It will shock no one to know that my first visit to a winery involved a weekend road trip to Napa while in college.  While wine isn’t my drink of choice, I will say that I love a good riesling and you learn a lot visiting wineries.  In exploring California’s winery options outside of Napa and Sonoma, look south of the San Francisco Bay Area.  Way south near San Diego. 

Location & Details

In Escondido, outside of San Diego, you’ll find Altipiano Vineyard and Winery. I’m super excited to share with you that the winery is black and female owned (with her husband) by Denise Clarke.

To get you geographically situated, Escondido is located in San Diego County. It’s 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, give about half an hour drive.  

The vineyard was planted in 2008 and rose from the ashes of an avocado grove that was wiped out by a wildfire in 2007.  You know how those California wildfires can wreak havoc. The winery opened for business four years later, in 2012.  The winery grounds and buildings are Tuscan inspired space and focus on Italian varietals.

Visit

For your visit, you can schedule a private tasting with the owner.  In addition, you have the option of staying at the estate in one of their suites, many of which have their own private patios.

For a fantastic San Diego trip, definitely consider Altipiano Vineyard and Winery in your itinerary. You’ll be contributing to a black owned winery business and enjoy a little wine tasting. In upcoming posts, I’ll share more about California wineries and history for you to consider. In the meantime, share your thoughts about wine tasting or what you look for in winery visits. Are there a few producers that you would like to visit while you’re in the Golden State?

May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back,

Jae