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San Diego Wineries: A Complete Guide
Southern California is where grape growing and winemaking started in the Golden State. In fact, San Diego wineries are among some of the most historic in California.
The first vines were planted in what is now California by Franciscan missionaries led by Father Junípero Serra at Mission San Diego de Alcalá in 1769. Today, the region is home to a diverse and thriving wine scene, where you can wander among 70-year-old Zinfandel vines growing on mountain slopes at more than 3,000 feet above sea level.
Discover California Wines is an initiative by Wine Institute, an association of more than 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses. That means we’re experts on California wine, including San Diego wineries.
Read on to learn about the area’s history, discover what makes it unique, and explore top San Diego wineries for tasting. Plus, enjoy a recipe for grilled lemon pepper asparagus that pairs perfectly with California wines.
What Makes Growing Wine in San Diego Great
San Diego County is one of North America’s most diverse wine-growing regions in terms of both topography and the types of grapes planted.
First, wine grapes are cultivated from sea level to elevations as high as 4,200 feet. The region is mainly known for its high-quality Merlot and Chardonnay wines. Other signature varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Zinfandel and Grenache.
This diverse landscape and climate mean San Diego wineries can grow Bordeaux, Rhône and even Mediterranean-style wines.
Defining Wine in San Diego County
Although San Diego has a long history of winemaking, commercial winemaking is more recent. In just the past few decades, winemaking in San Diego has grown significantly and today, over 150 wineries produce wine from more than 60 grape varieties.
This region is part of the broader South Coast AVA (American Viticultural Area), which extends from Los Angeles to Mexico and covers five Southern California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside (where Temecula Valley Wineries are located), San Bernardino and San Diego.
San Diego County itself has three designated AVAs: San Luis Rey AVA, San Pasqual Valley AVA and Ramona Valley AVA.
San Luis Rey AVA
Approved in 2024, the San Luis Rey AVA is located within the South Coast AVA, extending from Oceanside inland to the Merriman Mountains. Named for the San Luis Rey River and Mission San Luis Rey, this cool, maritime region benefits from ocean breezes that moderate temperatures, making it cooler than surrounding areas.
This AVA features older, sandy loam soils rich in granite, sandstone, and quartz—perfect for viticulture. The area is home to a growing number of vineyards, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Grenache being prominent varieties.
San Pasqual Valley AVA
San Pasqual Valley became an AVA in 1981, making it one of the oldest in the United States. Located just north of San Diego, this region boasts a warm, dry climate ideal for Rhône grape varieties such as Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Merlot.
Its unique topography and limited water supply encourage vines to focus on producing small, concentrated berries with thick skins, resulting in complex and flavorful wines.
Ramona Valley AVA
Ramona Valley AVA is about 30 miles from both the ocean and the desert, so ocean breezes keep things cool, but the sunshine and desert air warm the vineyards during the day. In this region, you’ll find heat-tolerant varieties like Aglianico, Tempranillo and Sangiovese.
Established in 2006, Ramona Valley AVA is home to the highest concentration of San Diego wineries. Its terroir is well-suited to bold red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Syrah, Barbera and Zinfandel. White grape varieties like Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat Canelli are also planted in Ramona Valley.
Sustainable Wineries in San Diego to Know
San Diego has several wineries that have adopted sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term environmental health and high-quality wine production. Here are a few to know:
Fallbrook Winery
Fallbrook Winery, which spans 36 acres, is dedicated to producing exceptional Bordeaux-style wines while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. It implements water conservation techniques and utilizes cover crops to replenish soil nutrients naturally, ensuring a balanced ecosystem for its vineyards.
Domaine Artefact
Domaine Artefact is another winery that prioritizes sustainability. Located on 30 acres, it specializes in Rhône varietals such as Carignan, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Marsanne and Viognier. Its commitment to a zero-carbon footprint is evident in its use of 100% recycled materials for shipping and marketing. The winery also preserves local wildlife habitats, fostering an environment where native species like red-tailed hawks and bobcats coexist with the vineyard.
San Diego Wineries To Visit
If you’re looking to explore San Diego wineries, here are a few places that should be on your list:
Bernardo Winery
Located in the town of Rancho Bernardo and dating back to 1889, this is the oldest continuously operating winery in San Diego County. This historic winery blends tradition with modern winemaking techniques, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich winemaking past. Guests can explore historical winemaking equipment, dine at the onsite restaurant and enjoy a selection of dry and sweet wines.
Emerald Creek Winery
Emerald Creek Winery, set on the north slope of Palomar Mountain at 2,400 feet elevation, produces a variety of bold reds, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Syrah. The property spans over 750 acres and offers a scenic and serene wine-tasting experience.
Hawk Watch Winery
Hawk Watch Winery has gained recognition for its Rhône-style GSM blend and Bordeaux-style Zoro Red. These are just a few of the wines that have earned accolades, solidifying Hawk Watch as a must-visit for lovers of bold, complex wines. Hawk Watch offers an intimate and personal tasting experience focusing on small-batch, handcrafted wines.
San Pasqual Winery
San Pasqual Winery is a family-owned winery, just 15 miles east of San Diego. Originally founded in the San Pasqual Valley in the 1970s, the winery has since reinvented itself as San Diego’s first urban winery. With a production of 3,000 to 4,000 cases annually, San Pasqual Winery offers a personal connection to wine lovers through its tasting rooms in La Mesa and Seaport Village, San Diego.
Shadow Mountain Vineyards
Initially planted in 1945, Shadow Mountain is one of the region’s most established wineries. Today, the estate has grown to encompass 16 different grape varieties. Guests can enjoy estate-grown wines while taking in breathtaking mountain views.
Rancho Guejito Winery
Rancho Guejito Winery, situated in San Pasqual Valley, occupies the site of the original Macy Winery, founded in 1852. The ruins of the historic winery remain, serving as a reminder of San Diego’s long-standing winemaking heritage. Today, Rancho Guejito produces a range of wines that honor the area’s deep-rooted tradition while embracing modern techniques.
Woof’n Rose
Located in the heart of Ramona Valley, Woof’n Rose Winery is a family-owned vineyard and winery run by Stephen and Marilyn Kahle and their three sons. Specializing in Cabernet Franc, the winery produces small batches of Bordeaux varietals and other unique wines, all made from estate-grown grapes. Visitors can enjoy intimate tastings on the scenic outdoor veranda while chatting with the owners.
San Diego wineries offer a fascinating blend of history, diverse terroir and sustainable practices. As more travelers discover Southern California’s vibrant and unique wines, San Diego is an essential stop on the California wine trail.
Want to dive deeper into wine tasting in San Diego wineries? Learn more about San Diego County wine to prepare for your next visit.
Pairing Food With San Diego County Wine
Combining local wines with seasonal California cuisine is always a delicious idea. A simple yet delightful pairing is Grilled Lemon Pepper Asparagus with a crisp California Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. These wines’ citrusy brightness complements the dish’s zesty and grassy flavors, making it a perfect match.
Lemon Pepper Asparagus
When fresh California asparagus is in season, there’s really very little you need to do to make it delicious. A drizzle of olive oil, nice char from the grill and a generous sprinkle of lemon zest and freshly-cracked black pepper is all it takes to make a truly sensational (and sensationally easy) side dish. Serve with grilled chicken or fish and a chilled glass of California Sauvignon Blanc or California Chenin Blanc.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (500g) fresh asparagus
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
Directions
- Trim the ends off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus spears and lay in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the salt. Toss to coat.
- Light a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat and brush the grill grates clean. Place the asparagus across the grill grates perpendicular to the bars so they don’t fall through and grill, turning frequently with tongs to lightly char the asparagus on all sides (about 5-6 minutes total).
- Remove the asparagus to a serving platter. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and black pepper. Taste a spear and season with more salt if needed. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Wineries
What is the history of winemaking in San Diego County?
San Diego County has a rich winemaking history that dates back to the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted the first vineyards. It is considered the birthplace of California wine, with the first mission grapevines planted at Mission San Diego de Alcalá. In recent decades, San Diego has experienced a renaissance in winemaking, driven by small producers focusing on boutique wines.
What are the main AVAs in San Diego County, and what makes them unique?
San Diego County features two main AVAs, each with its own distinct climatic and geographical characteristics that influence the wine produced:
- San Luis Rey AVA: This cool, maritime region benefits from ocean breezes that moderate temperatures. The area is home to a growing number of vineyards, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Grenache
- San Pasqual Valley AVA: Established in 1981, this AVA is located near Escondido and benefits from a warm climate moderated by ocean breezes, ideal for growing grape varieties such as Syrah and Merlot.
- Ramona Valley AVA: Recognized as an AVA in 2006, Ramona Valley surrounds the town of Ramona and features a varied topography for microclimates suitable for a diverse range of grape types. The AVA is known for its robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and its growing reputation for Rhône grape varieties.
What wine varieties are most commonly grown in San Diego County?
San Diego County’s diverse microclimates allow for the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties, making the region exceptionally versatile in its wine production:
- Red Varieties: The warmer inland valleys are well-suited for growing robust red grapes such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These varieties benefit from the warmer temperatures, which help develop rich, full flavors.
- White Varieties: Cooler areas closer to the coast are ideal for growing white grapes like Chardonnay and Viognier. The maritime influence provides a cooler growing environment that helps maintain acidity, enhancing the freshness and complexity of these wines.
- Rhône Varieties: San Diego has also gained recognition for its Rhône grape varieties, including Grenache and Mourvèdre, which thrive in its Mediterranean-like climate.
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