Celebrate National Wine Day in San Diego at these top locales.
By Lisa Kelley
You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur, or even know the difference between Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, to know how to celebrate National Wine Day in San Diego. Just visit one these top 10 wineries and wine bars, and the sommeliers, winemakers and oenophiles will walk you through the rest. We’ll toast to that!
M Winehouse
For an intimate happy hour (or post dinner) glass of wine, head to Little Italy’s iconic M Winehouse. The converted Victorian-style house boasts a comfortable and eclectic, yet classy atmosphere. Get inspired by the witty, wine-centric quotes and photos framed throughout; and as a bonus, pull out some board games upstairs while sipping your vino. M Winehouse specializes in international wines, but also offers a variety of beers and sakes. Enjoy happy hour weekdays from 3-6 p.m. and “Wine Wednesdays” with 30% bottles of wine. 1918 India St., Little Italy, 619.546.4226. mwinehouse.com
Bleu Boheme
Kensington’s French jewel, Bleu Boheme, is already famous for its wine library. In honor of National Wine Day, the eatery is offering half-off more than 30 selected wines and will have specific bottles of wine available for one dime (with purchase of another). Bleu Boheme specializes in French wines and features more than 100 bottles from the Rhone, Bourgogne, Bordeaux and Alsace regions. 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167. bleuboheme.com
Splash Wine Lounge & Bistro
With more than 100 wines featured, Splash Wine Lounge is the perfect urban destination for wine tasting. Guests can enjoy “self-serve” wines by the splash, glass or bottle, with pre-paid wine cards and all the wines available on tap. Happy hour specials stretch from opening until 6:30 p.m. http://3043 University Ave., North Park, 619.296.0714. asplashofwine.com
The Wine Pub
Sip from The Wine Pub’s selection of bubbles, international whites and reds, and dessert wines. Create your own flight by selecting three wines for a 2-oz. pour of each, or browse through the curated wine market. The daily happy hour menu is available from 4-6 p.m. Bonus: The outdoor patio is also dog friendly and features a special housemade dog menu. 2907 Shelter Island Dr., Point Loma, 619.758.9325. thewinepubsd.com
The Rose Wine Bar
Located in the heart of South Park, The Rose is a bright and airy setting to enjoy a glass of your favorite wine. The rustic, recycled wood shelving is accented by fun and colorful seating and fresh-cut flowers. Sip wines by the glass or share a bottle. Daily happy hour specials are from 4:50-6:40 p.m. 2219 30th St., South Park, 619.281.0718. therosewinebar.com
Grape Smuggler
Within the bustling new Liberty Public Market, sit back for a break and select a glass from Grape Smuggler’s 500+ labels featuring local, California and international wines. The 800-square-foot shop consistently rotates its wine list, so every visit is an opportunity to find a new favorite. Also enjoy daily tastings and flights. 2820 Historic Decatur Rd., Liberty Station. libertypublicmarket.com
Turquoise Cellars
Coffeehouse by day, wine bar by night, Turquoise Cellars wears many hats but offers the same warm, inviting atmosphere no matter the time of day. In addition to wines by the glass, Turquoise offers a housemade sangria and nearly 100 bottles available in their retail section. 5026 Cass St., Pacific Beach, 858.412.5377. turquoisecellars.com
Orfila Winery
For a taste of something local, head to Orfila Vineyards and Winery in the Escondido. While sipping through the flight, you’ll forget you are only 30 miles from downtown San Diego; The tasting room is at the top of the hill with beautiful views of the vineyard-covered San Pasqual Valley as a backdrop. Orfila specializes in Rhone varietals and offers six wine tastings for $12/pp. 13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido, 760.738.6500. orfila.com
Bernardo Winery
San Diego’s oldest operating winery, Bernardo Winery was founded in 1889 and survived the prohibition by producing sacramental wine and grape juice until the law was repealed. Grapes are all sourced from local vineyards and a variety of different micro-climates. Enjoy a wine tasting flight of 5 wines for $12/pp, then shop through their various galleries and studios. 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, 858.487.1866. bernardowinery.com
Solterra Winery & Kitchen
Right in the heart of Encinitas, Solterra Winery is an inviting destination for a glass of wine. The wines are all produced on-site and grapes are sourced locally and from Sonoma County and Baja California for a diverse offering of varietals. For a unique tasting experience, try the cask wine program in which the wines are brought straight from the barrel to your glass instead of going through aging in a bottle. 934 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, 760.230.2970. solterrawinery.com
