryside. You can visit it a winery after work with colleagues, for a book club meeting, or take that traditional Sunday drive. Most of these are small wineries and hours and even days open are seasonal so always check before you make the trip.

San Diego Wineries in Inland North County

North County has some of the more established wineries. You could keep it central and hit the big 3 in one day in starting in Poway, Ranco Bernard, and then ending in central Escondido.

Orfila Vineyards & Winery
- Address: 13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido, CA
- Hours: Mon-Sun, 11 AM - 7 PM
- Specialties: Known for their exquisite Estate Syrah and Montepulciano, Orfila offers a picturesque setting for sipping and savoring.
Bernardo Winery
- Address: 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, CA
- Hours: Tue-Sun, 10 AM - 6 PM
- Features: As the oldest operating winery in Southern California, Bernardo Winery not only serves robust Zinfandels but also hosts charming shops and artisan studios.

Further Out in North County's Rural Island

You could spend all day or weekend in Ramona or venture out further on the 79 to Julian

Milagro Farm Vineyards & Winery
- Address: 18750 Littlepage Road, Ramona, CA
- Hours: Fri-Sun, 11 AM - 6 PM
- Grapes: With a variety of grapes like Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese, Milagro Farm is a retreat where fine wine meets rustic charm.
Vineyard Grant James
- Address: 25260 Old Julian Hwy, Ramona, CA
- Hours: Thu-Mon, 12 PM - 6 PM
- Specialties: Notable for its scenic stone patio and exceptional Viognier, this winery is a peaceful haven for those seeking serenity and superb wine.

Central San Diego's Urban Vines

In the heart of the city, Central San Diego wineries fuse urban flair with traditional winemaking. These spots are perfect for those who want the full-bodied experience without venturing too far from the comforts of city life.

Carruth Cellars Wine Garden
- Address: 2215 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 12 PM - 9 PM; Sat-Sun, 11 AM - 9 PM
- Specialties: With a focus on bold reds, Carruth Cellars brings the wine country experience to the urban core, complete with a cozy outdoor patio.
San Pasqual Winery
- Address: 8364 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA
- Hours: Sun-Thu, 12 PM - 8 PM; Fri-Sat, 12 PM - 10 PM
- Features: This boutique winery specializes in handcrafted wines and offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day.

San Diego Vineyards in East County

Venture out to East County, where the vineyards sprawl across the landscape, offering an escape into nature's lap. The wineries here are as diverse as the varietals they produce. Many are situated off Highway 94 with a cluster throughout Jamul. The Wineries On Highway 94 has some great information about this set of vineyards

Hawk's Point Vineyards
- 1842 Honey Springs Rd, Jamul, CA 91935
VecchieOso Vineyard
- 19365 Elena Ln, Jamul, CA 91935
Deerhorn Valley Vineyards
- 2516 Honey Springs Rd, Jamul, CA 91935
Spanish Peacock Winery
- 16987 Lyons Valley Rd, Jamul, CA 91935
Rustic Ridge Vineyards
- 15262 Lyons Valley Rd, Jamul, CA 91935
Lyons Peak Wine Trail
- Lyons Valley Rd, Jamul, CA 91935
Granite Lion Cellars
- 2801 Jamul Highlands Rd, Jamul, CA 91935

When Is a Winery Not a Winery? Pearson Brothers

When the wine is made from honey, Pearson Brothers in El Cajon has a unique wine and setup. Currently, they are offering wine tasting paired with four-course meals on the weekend for a small amount of guests each weekend. It's local, organic, and sustainable. We went there recently and had a wonderful experience, the owner, server and chef were all fantastic and we made some friends between the courses. Follow them on Instagram to find out what they are doing next.

San Diego Wineries in the Southbay

South Bay wineries are mostly warehouse-type places in Industrial Parks. they are mostly clustered in Otay Mesa.

IronWine Cellars LLC
- 3065 Beyer Blvd STE 103, San Diego, CA 92154
Vino Urbano
- 6825 Gateway Park Dr STE 3, San Diego, CA 92154
CW SAN DIEGO
- 1601 Landmark Rd Ste. 301, San Diego, CA 92154
Serendipity Del Valle
- 2475 Paseo De Las Americas, San Diego, CA 92154

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate at San Diego's Wineries

San Diego's wineries are more than just places to taste wine; they're destinations that offer a feast for the senses. From the lush landscapes of North County to the vibrant energy of Central San Diego, and from the rustic charm of East County there's a slice of paradise for every taste.

So, why wait? Embark on a vinicultural voyage and discover the rich tapestry of San Diego wineries. Cheers to new adventures and unforgettable memories! And share with us what you find. If you have a favorite place or one that isn't mentioned, please share in the comments.