The Oldest Operating Winery in Southern California.
Bernardo Winery • Rancho Bernardo
13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, Rancho Bernardo (858-487-1866). Open for wine tasting daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $8 for 5 tastings and a complimentary logo glass.
Established in 1889, Bernardo Winery is San Diego's oldest operating vineyard and winery. Enjoy lunch inside at Cafe Merlot or dine on the patio. Also, a big attraction here are the winery's charming village shops. They are open Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The winery is also available for that important celebration, seminar or meeting. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.
Escondido - Winery: Vintage Cars and Great Wine Await You at Deer Park
Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum (7) • Escondido
29013 Champagne Blvd., Escondido (760-749-1666) is located just north of the Welk Resort Center off I-15. It's open Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and other days by appointment. Self-guided tours are ($9) for adults; ($8) for seniors (55 and over); children 12 and under free. The museum is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; last admission at 4 p.m.
What is unique about Deer Park Winery is that it caters to connoisseurs of both good wines and antique cars. Their collection of one-of-a-kind American convertibles includes over 100 models. Equally as impressive as their vintage cars are their wines, which include zinfandel, Sangiovese, merlot, California champagne and petite syrah. They also have a gourmet deli, gift shop and a beautiful setting for weddings, picnics and banquets. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.
Escondido - Winery: Visit San Diego's Oldest Active Wine-Making Family
Ferrara Winery (15) • Escondido
1120 W. 15th Ave., Escondido (760-745-7632). This California historic landmark is open for free wine tasting daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Ferraras are San Diego County's oldest active grape-growing and wine-making family. This third-generation winery produces excellent dry, medium-dry and dessert wines. They also have a private outdoor patio for small parties. It's in a residential area so call for directions. Credit cards: MC, VISA.
Julian - Winery: Julian's Newest Winery
J. Jenkins Winery (11) • Julian
1255 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian (760-765-3267) is the area's newest winery. Visit the winery's tasting room open Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Winter hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
J. Jenkins Winery consists of a rustic "apple shed" graced by 10 acres of orchard and vineyard and a stunning view of Volcan Mountain. After many years of experimentation and development, owner Jim Jenkins invites you to taste his elegant wines. He plans to expand the production of his spectacular cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay, Syrah, traditional nouveau and apple wine to 2,500 cases annually. Plus, they now grow pinot grigio and pinot noir on their property. Credit cards: MC, VISA.
Ramona - Winery: Premium Wine Grapes of Ramona Valley
Lenora Winery (13) • Ramona
632 Main St., Ramona (760-788-1388). Open Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Thurs. by appointment for special events.
This winery, which includes a wine-tasting room, produces 4,000 cases of red and white wines annually. Tasting is ($8) paired with cheese and you can keep the logo glass. Plus, they offer catering and a wine club. Lots of customers pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy with their dinner in the Ramona Cafe, which is next door. Lenora Winery also can host special group events and ship nationwide. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.
Julian - Winery: Free Winery Tours Daily
Menghini Winery (6) • Julian
1150 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian (760-765-2072). Open for free wine tasting, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily with extended summer hours. They also offer free tours daily. Special annual events include a blues festival featuring Rob Bower in mid-July, their famous Grape Stomp (mid-September) and their Art and Wine Tasting Festival harvest celebration in the fall.
Located in the middle of a beautiful apple orchard, this winery produces an extraordinary chardonnay, cabernet, sauvignon blanc, merlot, muscat and a rare mela made from Julian apples. This winery has a picnic area and a charming shop offering wonderful cheeses, dips, olives, honeys and jams. Credit cards: MC, VISA.
Escondido: Use Our Coupon for a FREE Wine Tasting & Logo Glass
Orfila Vineyards & Winery (3) • Escondido
13455 San Pasqual Rd., minutes away from Interstate 15 in Escondido (760-738-6500).
Use our discount coupon for a free wine tasting and logo glass. (See Discount Coupons). Orfila's winemaker was honored with "Winemaker of the Year" in 2003 by the California Travel Industry Association. The romantic atmosphere at Orfila is ideal for weddings and receptions as well as corporate events or family picnics. The winery is open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. They have a very nice tasting room and sell gifts, accessories and foods. A guided tour is offered at 2 p.m., and free self-guided tours are offered all day long. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.
Julian - Wine-Tasting: Tasting Room, Art Center & Shops
Orfila Vineyards Tasting Room & Helga O. Art Center & • Julian
4470 Hwy. 78, Julian (760-765-0102). This is Orfila's second wine-tasting location and is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs.-Mon., closed Tues. and Wed. They also sell delicious Julian apple pies and ciders. You can taste one wine for free or six different reds and whites for ($4). Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.
Ramona - Winery: Hand-Produced Wines at Wholesale Prices
Pamo Valley Vineyard & Winery (12) • Ramona
20849 Burma Road N., Ramona (760-271-3090).
Pamo Valley Vineyard & Winery is a licensed and bonded wholesale winery. Situated 1,860 feet above sea level on the Western slope of Pamo Valley, the subtle ocean-influenced breezes make Pamo Valley Winery an ideal place for grape growing. Their wines are produced entirely by hand, "the old-fashioned way" and are wholesaled to restaurants, stores, events and wine clubs. Featuring eight different varietals, their bottles of wine cost ($8-$12). Owners Bill and Jennifer Jenkins grow some of the finest grapes Ramona has to offer. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.
Ramona - Winery: Internationally-Acclaimed Wine
Salerno Winery (16) • Ramona
17948 Hwy. 67, Ramona (760-788-7160).
Salerno Winery is a boutique winery featuring handcrafted wines. It is owned and operated by Herman and Rose Salerno. Their wines have won many international medals including the San Diego International and Dallas Morning News wine competitions. Plus, they ship within California and to most states. Credit cards: AE, MC, VISA.
Ramona - Winery: Award-Winning Winery with a View of Iron Mountain
Schwaesdall Winery (5) • Ramona
17677 Rancho de Oro Rd., off Highway 67 in south Ramona (760-789-7542). It's open for tasting Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For ($6) you can choose six wines to taste and receive a souvenir wineglass.
This award-winning winery produces premium handcrafted, classic European red wines and traditional California whites, which are aged two or more years in an underground 1,500-sq. ft. cellar. The tasting room is the first commercially permitted straw bale building in San Diego County. Visitors are encouraged to sample their wines while enjoying the picturesque view of Iron Mountain from this 16-year-old Ramona vineyard. For weddings, special events and information about their straw bale guest house, contact John Schwaesdall at (760-789-7547). Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.
Palomar - Winery: 30 Minutes East of I-15
Shadow Mountain Vineyards and Winery (1) • Palomar
34680 Hwy. 79 on the historic and scenic Butterfield Stage Route north of Warner Springs (760-782-0778). It's only 30 minutes southeast of Interstate 15 at Sunshine Summit, which is just east of the Palomar Observatory.
If you're looking for a special place for your wedding, this is the place. The owners have an extensive background in the restaurant business, which is a big plus. The cost for wine tasting is ($3), which includes a complimentary souvenir wine glass. Shadow Mountain is an ideal grape-growing location with an elevation of 3,500 feet, and it's blessed with Pacific Ocean breezes and cool, dry nights. Master vintner Alexander McGeary specializes in award-winning viognier, whites, reds and dessert wines such as merlot, Syrah, cabernet, zinfandel and a muscat cannelli. Picnic area, tours, tasting cellars and gift shop hours are Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and most holidays. Call about weddings, private dinners, corporate events, special events and overnight accommodations. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.
San Marcos - Winery: Bottled & Sold Locally
Twin Oaks Valley Winery (14) • San Marcos
1575 Mulberry Dr., San Marcos (760-471-8985). The winery sells its wine to wholesalers only during the week 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Located in the Twin Oaks Valley in North San Diego County, this eight-acre vineyard has a 3,500-sq. ft. winery where Syrah, viognier and cabernet sauvignon are estate bottled. Although no wine tasting is offered at the winery, their wines are sold locally at these locations: Friars Folley Restaurant (760-736-8035); San Diego Wine & Culinary Ctr. (619-231-6400); T&H Prime Meats & Sausage (760-471-9192); Twin Oaks Market (760-744-9457).
Julian - Winery: Quaint Wine Tasting Room
Witch Creek Winery (10) • Julian
2000 Main St., Julian (760-765-2023). It's open daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Here in San Diego County's only 100-year-old gold rush mining town is where you can enjoy a quaint wine-tasting experience. Sample their wines for ($5), which includes a complimentary Witch Creek Winery logo glass. Credit cards: MC, VISA.
Carlsbad - Winery: Located in a Historic Seaside Village
Witch Creek Winery (9) • Carlsbad
2906 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad (760-720-7499). Located in a historic picturesque village, this winery is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. till 6 p.m.
Here you can sample wines for ($5), which includes a complimentary Witch Creek Winery logo glass. The wines produced by Witch Creek Winery are small-lot fermented and oak-aged, ensuring consistently high-quality wines. They have a second location in Julian. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.
Home | Restaurants | Free Reservations | Banquets & Catering | Breakfast & Brunch
Attractions | Blog | Calendar of Events | Casinos | Day Spas | Discount Coupons | Golf Courses | Museums | Nightlife | San Diego Wineries | Symphony Hall | Temecula Wineries | Shopping | Car Sales
Balboa Park | Carlsbad | Coronado | Del Mar | Downtown | East County | Encinitas | Gaslamp Quarter | Julian | La Jolla | Lake Elsinore | Mission Bay | Mission Valley | Ocean Beach | Oceanside | Old Town | Point Loma | San Elijo Hills | Temecula | Rosarito Beach | San Felipe | Ensenada | Tijuana | Mexicali
Relocation | Real Estate/Resale | New Homes/Lennar | New Homes/San Elijo | New Homes/Shea Homes | New Homes/Surfer's Point Resort | Weddings | Vacation Rentals | Hotels & Resorts | Financial Investments | Home Improvement | San Diego Jobs
![]()
SAN DIEGAN • 6370 Lusk Boulevard, Suite F-202 • San Diego • California, 92121 |
Phone: (858) 453-1633 Fax: (858) 453-2332 Email: sdguide@sandiegan.com |
©2009 SAN DIEGAN / San Diego Guide, Inc. All rights reserved. |
















