ZXQ Vineyards and Winery – A Truly Hidden Gem of Highland Valley
Updated: Jan 28
You know how they say “a hidden gem” about a winery, but when you arrive you feel this pronounced aroma of deception: the place is crowded, the servers wear their exhausted mass-production smiles, and the whole place reminds you of a fast food drive-thru. This in definitely not the feeling you get at ZXQ Vineyards and Winery.
When we first visited the winery, we were the only customers, so we had the outside patio, the inside tasting room area, and the cozy art gallery with the Central Perk sofa style couches all to ourselves. I remember saying “Hope you have more customers today” to the wine server, but deep in my heart there was a whisper: “Hope no one knows about this place, and it always has the vibe of a hidden gem – peaceful, exquisite, yet to be discovered…”
The 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.
Despite being humble and truly “hidden”, the winery is internationally and locally recognized. Its wines have been receiving medals at Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition, Ramona Valley Vineyard Association Lum Eisenman Wine Competition, and Orange County Fair Wine Competition. In 2022, having enjoyed its share of well-deserved applause from the wine judges and the winery visitors alike, the 2017 Unoaked Cabernet Franc from ZXQ Vineyards became a must-sip, so make sure you insist on trying it when you book your next Highland Valley Wine Tour with Hidden City Wine Tours.
Details
Dog Friendly | Yes | Outside Food Allowed | Yes |
Food Served | Snacks | Family Owned | Yes |
Open Late | Yes | Live Music | Yes |
Offer Tastings | Yes | Wine by the Glass | Yes |
Reservations Available | Yes | GOATS! | Yes |
Tours | No | Art Gallery | Yes |
Wine
Rose | Yes | Red | Yes |
Sweet | No | White | Yes |
Hours
Monday | Closed | Friday | Closed |
Tuesday | Closed | Saturday | 12pm - 5pm |
Wednesday | Closed | Sunday | 12pm- 5pm |
Thursday | Closed | | |
Further Information
15454 Highland Crest Way | Escondido, CA 92025
619.736.3230
When thinking about planning a San Diego Wine Tour, let Hidden City Wine Tours create a unique experience for you and your group. Check out our Wine Tours page to see our current offerings.
Our mission is to share our love of the locally owned small wineries of San Diego. Through education, community, one-of-a-kind experiences - we are committed to inspire others to develop an appreciation for the charming San Diego Wineries.