Wine Tasting Guide for San Diego County in California

San Diego County has excellent weather for growing grapes and creating wonderful wines. The combination of ocean breezes, mountain air and dessert winds create a unique climate ideal for a variety of agricultural crops, especially wine grapes. Growing grapes for wine production is one of the fastest expanding crops in the San Diego area. Local wineries are expanding and so are the opportunities for wine tasting.

Across the county, from the mountains of Palomar Mountain to the costal of Carlsbad, twenty wineries and growers are members of the San Diego Wine Country Association. In central San Diego County, near the towns of Ramona and San Pasqual, there are no less than five wineries in the area.

Eagles Nest Winery and Cottage

Overlooking the Ramona Valley, the Eagles Nest Winery and Cottage features hand-crafted wines, each wine benefiting from the geography, climate and altitude of the region. They offer a selection of white and ruby port dessert wines and white, blush and red wines. They are one of the few California wineries offering wine-themed vacation lodging. They also offer internet sales and accept all major credit cards. They can be reached at 760-505-8229. Their address is 18261 Chablis Road, Ramona, CA 92065. Call ahead for tour times and wine tasting opportunities.

PamoValley Winery

Located over the mountain in the Black Canyon of Ramona, Pamo Valley Winery is situated on 5 acres in a forest like setting. It is a prime location for any special event, meeting or retreat. With permission and planning, small weddings can be held on the grounds. They offer an excellent selection of premium award winning wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. They can be reached at 760-271-3090. Their address is 2032 Black Canyon Road, Ramona, CA 92065. Call ahead for hours of operation and facility use opportunities.

Woof' and Rose Winery

Also located in the Ramona Valley, Woof' and Rose Winery specializes in estate grown Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Noir, Merlot and their specialty, an Eglantine blend. They limit their production so that they can focus on growing only the best product to produce the best wines. The do not have a tasting room but all of their wines are available on-line. They can be reached for phone orders at 760-788-4818. Their address is 17073 Garjan Lane, Ramona, CA 92065.

Lenora Winery

A new winery, established in 1999, Lenora Winery offers tours by appointments and discounts to Wine Club members. They make an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery itself is situated in the Valley of the Sun, a rural section of Ramona, about one mile off the Highway 67. Many of their wines are available at local restaurants and telephone and internet orders are available. To set up a tour at the winery, call 760-788-1388. Their address is 251 Steffy Road, Ramona, CA 92065.

Schwaesdall Winery

If you are looking for a hand-crafter of classic red wine or a full-bodied port wine, look no further than Schwaesdall Winery in Ramona. They have a straw bale tasting room, which hidden among the natural rock formations has become popular for picturesque weddings and other social gatherings. This vineyard offers a beautiful setting in which to taste wines and enjoy the beauty that is San Diego County. They can be reached at 760-789-7542. Their address is 17677 Rancho Del Oro, Ramona, CA 92065. Call ahead for tour times and wine tasting opportunities.

Take some time this weekend and experience the taste and scenery of any of these wineries. From downtown San Diego, take Highway 8 east to Highway 67 and head north to the community of Ramona. You can also get there from the coastal communities by taking Highway 78 east toward Ramona and the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

Article References

Personal Experiences

http://www.SignonSanDiego.com

http://www.sandiegowineries.org