Valentine's Day Wine Experience
Whether you're celebrating Valentines Day with your significant other, or a group of friends, nothing says "I love you" like a San Diego Wine Experience. With award winning wines and tasty eats – San Diego is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine's Day.
In sharing our passion for all things San Diego, we’ve compiled a list of our top wine experiences for couples and small groups to eat and sip - for consideration when planning your Valentine's Day. While we are only scratching the surface here, there are many other AMAZING options in the sip and eat categories, these are just a couple of our many favorites. Your memorable Valentine's experience is waiting in San Diego.
Where to Sip
15036 Highland Valley Road Escondido CA 92025
If you're looking for a certain vibe, you've found it at Mia Marie. Mia Marie Vineyards boasts an inviting patio with exquisite views. Nestled in the Highland Valley in San Diego County, this charming winery is not to be missed.
100% estate grown, their wines are clean, beautifully-crafted, and are perfect for enjoying on their picturesque patio with the company of friends and family. They produce red, white, and rosé wines, so everyone will have something to choose from! In addition, they love to experiment with different winemaking techniques, like Pet Nat sparkling wines or reds fermented via carbonic maceration (the same style as those fruit-forward and oh-so-tasty Beaujolais Nouveau wines).
Insider Tip:
Sir Tankerton, or Tank for short, is the official welcoming committee of Mia Marie - and he takes his job very seriously! Tank greets all guests (furry ones included) with open paws and a wagging tail, welcoming them to his home away from home. Mia Marie is a dog-friendly winery, so on your visit, leashed and well-behaved dogs are encouraged. Fun Fact - Tank made the 30 of the most adorable dogs you can meet at wineries list by USA Today!
Hungry Hawk Vineyards & Winery
3255 Summit Drive, Escondido CA 92025
Located in the San Pasqual Valley, this Husband and Wife owned winery offers beautiful views and award winning wines. Hungry Hawk Vineyards and Winery has over 15 varietals grown on the estate. Included in those, is their Recon Red. This beautiful Rhone style blend, is comprised only of fruit grown on our estate and is: 42% Grenache, 38% Syrah Noir, 20% Mourvèdre. NOT TO BE MISSED!
Insider Tip:
Get a behind the scenes look with a tour of their vineyard and production facility, led by the winemaker or owner, while tasting wines along the way. A tour of 2 + tasting is $150, with each additional person $50. Make sure to call and make a reservation.
16850 Old Survey Rd. Escondido 92025
Taste full-bodied red wines at small family owned Old Survey Vineyards. Overlooking the San Pasqual Valley, their beautiful patio boasts breathtaking views and is the perfect way to end your perfect day with a bottle of Mourvèdre and a sunset. Located off the beaten path, this hidden gem is a must see.
Insider Tip:
I will let you in on a secret (I don’t know how secret), but sweet Rosie is known to whip up some refreshing sangria on the weekends. Made with their amazing wine, fruit, and a lot of love - it’s so enjoyable on a warm summer day on the mountain! Additionally, they have a community grill you can use - grab some meat and grill up something delicious to pair their their show-stopping wine!
ZXQ Vineyards & Winery
15454 Highland Crest Way Escondido, CA 92025
ZXQ Winery offers sips, glasses, and bottles of estate grown – “right next to the tasting room” grown – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, and Merlot, plus a number of Bordeaux style blends where these varieties marry beautifully with each other and the not so small Petite Verdot. Cabernet Franc is the lead singer in this garage boutique band, and if you, like me, are a Cab Franc fan, treat yourself to a vertical tasting of this single-varietal wine (vintages 2015 to 2017) or try its oaked and unoaked versions.
Insider Tip:
Attention Animal Lovers! Not only are there masses of local wildlife to admire, when visiting ZXQ, don't miss the opportunity to meet their sweet goats! So lively, they provide adorable entertainment while sipping their award winning wine.
Where to Eat
15732 Highland Valley Rd Escondido, CA
Originally from Italy, husband and wife duo, Gerardo and Rosa opened Cordiano Winery in 2008, after many years of owning authentic Italian restaurants in New York, and Louisiana. Another winery with spectacular views and impressive wine, Cordiano also has a kitchen! From charcuterie boards to Pizza and Pasta, this homemade cuisine is perfectly paired with their robust wine offerings. Cordiano Winery is about enjoying life to its fullest and sharing that experience with friends, both new and old.
Insider Tip:
Because of Cordiano's delicious food, and it's growing popularity, reservations are a must. Additionally, I've found the 12:00pm reservation for lunch is the perfect time to enjoy your wine and authentic Italian food to beat the crowds.
13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte San Diego, CA
Bernardo Winery is a family owned winery, and home to historic antique wine making facilities. Guests can stroll through the charming grounds, visiting the village shops while sipping their various wine options. While walking around the grounds, one can work up quite the appetite.
While the tasting room offers great fare to share at the table, their Kitchen menu is much more extensive. Featuring their BW Reserve Wine List and a seasonal elevated menu incorporating locally sourced and estate grown ingredients created by Executive Chef Yakub and his team, the food is delicious! The menu boasts Sicilian/Old Californian focused food with handcrafted pastas, sauces, and traditional rustic pizza - all celebrating Bernardo Winery's long culinary history.
Insider Tip:
Located amongst the Village Shops on the Winery estate, The Bernardo Winery Sweet Shoppe features chocolates, candies, and nuts. Stop by with your wine from the tasting room to pair with their beautiful chocolate samples.
Transportation
We always recommend having a driver when wine tasting in San Diego. Many of these wineries are located on winding country roads.
While there is Uber and Lyft in San Diego County, given the limited coverage in the San Diego wine country, it can be difficult to request a ride after each winery, there will be a lot of waiting around, and the costs add up.
To enhance your San Diego wine country visit, we recommend booking a wine tour company to help you make the most of your time and make this a memorable experience. Depending on the wine tour company, and what’s included, you will find prices varying from $85 - $200+ per person.
All Things Considered
Now that you have a small glimpse into the many experiences that await you in San Diego - now is the time to get planning your Valentine's Day experience.
Hidden City Wine Tours includes trip planning and customization from start to finish, safe and private luxury transportation, and a memorable day. We provide more than just transportation, but an entire experience for a group of up to 6 guests.
Your Private Wine Experience Awaits...
Contact Hidden City Tours on our Contact Us page to book your San Diego wine tasting trip today.
Tour Highlights Include:
Professional Concierge Service
Full Itinerary Planning - we make all reservations
Safe, Spacious & Comfortable Luxury Mercedes Van
Friendly Tour Guides - 5 Star Customer Service
Complimentary Bottled Water
Dog-Friendly - must be friendly and on a leash
Deli Lunch/Charcuterie available upon request