San Diego Wineries
San Diego is a favorite vacation destination. In addition to the great San Diego wineries, people travel to here for its wonderful beaches, fantastic ocean views, and its world famous zoo.
The city also has an abundance of world class restaurants, challenging golf courses, as well as professional sports, theater, recreational, and cultural opportunities. Learn more about things to do in San Diego.
A trip to the charming and historic town of Julian is the perfect route for a California Wine Tour of San Diego wineries. You will be able to enjoy wine tasting at six Southern California wineries and enjoy some of San Diego's rural countryside at the same time.
This can be an easy day trip or you will find a number of Wine Country Bed and Breakfasts in the town of Julian if you decide on an overnight stay.
Take Highway 15 north from San Diego to begin your California wine tour of San Diego wineries. Exit at the Scripps Poway Parkway/Mercy Road exit and turn right onto Scripps. Go north on Highway 67 into the town of Ramona.
Just before entering Ramona you will find Schwaesdall Winery, where this picture was taken. Lenora Winery is located in downtown Ramona.
Continue on Hwy. 78 toward Julian. Before reaching Julian you will see Orfila Vineyards on the left. Witch Creek Winery is located in downtown Julian and J.Jenkins and Menghini are just a few miles out of town. Shadow Mountain Vineyards and Winery is a drive up Highway 79 just north of Warner Springs.
Be sure to visit the California wineries located in Fallbrook, Escondido, and Rancho Bernardo. These North County San Diego wineries have some wonderful wines waiting to be tasted and are located not far off of Highway 15. We took this picture while wine tasting at Orfila Vineyards in Escondido.
George's at the Cove is a great San Diego restaurant. The Ocean Terrace Bistro offers casual dining, fine food, and magnificent ocean views. When the wineries have closed for the day, enjoy an evening at this romantic restaurant, George's at the Cove.
Temecula Wineries | Los Angeles Wineries|Ventura County Wineries
San Diego Wineries
Belle Marie Winery
26312 Mesa Rock Rd., Escondido, CA 92026
(760) 797-7557
Open Wed. – Mon. 11 AM – 6 PM
This San Diego winery is nicely landscaped with many colorful flowers and friendly staff to welcome you. They have a wide range of both white and red wines to taste. Our daughter Melissa's favorite was a sweet red wine made from 100% Grenache called Prelude. We would also recommend their Zinfandel, which is 80% Zinfandel blended with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Nebbiolo.
Bernardo Winery
Address: 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, CA 92128
Telephone: (858) 487-1866
Open daily 9 AM – 5 PM
Bernardo Winery is San Diego's oldest winery. It was founded in 1889. In addition to tasting some great wines, you will want to browse the village shops that offer unique products from a variety of local artists.
Chateau Dragoo
26312 Mesa Rock Rd., Escondido, CA 92026
(760) 797-7557
Open weekends 11 AM - 6 PM This is a sister winery to Belle Marie Winery. They share the same winery but have different tasting rooms as well as different wines. Chateau Dragoo produces "old world" style of wines, which Belle Marie specializes in "new world" style.
Blue Door Winery
Address: 1255 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian, CA 92036
Telephone: (760) 765-0361
Cordiano Winery
Address: 15732 Highland Valley Rd.,, Escondido
Telephone: (760) 480-6673
Open Wed.-Sun. 1 AM to Sunset.
Eagles Nest Winery & Cottage
Address: 18261 Chablis Rd., Ramona
Telephone: (760) 505-8229
Open Weekends 11AM - dusk.
Eagles Nest produces award winning wines that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Picpoul Blanc, and Viognier. Treat yourself to a stay at their private cottage. Located high on a hill, you'll love the fabulous view and the experience of living on a working winery.
Edwards Vineyard & Cellars
Address: 226502 Hwy. 78, Ramona
Telephone: (760) 788-6800
Open weekends 11 AM until 5 PM.
Fallbrook Winery
2554 Via Rancheros, Fallbrook, CA 92008
(760) 728-0156
Open Mon.-Fri. 10 AM – 4 PM by appointment only
This San Diego County winery was founded in 1981 specializing in Champagne. They have since added a wide range of red and white varietals to their production. Call to make an appointment to taste here.
Ferrara Winery
1120 W. 15th St., Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 745-7632
Open daily 10 AM – 5 PM
This San Diego winery has been designated a California State Historical Point of Interest.
J. Jenkins Winery
1255 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian, CA 92036
(760) 7656-3267
Open weekends 11 AM – 5 PM
This small family winery sold its first bottle of wine in 2003. Owners are Jim and Jeanne Jenkins. Jim is a retired San Diego pediatrician with a long time interest in making wines.
Mahogany Mountain Vineyard & Winery
Address: 14905 Mahogany Ranch Rd., Ramona
Telephone: (760) 788-7048
Open weekends 1-4 PM
Menghini Winery
1150 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian, CA 92036
(760) 765-2072
Open daily 10 AM – 4 PM
Menghini has an excellent Muscat as well as other varietals to taste.
Orfila Vineyards
13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido, CA 92025
(800) 868-9463 or (760) 745-3773
Open daily 10 AM – 6 PM
We have been to this San Diego winery many times because we enjoy their great wines. It is located off Hwy. 15 on the way to San Diego's Wild Animal Park. They have a second tasting room outside Julian. Our favorites are the Syrah, Merlot, and Port.
Pamo Valley Winery
Address: 6603 Main St., Ramona
Telephone: (760) 271-3090
Open Fri. 2-6 PM and weekends 11-6PM.
Pyramid Vineyards & Winery
Address: 130 Magnolia, Ramona
Telephone: (76)) 789-4682
Oen weekends noon-5.
Salerno Winery
Address: 17948 Hwy. 67, Ramona
Telephone: (760) 788-760
Open Wed.-Sun. 11 AM - 6PM
Schwaesdall Winery
17677 Rancho de Oro, Ramona, CA 92065
(760) 789-7547
Open weekends 10 AM – 6 PM
We dropped by this California winery during the week when they were closed hoping to be able to take a picture. Even though they weren't open, the owner, John Schwaesdall greeted us warmly. He took us on a tour and answered all of our questions. We enjoyed the Merlot he gave us to take home and try. It was yummy. We can't wait to taste the rest of the Schwaesdall wines.
This is a fun and interesting winery to visit. The tasting room is made of straw bales for insulation. An inn is soon to be completed that is also being built with straw bales. He has built the roof with wine bottle embedded underneath. Enjoy a good time with great wines at this winery.
Shadow Mountain Vineyards
34680 Hwy. 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086
(760) 782-0778
Open Wed. – Sun. 10 AM – 5 PM
This Southern California winery produces Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sparkling Wine, Zinfandel, Merlot, Barbera, Syrah, and Mystic Muscat. They also have cottages they rent for overnight stays...adults only.
Witch Creek Winery
2906 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA 92002
(760) 720-7499
Open daily 11 AM – 5 PM
This winery has a location in downtown Julian as well as downtown Carlsbad. The picture is the Julian location. We've been to both tasting rooms and the staff is always friendly. They have a wide range of both red and white wines to enjoy. Our daughter, Melissa, prefers sweet wines, and loved their Muscat Love and their white wine called La Chat Blanc.
Discover Romantic Things to Do in San Diego
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.