19 Best San Diego Wineries
Think San Diego is just about sun, surf, and sand? Think again! This sunny paradise isn’t just a beachgoer’s dream; it’s also a secret haven for wine aficionados. With an ever-growing wine scene, San Diego is bubbling with cool wineries, each with its own unique vibe. Whether you’re into the hip urban feel or the serene charm of the countryside, there’s a spot here with your name on it. Ready to explore? Let’s uncork the top 19 wineries in San Diego, savor their special flavors, and toast their impressive achievements. Get your glasses ready – we’re going on a San Diego winery adventure!
Top Wineries to Visit in San Diego
Gianni Buonomo Vintners
Photo via Gianni Buonomo Vintners
Nestled in the heart of Ocean Beach, Gianni Buonomo Vintners stands out as a top urban winery, recognized by San Diego Magazine as “Best Winery” in 2019. Just a short stroll from the beach, this relaxed vibe winery is the perfect destination for locals and tourists alike to enjoy gold and double-gold metal glasses of vino, accompanied by gourmet cheese boards and charcuterie.
With grapes sourced from Washington State and El Dorado County, CA, they make a diverse range of wines. Fan faves are the Super Tuscan style Sangiovese, a Rhone-style blend, a Bordeaux-inspired blend, and the rare Austrian varietal Blaufränkisch.
Domaine Artefact
Soak up a tranquil vineyard experience at the family-owned Domaine Artefact in Escondido. With an emphasis on Rhône-style wines, visitors can enjoy a range of mono-varietals and blends, as well as picnics, games, and strolls through the estate.
The winery is pet and child-friendly, and offers indoor and outdoor tasting rooms with scenic vineyard views. Winery visits are available on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to sunset, with a tasting fee of $15 for a flight of 5 wines. The wine prices range from $32 to $55.
Espinoza Vineyards
Espinosa Vineyards & Winery in Escondido is a boutique, family-owned winery known for its Spanish varietal wines and new world blends — including Albarino, Tempranillo, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and more. The winery, reborn from the ashes of the 2007 San Diego Firestorm, has a history dating back to 1893.
With tastings provided at the bar and tables spread under Ponderosa Pines, it offers a welcoming environment for wine enthusiasts. Open on Saturdays and Sundays, they encourage reservations for groups and permit picnics and snacks for a leisurely experience.
Speckle Rock Vineyards
Known especially for their Falanghina wine, Speckle Rock Vineyards, nestled in the scenic highland valley, offers a diverse selection of handcrafted wines, each embodying the unique characteristics of the region.
Speckle Rock Vineyards stands out for its innovative approach to winemaking, particularly in the initial aging of its red wines in concrete vessels before transferring them to oak casks. This technique, carefully overseen by the winemaker, enhances the wine’s flavor profile resulting in balanced and distinct wines.
Their offerings include a Grenache-leading red blend, the award-winning Falanghina, and the LYNAGE Fortified Grenache. The vineyard is open for tastings and is also the ideal spot for an afternoon picnic.
Carruth Cellars
Carruth Cellars is celebrated as one of San Diego’s most successful urban wineries, known for its expansive wine garden in the Arts District. This winery sources high-quality grapes from premium vineyards in Northern California and transforms them into exceptional wines at their beachside facility.
Their Liberty Station location boasts a 75-foot copper-topped bar and a gourmet cheese shop, offering a unique experience that blends wine tasting with a love for fine cheese.
Enjoy a myriad of events at Carruth Cellars — including movie nights, live music, and barrel tastings in their vibrant atmosphere. Their tasting rooms, open daily, offer wines by the glass, in a tasting flight, or to-go, across their four locations in San Diego.
Negociant Winery
Negociant Winery is a premier urban winery in Hillcrest known for its unique approach to winemaking, blending, and aging. The winery is well-regarded for sourcing perfect grapes and unfinished wines from small vineyards.
The Hillcrest neighborhood is an ideal backdrop for a relaxed wine-tasting experience at Negociant. The winery hosts various events, including live Jazz. Negociant is open from Wednesday – Sunday, and is the perfect urban venue for winos to sip and savor amazing fine wine. Indulge in the pleasure of excellent wine as you explore the diverse offerings at Negociant. For more information, visit the winery’s official website here.
Pali Wine Company
Pali Wine Co., established in the heart of Little Italy, is known for its award-winning California wines sourced from grapes along the Central California coast.
Their tasting room in Downtown San Diego features a rooftop deck offering scenic views, complemented by seasonal food specials, weekend brunch, and weekly musical performances. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a nice glass of sparkling, white, and red wine, with endless options to choose from. Explore more about Pali Wine and their selection of wines here: Pali Wine Co.
Milagro Winery
Located at 2,400 feet above sea level in Ramona, CA, Milagro Winery offers a serene wine-tasting experience in a picturesque setting. The laid-back vibes make it a great place for both wine connoisseurs and newbies alike.
Milagro Farm Vineyards & Winery grows a variety of grapes, including Barbera, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Aleatico. The winery produces 1200-1500 cases annually.
Enjoy excellent wine tasting from Friday to Sunday, with a fee of $12 for six tastes, including a glass, at Milagro Farm Vineyard & Winery.
Vesper Vineyards
Founded by Alysha Stehly and Chris Broomell, the Escondido-based Vesper Vineyards is dedicated to producing wines that truly reflect the local terroir and vibe of San Diego County. The winery imports grapes from notable local vineyards like McCormick Ranch, Highland Hills, and Orfila Vineyards, emphasizing the importance of local sourcing.
The tasting room at Vesper Vineyards is known for its relaxed and casual ambiance, where visitors can enjoy a variety of wines, including Carignan, Red Blends, Syrah, and White Blends. One of the unique offerings of Vesper Vineyards is wine on tap, allowing guests to experience a diverse range of flavors and styles. The winery was named Winemakers to Watch of 2014 by the San Francisco Chronicle, highlighting the innovative approach of its founders.
Vesper Vineyards’ tasting room hours are Friday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with a tasting fee of $10.
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Most PopularWitch Creek Winery
Witch Creek Winery, established in 1993 in Carlsbad, CA, is located on the historic Highway 101, just a block from the beach. This boutique winery is committed to producing small-lot, handcrafted wines using traditional techniques, resulting in full-bodied and flavorful wines.
Recognized for quality, it has garnered numerous awards at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Orange County Wine Competition. Witch Creek specializes in unique and rare varietals like Nebbiolo, Teroldego, and Montepulciano, offering a distinct tasting experience
Orfila Vineyards & Winery
Orfila Vineyards & Winery in Escondido, is renowned for its award-winning Rhone-style wines. Established in 1993, the winery spans a 70-acre estate and has been producing wine since 1973, earning over 1,300 medals in major competitions.
It offers a broad selection of wines and snacks for tastings. The winery is a favored venue for events like weddings and corporate functions. It features two tasting rooms, one in Escondido and another in Julian, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Koi Zen Cellars
Koi Zen Cellars in Carmel Mountain is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil setting for enjoying award-winning wines. They have won Best San Diego Wine from 2017-2023, so know you’re sipping on the best. Owners Darius and Lisa focus on crafting quality wines from California grapes, including reds, whites, and dessert wines.
While known for the pond, it is also a community hub featuring music, classes, and events. For more information, visit Koi Zen Cellars online.
Charlie & Echo
Charlie & Echo, nestled in San Diego’s Miralani Makers’ District, is an urban winery with a flair for crafting unique sparkling and original wines. They’re known for being small, independent, and innovative, with a deep care for everything they create. The winery is part of a vibrant area where you can enjoy a variety of craft beverages within walking distance, including wine, beer, cider, and mead.
The tasting room at Charlie & Echo is both kid and dog friendly, so sit back and savor delicious wine and time with your human and furry friends. Guests are encouraged to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy alongside their wine selections.
Their diverse wine offerings, including exquisite whites, rosé, tasty reds, and sparkling reds, have garnered positive reviews and are noted for their award-winning quality.
San Pasqual Winery
San Pasqual Winery, the first urban winery in San Diego, is renowned for its award-winning wines, producing about 3,500 cases annually. It received seven awards at the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Toast of the Coast International Wine Competition, including a Gold for their 2022 Riesling.
Owned by Mike & Linda McWilliams since 2009, the winery has expanded to include four tasting rooms, such as La Mesa Wine Works and Seaport Village Tasting Room. Wine enthusiasts can join their Wine Club for exclusive releases and events.
Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery
The Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery, located in Ramona’s rolling hills, east of downtown San Diego, offers a unique winery experience. Visitors can enjoy scenic outdoor walks, sit at tables to appreciate the view, and engage in great conversation while savoring excellent wines. The winery’s interior features high ceilings with Italian-style stucco and a custom bar adjacent to the aging wine barrels.
Bernardo Winery
Bernardo Winery, nestled in Rancho Bernardo, holds the distinction of being Southern California’s oldest continuously operating winery. It’s deeply integrated into its community, offering a rich experience with local festivals like the San Diego Vinter’s Wine Festival.
Enjoy a range of high-quality wines, explore village shops in a stunning courtyard, and savor excellent coffee and Italian food. The winery also hosts various events, including weddings, in its picturesque location, making it an ideal spot for a day-long visit to Old Town.
Wolf in the Woods
Wolf in the Woods, a unique and intimate wine bar and cafe in Mission Hills, offers a selection of passionately curated old and new world-inspired wines. The establishment, led by San Diego-born restaurateur Johnny Rivera, is inspired by the rich heritage and legendary folklore of New Mexico, creating a special European atmosphere.
Voted Critic’s Choice for “Best Wine Bar” by San Diego Magazine, Wolf in the Wood’s goal is to bring a touch of New Mexico magic within their walls, offering inspired small plates alongside their wine selection
Ambrogio15 Enoteca
Ambrogio15 Enoteca in San Diego is celebrated for its award-winning cuisine and distinctive dining experience. It offers an extensive selection of boutique natural wines, showcased in a two-story wine tower, alongside a menu of authentic Italian dishes.
The restaurant is known for its gourmet Milanese-style pizzas and a variety of modern Italian dishes, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and culinary expertise. This makes Ambrogio15 Enoteca a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike
Cordianao
Nestled in the hills of Escondido, Cordiano Winery, offers a charming wine-tasting experience of quality. Cordiano Winery allows you the chance to sip the flavor of yesteryear amidst the scenic backdrop of mountain vineyards.
This family-owned and operated vineyard takes pride in the craftsmanship of good wine and crafting it the same way it was in the old county ages ago. and of the labor practiced for ages in the old country. The winery is a lifelong dream realized by owners Gerardo and Rosa Cordiano.
They host special events and weddings, and you can also stop by with no appointment to sip on their array of wines. Wine Types: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay.
Or, Plan a Winery Tour with So Diego
For a tailored experience, consider planning your winery tour with So Diego. They offer custom wine tour experiences, ensuring that you get the most out of your visits to these exceptional wineries. Whether you are a connoisseur or a casual wine enthusiast, there’s something in San Diego for every taste. Visit Sodiego.com for more information and to plan your perfect winery tour with our local tour guides. So Diego offers a variety of tours in San Diego. Check out our offering of San Diego walking tours and Daily Food Tours.
Written by: Melissa
Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do … In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.
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