Wine Tasting Around San Diego County

San Diegans don’t need to go far to experience wine tasting from the source. There are about 40 wineries in San Diego with tasting rooms, more than enough to fill a day or weekend.

You can take a night after work to visit one local urban winery, or take a day to experience a handful of wineries in the Ramona or Julian areas. Wine lovers, or those that like to try new adventures, will enjoy San Diego’s wineries and will soon fill personal wine cellars with local wines. Here are a few to get your collection started:

Carruth Cellars Winery on Cedros: In the heart of the Cedros Design District in Solana Beach, walk up a driveway to the lovely Carruth Cellars operated by Adam Carruth. Growing up in Carlsbad, Adam has long been passionate about wines. Carruth buys grapes from various vineyards, and crushes, presses, ferments, barrels, ages and bottles them in the urban winery. Also at the winery, you can view works from local artists, purchase jewelry, vinegars and olive oils, along with your wine. The winery crew is very knowledgeable about the wines and patient with your questions. Artisan wine choices they make include the 2009 Lake County Clear Lake Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 Sonoma Valley Old Winery Road Syrah (Gold Medal winner Orange County Fair), and the 2007 North Coast Barbera (Silver Medal Orange County Fair). It is $10 tasting for 6-7 wines, $15 to keep a souvenir wine glass, $10 for a glass of wine. Carruth Cellars is located at 320 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, 858-847-9463. Hours are Monday throgh Saturday noon to 9 p.m. and  Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Witch Creek Winery: Just one block from the beaches in Carlsbad, you will find the Witch Creek Winery and Tasting Room. Since 1993, the Witch Creek Winery has been producing small-lot handcrafted wines, which results in full-bodied award-winning wines. Witch Creek wines are available at their Tasting Rooms in Carlsbad and Julian, the website store, and the Cellar Club. Besides the selections of red wines, Witch Creek also produces some white wines, sparkling wine, and a few sweet wines such as Blackberry, Honeywood Pomegranate and Hard Apple Cider. For $5 you get five pours. Witch Creek Winery is located at 2906 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, 760-720-7499. Summer hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bernardo Winery: Not just a winery, but also a destination. Bernardo Winery has been continuously operating since 1889, making it the oldest in Southern California. Besides the winery and tasting room, when you come to Bernardo Winery, you can start with coffee at Sweet Pea Coffee Cottage, lunch at Café Merlot, and then indulge in an afternoon chocolate sample paired with your wine. Throughout the day, shop numerous stores and galleries. And if you come on Friday’s, there’s a Farmer’s Market from 9 a.m. to noon. But don’t forget why you came here in the first place – the wines. The Tasting Room offers a large assortment of wines, including the 2009 French Colombard, 2009 Riesling, 2008 Muscat Canelli, and a 2006 Estate Syrah. There are also Champagne, Sangria, and Seasonal Fruit Varieties offered. Cost is $5 for five tastes. Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte, San Diego, 858-487-1866. Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

San Pasqual Winery: An urban winery, buying grapes from local vineyards for their own winemaking facilities in Pacific Beach, the San Pasqual Winery was the dream of owners Mike and Linda Williams. San Pasqual Winery has two tasting rooms, one at the Pacific Beach winery and the other in La Mesa. The Pacific Beach location is more like an intimate wine bar, where you can see the wine barrels and tanks in plain sight. The La Mesa tasting room is much more spacious where you can relax with friends or co-workers after a stressful day at the office, or plan a private wine tasting event. San Pasqual produces a number of wines including the Summer Vine Passion Fruit, Balboa 2005 Tempranillo, Solana 2005 Syrah, and the Habanero “Hot Passion” Fruit. It is $8.50 for a taste of six wines, you get to keep a souvenir glass, and get $5 off any bottle purchase. San Pasqual Winery, 5151 Santa Fe Street, San Diego, 858-270-7550. Hours are Saturday and Sunday noon to 4 p.m., or by appointment.

Eagles Nest Winery & Cottage: Experience living at a vineyard and winery by staying at the Eagles Nest Winery’s Cottage in Ramona. Owners and winemakers, Dennis and Julie Grimes, have created an oasis in Ramona, where guests enjoy tasting the boutique wines and beautiful scenery. Eagles Nest produces a variety of wines including Chardonnay, Carbernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Viognier and Zinfandel. Their customized labels reflect family and personal interests, and many reflect the owner’s attitude of community involvement. Some labels honor the Wildlife Research Institute, the Julian Wolf Center, and the Intermountain Fire-Rescue. The cottage is not available during the harvest months of August through October, as it houses the many friends and family who help with harvesting the grapes. Eagles Nest Winery & Cottage, 18261 Chablis Road, Ramona, 760-505-8229, Summer Hours: 11 a.m. to dusk. 

Hacienda de las Rosas Winery: William Holzhauer and Tammy Rimes built their vineyards in Ramona, along with their home and horse ranch. Enjoy your wines at Hacienda de las Rosas' tasting room with the calming water fountain, or step outside to The Garden Room with its relaxed natural setting. Guests will enjoy viewing through the Artist Gallery where local artists are featured, specializing in various mediums, such as prints, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, leather and photography. Some of the Hacienda’s current wines include the 2008 Rosa Rosa – White Syrah, and 2006 Vistoso – Tempranillo. And if you ever have the urge to build your own vineyard, Holzhauer can help you with that too. Hacienda de las Rosas Tasting Room is located at 2754 Calhoun Street, San Diego, 619-840-5579. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.