LOCAL WALLY’S GUIDE TO SAN DIEGO AND TEMECULA WINERIES
Best Wineries in San Diego and Temecula Area
Looking to experience one of San Diego’s hidden gems?
Just an hour north is Temecula, home to over 50 wineries and a popular day trip. You’ll find country roads, a historic downtown, and great restaurants scattered throughout.
Down south in Mexico is the Guadalupe Valley where many fine wines are produced, wines that rival some of the best California wines.
And the inland communities of North County have a number of wineries not only making some very drinkable wines but offering a fun picnic side trip as well.
Here’s an incomplete list that highlights the wineries I like in and around San Diego!
How to Wine Taste in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe
Located a couple of hours south of the border, Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico’s answer to Napa Valley. With over 150 wineries and breathtaking vistas along with a food scene rivals their wines, it’s easy to see why this has become a “must visit” for wine lovers and is a fun way to visit Mexico.
However, driving in Mexico can be daunting. Add to this the active drug cartel along the border who aren’t too concerned about ruining your vacation and it’s much safer and enjoyable to take a tour. Plus you can drink all the wine you want and not worry about driving back. There are a handful of companies doing this but here’s one from Viator that you should check out.
Three winery stops
Brunch and dinner stops
Order and pay for what you want at wineries and restaurants
From $129 pp depending on pickup location
Temecula Wineries on Priority Wine Pass
The Priority Wine Pass is the annual wine tasting pass that’s good in Temecula as well as Paso Robles, Sonoma and Napa. You only need one pass ($39) to get the two for one discounts. With everything so expensive these days, why not save a bit on your wine tasting fees? Buy a wine pass and take advantage of these deals.
Bel Vino Winery
2 for 1 Tastings, Save $25 | Saturdays Excluded | Closed Thursday
A self contained winery producing 30+ different wines, Bel Vino offers great views, a bistro with charcuterie boxes and sandwiches, and live music events. Large groups welcome, the two for one offer honored with one pass for every two people. Six pours per tasting fee.
Cougar Vineyard & Winery
20% Off Tour and Tasting, Save $20
Family owned, estate bottled Italian wines. Full bistro onsite with sandwiches and pizzas to complement the wines. Great views, family owned and family friendly, relaxed, down home experience.
Danza del Sol
2 for 1 Tasting, Save $25
Rustic elegance, the Spanish style tasting room, the patios with sweeping views, and wines influenced by Italian, Spanish, and French traditions. Food trucks on weekends and plenty of music and food events.
Longshadow Ranch
Save $20 when you purchase two tastings | Mon-Thurs before 2PM
Experience the history and charm of the “Old West.” Our team of Belgian Draft Horses will take you on a carriage ridge through our vineyards. There’s also a playground, petting zoo, and live music. Bring a picnic or stay for dinner at their restaurant.
Lorimar Vineyards
2 for 1 Tasting Sun-Fri, save $18 - $25 | Sat. excluded | 10% off food
A classic winery making Tuscan style wines with a gourmet food truck making salads, wings, hot sandwiches and burgers. Grab some food, some wine and chill out to the live music at a winery that looks straight out of Italy.
Masia de la Vinya
2 for 1 Tasting, save $25 - $28
Taste in a Spanish Manor, a relaxed and casual experience with great views of the valley. No reservations required, when you want to get away from the busy and touristy wineries this is a good choice. Food and music on select days, see calendar.
Maurice Ca’arie Winery, Ultimate Vineyards
2 for 1 Mon-Fri, save $25 | $10-$15 Off Sat and Sun
Live music on weekends (see events), iconic Victorian house tasting room and popular baked brie cheese in a sourdough loaf, a great pairing with their wines. Onsite bistro with charcuterie and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, and more.
Monte de Oro
2 for 1 tasting, save $25 | 10% off Food and Wine purchases
Impressive winery with a 21,000-square-foot tasting room featuring a glass floor that looks down on over 900 barrels of wine. Onsite bistro with salads, charcuterie, pizzas and sandwiches. Live music - see calendar.
Mount Palomar Winery
2 for 1 Tastings except Sat, Save $20-$25 | $10 off on Saturday
Nestled away on a hilltop away from the busy roadway, full restaurant onsite. The tasting room, Cava di Vino, is the oldest wine cave in Temecula Valley, built in 1969. Dancing and live music during the evenings.
Oak Mountain Winery
2 for 1 Tastings, Save $30
Massive wine cave with full restaurant inside, a speakeasy distillery, and sweeping views outside with misters to keep you cool on a warm summer day. Come for lunch, taste some wines, stay for events.
Raul Ramirez Winery
2 for 1, Wed-Fri, Save $30 | 10% off wine purchases any time
Horses, Spanish wines, and an intimate tasting room. Sophisticated and upscale with stunning views, tastings are calm and peaceful and adults only, a contrast to the vibe at the larger more commercial wineries.
Wiens Cellars
2 for 1 Tasting, save $30
One of the few wineries in Temecula that allows outside food - bring a picnic! Live music and happy hour food specials. Chill vibe during the week but lively and fun on weekends. Wines from sparkling to big reds.
More Temecula Wineries to Check Out
Though they have no deals at this time these wineries are worth checking out.
AKASH WINERY: With a gorgeous open air patio with vineyard views, get tasting flights, wines by the glass, oh heck, just get the whole bottle. Music and pop up food vendors. OFFICIAL SITE
BAILY VINEYARDS: Voted one of the top 25 wineries in the US by Readers Digest, buy two bottles and they waive your tasting fee. OFFICIAL SITE
BELLA VISTA: One of the oldest wineries in Temecula, Bella Vista offers a quaint wine tasting experience. OFFICIAL SITE
BOTTAIA WINERY: Chic, modern winery inspired by the luxury and refinement of Northern Italy. An elegant and calm tasting experience, away from the party crowds. Wine blending and more - they even have a pool! OFFICIAL SITE
CALLAWAY VINEYARD: Wait, Callaway as in the golf clubs? Yes, those are the roots of this long time Temecula favorite though the relationship is in name only these days. Live music and full restaurant. OFFICIAL SITE
CARTER ESTATE WINERY: A refined tasting experience, enjoy a flight, a glass, or a bottle. Full restaurant onsite, plus bungalows and resort should you just want to make a weekend of it. OFFICIAL SITE
CHAPIN FAMILY WINERY: A small boutique winery with beautiful views of the vineyards. Small lot, handcrafted wines. Want to stay a bit longer? They have a 2 bedroom luxury apartment above the barrel room. OFFICIAL SITE
CHURON WINERY: A bit of French elegance, Churon Winery also has a full bistro as well as romantic rooms. OFFICIAL SITE
DUFFO VINEYARD: Slightly off the beaten path at the far end of Rancho California Road is Doffo Winery, a peaceful retreat and vintage motorcycle collection. OFFICIAL SITE
EUROPA VILLAGE: Three European-themed villages, each offering wine tasting, dining, and accommodations. Walk between the villages, each with its own unique vibe. OFFICIAL SITE
LEONESS CELLARS: A good example of quality wines coming from Temecula. Wine tours, full restaurant, terrace seating with views of the vineyards, and live music. OFFICIAL SITE
PONTE WINERY: Popular winery with a full restaurant and Inn. OFFICIAL SITE
SOUTH COAST WINERY RESORT AND SPA: Huge facility with restaurant, spa, the works. OFFICIAL SITE
THORNTON WINERY: Temecula’s “champagne” house and live jazz music. OFFICIAL SITE
WILSON CREEK WINERY: OK, haters step aside but Wilson Creek is famous for their almond flavored sparkling wines that just screams Par-Tay (and possible headache). A popular stop on the Temecula Wine Trail, taste if for yourself. OFFICIAL SITE
Make it a Combo! Temecula Wineries with Restaurants and Food
From snack friendly charcuterie boards to full restaurant dining, Temecula has something for everyone. No need to stop your wine-ing just because you’re hungry!
🤑 CHEAP EATS: $20’s 💵 MODERATE: $30’S 💰 EXPENSIVE: $40+
THE RESTAURANT AT AVENSOLE WINERY: Elevated California cuisine with great views overlooking their pond and vineyards, indulge in oysters or entrees with salmon or ribeye steak, burgers and salads. 💰 Menu
BABA JOON’S KITCHEN AT FAZELI CELLARS: Mediterranean cuisine featuring kabob wraps, flatbreads, and their signature Persian tacos. Menu 💵
BOLERO RESTAURANT AT EUROPA VILLAGE: A taste of Spain with plenty of tapas, small plates to share. Extensive menu with salads and seafood, even paella. Menu 💰
CAFE CHAMPAGNE AT THORNTON WINERY: Temcula’s sparkling wine house with full blown restaurant features casual sandwiches, flatbreads and full entrees such as steak and short ribs, all with suggested wine pairings. Menu 💰
CREEKSIDE GRILLE AT WILSON CREEK WINERY: Two dining options, the more casual Creekside Bar and Grill with pizza and sandwiches 💵 and the fancier restaurant that adds dinner entrees and pasta 💰.
CAVE CAFE AT OAK MOUNTAIN WINERY: Dine inside their actual cave, the perfect respite on a hot summer day. Entrees range from moderately priced burgers to full dinner entrees. 💰 Menu
MAMA ROSA’S TRATTORIA AT ROBERT RENZONI VINEYARDS: Italian comfort food such as pizzas, pasta and sandwiches such as an authentic NY Pastrami, beer options. 🤑 Menu
MERITAGE AT CALAWAY WINERY: Casual outdoor eatery with burgers, flatbreads, all the way up to full entrees such as pan seared scallops or braised short ribs and wild-caught seafood. 💰 Menu
BISTRO AT MIRAMONTE WINERY: Everything from gourmet burgers, and flatbread pizzas to braised short ribs in a casual setting. 🤑 Menu
BISTRO AT MONTE DE ORO: Casual lunch fare, gourmet flatbreads, specialty pizzas, fresh salads, paninis, gyros, and appetizers like truffle fries, sweet potato fries, and hummus. 🤑 Menu
PINNACLE RESTAURANT AT FALKNER WINERY: Large restaurant on a hilltop with great views and patio, featuring sharable plates such as charcuterie plates, shrimp Linguine in vodka Sauce, Philly cheesesteaks, eggplant parmesan, and puffed pastry stuffed with braised chicken. 💵 Menu
SANGIO’S DELI AT COUGAR WINERY: Great views and casual dining with sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, salads and appetizers. Dog friendly, there’s even a special menu just for your pooch. 🤑 Menu
THE RESTAURANT AT LEONESS CELLARS: Classic French cooking techniques with modern California Cuisine with items such as elevated hand cut fries to soft shell crab appetizer and fancy seafood pastas. 💰 Menu
THE RESTAURANT AT MOUNT PALOMAR WINERY: Handcrafted pastas, specialty flatbreads, and fresh seafood, lakeside dining among the vines. 🤑 Menu
THE RESTAURANT AT PONTE WINERY: Nice outdoor setting, share starters such as fried calimari or mussels, big salads with protein options, pizzas and sandwiches and full entrees. 💰 Menu
THE VINEYARD ROSE RESTAURANT AT SOUTH COAST WINERY: Large, elegant dining room with California Cuisine, burgers and sandwiches as well as full entrees. 💰 Menu
So Many San Diego Area Wineries!
Scattered around San Diego are both urban wineries and estate wineries, mainly in San Diego’s north country’s Ramona and Escondido. There are so many, here are the ones that should be on your short list when wine tasting in San Diego county. Some have offers on the Priority Wine Pass so if you have one, use it.
Bernardo Winery
Rancho Bernardo
SoCal’s oldest continually operating winery, opened in 1889, and one of our most successful and popular wineries. With shops, a weekly farmers market, and a full kitchen onsite it’s a worthy destination for wine lovers. About a half hour drive from Carlsbad, this is your treat after a day at Legoland.
OFFICIAL SITE | Open Wed-Sun
Domaine Artifact
Escondido Highland Valley
Hidden gem winery with live music on the weekends. Patio overlooking a pond and vineyards in the distance and hidden areas tucked away to enjoy a glass or flight. Outside food OK and pop up food vendors often available on weekends.
OFFICIAL SITE | Open Thurs-Sun
Espinosa Vineyards
Escondido Highland Valley
Featuring Spanish wines, this family owned winery offers flights, glasses and bottles to enjoy under shady pine trees with views of the rolling hills and vineyards or gardens - very pretty! Outside food permitted.
OFFICIAL SITE | Open Sat and Sun at noon | Walk-in’s Welcome
Hatfield Creek Winery
Ramona Area | $5 Off Tasting or Purchase with Priority Wine Pass
A small, family run winery with a quirky collection of antiques. Bring your own picnic and sip wine under a shady tree, often served to you by the owners who live on the property.
OFFICIAL SITE | Reservations required
Hidden Valley Vineyards
Escondido Highland Valley
A greeting by the winery dog and stunning views at this authentic family run small winery. Outside food permitted, no reservations required.
OFFICIAL SITE | Open weekends at noon
Hungry Hawk Vineyards
Escondido San Pasqual Valley
Winner of the 2026 Winemaker of the year and located just five minutes north of San Diego’s Safari Park, though children are not permitted. Shady patio and inviting tables with umbrellas. One of the more celebrated wineries in the area.
OFFICIAL SITE | Open Fri-Sun at noon
Mia Maria Vineyards
Escondido Highland Valley
Featuring Spanish Colonial Revival inspired architecture and park like gardens, savor a tasting or a glass on an expansive patio with spectacular views. Tours on Friday (with reservation), snacks available out outside food permitted.
OFFICIAL SITE | Open Fri, Sat, Sun | Walk-in’s welcome
Mermaid Valley Vineyard
Ramona Area | 10% Off Wine Purchases with Priority Wine Pass
Boutique family winery with the owners often serving you their wines. Casual, comfortable, and relaxing experience. Rhóne style wines.
OFFICIAL SITE | Open Sat 11-5 | Affordable tasting fees | Outside food allowed
Orfilia Vineyards & Winery
Escondido San Pasqual Valley | Not Recommended 👎
If the new owners outspoken political views aren’t enough to keep you away then perhaps exploiting exotic animals will. After receiving tremendous backlash for bringing in a giraffe in 2025 they continued by having camel rides in 2026. Once one of my favorite wineries, no longer recommended.
Pamo Valley Winery
Downtown Ramona | 2 for 1 Tasting with Priority Wine Pass
Cute wine bar in quaint downtown Ramona, the first woman owned winery in San Diego country. Enjoy a tasting or a glass on their front patio or on the back patio where there’s often live music. You can bring in your own snacks or order food to be delivered by nearby restaurants.
OFFICIAL SITE | Open daily
Scenic Valley Ranch Winery
Ramona outskirts | 2 for 1 Tasting with Priority Wine Pass
Rustic and welcoming with chickens and turkeys roaming the area, it’s like sitting in someone’s backyard. Mainly focused on bold Bordeaux-style reds, they also craft a highly regarded Albariño. This one is pretty far out there, best for stopping by if you are on your way to Julian.
OFFICIAL SITE | Open Fri, Sat, and Sun | Picnic and pet friendly
Soltera Winery & Kitchen
Encinitas, Coastal North County
Though it has more of a restaurant than winery feel, Soltera does indeed make their own wines onsite. Located on historic Highway 101, a perfect lunch or dinner spot before or after the beach and just minutes from Legoland area hotels.
OFFICIAL SITE | Open daily - hours vary | Excellent food and wine
Speckle Rock Vineyards
Escondido Highland Valley
Perched at 1,200 feet with panoramic views, Speckle Rock is one of the largest vineyards in San Diego county. Relaxed setting, watch the soaring hawks while listening with acoustic music as you sip your wine.
OFFICIAL SITE | Open Thur- Sun at noon | Snacks and guest pop up food vendors