Be Refreshed By A Wine Tasting Adventure!

Dry and tantalizing taste or delectable and fruity taste, no matter how you prefer your wine tasting in San Diego, a good wine is both a refreshing and an excellent companion to a meal. It is for this reason that wines are favored on special occasions as well as at parties. A wine is glamorous, classy and appealing to both the eye and the taste buds. Wines are reported to come packed with a variety of health benefits too, for instance, decreasing cholesterol in the body, lowering blood pressure and giving the drinker better cardiovascular health. It relaxes the senses after a hard stressful day or night. If you are a wine aficionada, here are some adventurous wine tasting San Diego tips.

To start with, for a wine tasting San Diego event, sticking with the known and the unknown has the effect of boosting the excitement. To host a wine tasting event, invite guests to bring along a bottle of their favorite wine. To make things more intriguing, ask them to bring a bottle they have never tasted before or one that they aren’t so sure about.

This way, they won’t easily recognize the wine they are about to taste. Apart from this, they will get to try a wine that is totally different from the ones they are familiar with. To make sure that they get a good wine, set a price limit, this way you will help your guests to find wines that are more affordable to them. For example, you may decide to stick with red wines or white wines or a combination of the two.

If you are not too good with the wine lingo, then you may also want to read up and research a little. If you want your wine tasting San Diego event to be more fun, offer your wine lingo to your guests and some explanations on a variety of wines and the terms used with them. For example, explain such wine terms as “legs.” Wine legs refer to the way a wine sticks to the side of the glass when it is swirled. There are many more terms like this that you can research and give to your guests as they go about tasting the said wines.

To make the event more fun, disguise the bottles that were brought by the guests. There are several ways of doing this. The majority of wine related companies also sell wine tasting kits in San Diego. These include some bags that are designed specifically for wine tasting, in addition to helpful checklists and information on a variety of different types of wines on the market.

Keeping the bottle label hidden helps the visitors to keep an open mind and really savor the smells and tastes of each wine as it is. Once they have been disguised, arrange them in a line, assigning each of the available wine bottles with a number. If the guests vote on the favorite wine bottle, the numbers will be helpful when it comes to identifying and discussing which of the wines they liked the most and which was the worst.

At the end of the day, a wine tasting San Diego event should be fun filled, enjoyable, adventurous and satisfying to everyone participating in it, no matter where it is held.

Wineries In San Diego Might Be The World’s Best Kept Secret!

Only a few years ago, wineries in San Diego were mostly unknown to the majority of wine lovers. The wineries that were worth a visit for things such as wine tasting and subsequent purchase of wines were all located in the northern Los Angeles. Now, with the addition of several new wineries, especially in Northern San Diego County, San Diego is fast becoming an ideal place for winery tours.

What is more, as most of these wineries are located inland, you can count on the weather being warmer than those that are situated along the coastal strip. And although the best time to visit wineries in San Diego are when the vines are in full growth, other times can still be fun filled, or just spending an  afternoon out relaxing with the best of your friends or the family while sipping a favorite wine from the source.

San Diego has a bunch of world-class wineries, most of which are worth paying a visit. However, if you want to stay a little bit longer in a winery environment, a winery such as South Coast Winery is worth your consideration. And although this winery was only opened recently, it has become the favorite winery for many wine enthusiasts, and for a very good reason.

Not only is it a winery, it is also a restaurant, a hotel and a spa, all in one, making the winery a destination place rather than a day trip spot. The hotel rooms are equipped with pleasant king size beds, oversized tubs, etc., making them quite luxurious, in addition to being spacious. Visitors are also offered a complementary bottle of wine. Each of the rooms has a small patio where visitors can sit and enjoy morning coffee while appreciatively facing the vineyards.

The spa in this winery cum hotel and restaurant, offers full service. There is also a nice pool area where you can relax while sipping the choicest of the available wines. The winery’s popularity has increased tremendously over the last couple of years as witnessed by the room rates. If you find the rates too steep for your liking, there are other neighboring wineries in San Diego whose rates are more affordable, depending on how much you want to spend. However, many of these wineries do not offer accommodation facilities, thus are only suited for a day visit. Nevertheless, there are plenty of hotels in the area for inexpensive stays to opt for while you go about visiting the available wineries.

Honestly, the San Diego area has numerous sophisticated wineries that offer inexpensive and great tasting wines for prices ranging from as little as five dollars, depending on the winery in question. Apart from this, there are numerous restaurants where you can satisfy your hunger after a day’s visit to the winery. To say the least, even if you are not a wine enthusiast, by the time you are done with tasting the wines from any of the many wineries in San Diego, you will surely find a wine that suits your taste buds, and one that you will consequently want to take home with you.

Wine Tasting In San Diego Offers More Than Just Wine Sampling!

Many people think that wine tasting is not that great but such people have never been on a wine tour in San Diego. We are situated in a beautiful region and a really wide variety of possible tours that can be chosen. What is a guarantee is the fact that you are going to have a great time as this is one experience that offers a lot more than just the possibility to taste high quality wines that are grown in the area.

A good time to seriously consider starting your wine tasting San Diego experience in June as this is when the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is held. It will run between 5 and 7 of June and there are around 50 hot air balloons that will be amazing to watch. On the ground, the visitors are going to be able to enjoy wine samples and be entertained by various top performers and bands. Many different hotels are going to accommodate you so that you the festival can be enjoyed to the best experience possible.

Keep in mind that there are many other festivals that are held throughout the year. Talk to your trip advisor or use the internet to see when you might want to visit in order to catch one. It is a tremendous experience to visit during such times as you can enjoy yourself more while also planning a good wine tasting tour. There are two things that you can do. You can either include the tour in your travel package or simply go to the desired area and create a unique one there.

What is interesting is the fact that wine tasting in San Diego trips are great during all seasons and it is not necessary to visit in a particular month. The region is beautiful and besides the wine you can also enjoy tremendous scenery. In the event that you visit with friends or family members, make sure that you consider arranging a special conducted tour. There are vans that can accommodate a maximum of 12 people but there is also the possibility to opt for a town car. No matter what you choose, the tour is going to be conducted by people that know a lot about the area and about wine making. Make sure that you ask questions so that you learn more about the area you are visiting and about the wine that you taste.

Remember that most tour companies are going to offer private group wine tasting tours in San Diego. This is perfect for a family, an anniversary or a birthday celebration that would be unique. It does not matter why you are visiting as you will surely end up having a great time. It is a guarantee that the tour you will choose will be perfect for you if you spend the necessary time to analyze as many offers as you can find. Look at your budget, wineries that you want to visit and plan the perfect wine tasting tour.

Are You Ready To Embark On a San Diego Wine Tour?

San Diego wine tours will offer you a unique experience that you will remember for a very long time to come. Most people tend to think that this is a region that does not offer much but we couldn’t be further away from the truth. The wine tours that you can go on in San Diego are special due to many different reasons. What is interesting is the fact that most will be surprised to notice the various opportunities that are available. It can be hard to properly plan a tour due to the fact that there are many things that you might want to do before you even start the tour.

The first thing that you need to do when you plan on going on San Diego wine tours is to look for a service that is going to offer you a good package. Look at transportation that is offered and any other aspect that is important for you. Only work with reliable services or directly contact the wineries that you want to visit if you do not need special transportation. Keep in mind the fact that you will be tasting wine so you should not be driving. However, if there is a friend that would drive instead and not drink, you can opt for planning every single aspect of your wine tour.

One thing that few people understand is that they should never opt for visiting more than 4 tasting rooms. This is due to the fact that you will no longer hold a good discerning palate after several samplings. Only visit wineries in San Diego in one day so that you can experience everything that is offered and at least 1 hour should be spent in each tasting room.

Whenever planning a San Diego wine tour, you have to think about answering three questions. First you will want to know exactly what you want to gain from the visit to a tasting room. Think about whether or not you want an atmosphere that is relaxed and fun. Some tours are private while others will include more people. See exactly what you are offered and decide based on what you believe the best experience is in your case.

One of the most important factors to consider is why you are on a wine tasting tour. Most people will just want to taste the wine while others will want to learn as much information about the wine as possible. There are tours that include history sections so you can learn how the wine in that area is made together with its history. In addition, you might go on a tour that will tell you how to pair the wine that is offered with certain meals. Different San Diego wine tours will include dishes together with the sampling experience in order to fully enjoy what you are drinking. Think about all the factors that were mentioned so that you can have the best possible wine tour and a little patience and proper planning will help you out a lot!

How To Select Wines For Parties

There are dozens of different San Diego wines that you can choose from but whenever thinking about a party or a dinner event, you will need to know exactly what to pick in order for the event to be a success. While most people will focus on wines that are imported, you should know that there are different local ones that are going to be great. It is a guarantee that you are going to be surprised by the huge diversity that is offered by San Diego wines. It can be said that it is impossible not to find one that will perfectly complement your dinner.

It is true that San Diego wines are sometimes more expensive when compared to mass-produced wines but the quality offered is also a lot higher. What is important is to take into account the food that is being served. Any wine specialist will tell you that this is necessary since the meal is going to be better with the addition of wine that complements its culinary traits. Most people will try to select different San Diego wines for every single course that is served. This is not always necessary. However, it is recommended as it will trigger conversation and it is always interesting to be able to enjoy different wines in one night.

One problem that can appear when selecting San Diego wines is a lack of budget. Whenever this happens, you are going to need a wine that you can afford while also maximizing the experience for your guests. The good news is that there are wines for all possible budgets. It is impossible not to be able to find something that perfectly complements your dinner party.

When you are selecting the San Diego wines that you want to serve, you are mostly interested in quality. Look at what specialists are saying about the considered wine and then analyze all the options that you have. Keep in mind that specific dishes go better with some wine types and choosing a bad one will not help you out. The first thing to analyze is the color of the wine as it will offer a good indicator of what types you should look at.

If you want to choose high quality San Diego wines, you might also want to go on a wine tour. This is going to give you access to some of the best possible wines and the winemakers will talk to you about possible combinations. Just go on one and discuss dishes and combos that you can offer for guests at your party. Although you might think differently, all winemakers are open and they are going to recommend a proper pairing. Seriously consider this option as it is one that will make your party a success.

Well, besides some parts of the actual party planning, choosing a good wine is the most complicated part of the entire process. You should take the time needed to look at options that are available and think about talking to a specialist if you do not know what to do when it comes to San Diego wines.

Bottling Day at Sunshine Mountain Vineyard: Wine & Shine!!

Fun day with good friends!!!

A big THANK YOU to all of our volunteers and guests who came, we could not do it without you:)

Here are some of our favorite pics from the event:

The sunshining ladies!

We will see you all the next time we open all our wines at the pick up party in June:)

Cabernet Sauvignon in San Diego – It Simply Has The Wow Factor!

If you ever take some time to visit wineries in San Diego, it is almost a guarantee that you are going to come across Cabernet Sauvignon. This is definitely one of the most recognized red wine types that you are going to find. It became recognized internationally because of the prominence noticed in Bordeaux wines. That is where it is usually mixed with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The magic of Cabernet Sauvignon spread fast in Europe and eventually reached USA. Wineries San Diego do usually offer it and you are surely going to enjoy the great taste that is offered.

What you might not have known is the fact that Cabernet Sauvignon is a new grape that appeared due to the crossing between Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet franc. The crossing was performed in southwestern France in the seventeenth century. The popularity it enjoys constantly grew due to the fact that it is really easy to cultivate. Grapes will have thick skins and all vines are resistant to rot and frost.

The Cabernet Sauvignon present in San Diego wineries is special as it developed unique reputation and style. It is nowadays recognized around the world and the quantity offered is similar to what is seen in Bordeaux. Judgment of Paris was the event that basically catapulted the variety present in California in 1976. That was when French wine experts recognized the special qualities of the wine cultivated here.

Wines that are produced by mountainside vineyards will have deep inky color and a strong berry aroma. There are many different regions that are currently covered by Cabernet Sauvignon plantations and alcohol levels are usually above Bordeaux averages of 12 to 13 percent. In most cases, wineries San Diego will offer wine with alcohol content of over 14 percent.

One interesting aspect that few people know about is the history of oak use when talking about San Diego Cabernet. Most producers are currently favoring new oak barrels that usually contain American Oak. After the eighties, there is a trend to create wine that was more food friendly due to less ripeness and a lower oak influence, but the winemakers eventually got back to oak. The only real difference was that producers were inclined to lighten and limit oak barrel use as most turned towards French oak.

The bottom line is that the Cabernet Sauvignon that is present in San Diego is unique in the world and its taste is recognized as one of the best varieties that are present on the market at the moment. Its popularity is really high and the wine will go well with a variety of dishes. It is recommended to go on a wine tour as this will offer you the possibility to learn even more about the history of the wine and see how it is planted and how the wine is made. You will be facing a unique experience that you cannot enjoy anywhere else! All in all, wineries San Diego offer you the chance to taste Cabernet Sauvignon and pair it with complementing dishes in order to make the entire trip a delight.

Participating In San Diego Vineyard Events

The truth is that most people do not expect San Diego vineyards to be as attractive as they are and to offer so much for visitors and wine lovers. It is quite common to be surprised when you are looking to go on a wine tour and you notice that there are offers available for the region. You should be aware of the fact that there are some fantastic San Diego vineyards that you should visit as the experience is unique.

What is interesting is the fact that there are some very interesting events that you can attend. They are held annually in order to attract visitors from around the world. One of the really influential events is the wine tasting one held in March and May. There are many American wines that can be tasted during this event. Wine lovers are definitely going to enjoy the possibility to try wines from different regions and not just those that come from San Diego wineries. Visitors can participate in different contests with the most popular and easy one being answering a question and winning a prize. That is why it is recommended to document yourself before going to such events.

During summer you might want to participate in the Winemakers Gold Dinner. It is a very interesting event that is captivating for visitors. They are allowed to actively participate in the event by proposing dishes that are going to match served wine. The entire event is one that is entertaining and a lot of surprises are offered to those that participate.

Most people will visit San Diego wineries in order to taste the wine that is made there and obtain discounts for wines that are exquisite. In addition, a visitor can see exactly how grapes are turned into premium wines when choosing a private small shuttle. In most situations lunch is offered by winemakers and all dishes are carefully chosen in order to go perfectly with the wine that you taste. This is going to make the entire experience even more interesting. Some San Diego vineyards will even offer hot balloon tours. All visitors in the area are going to enjoy their stay and everything culminates with the tasting of wine that is of the highest quality possible. Only really good wine is offered for testing sessions by winemakers in San Diego.

It is highly recommended that you book your tours well in advance. This will offer you a better price tag and you will also be able to take into account events that are held in San Diego. Look at the calendar of events so that you are well prepared. Make sure that you document yourself and that you learn as much as possible about the wine tours that are possible.

A little research will help you to visit the San Diego vineyards exactly when an event is taking place. This will make the entire experience even more enjoyable and you are definitely going to remember it for a long time and do not forget to bring along your camera to record the tours and everything that is happening at the events!

Have You Experienced A San Diego Wine Tour?

It is a great idea to consider booking San Diego wine tours to make sure you get the full enjoyment of all that the San Diego vineyards have to offer without the risk of drinking to much and getting stopped and breathalyzed by the police. Not only is a San Diego wine tour the safe way to enjoy tasting the wine at the wineries where they are produced, but the better San Diego wine tours will come with an informative guide who is able to provide you with a lot of useful and interesting information about the region, the vineyards and the products that they produce.

How do you want to travel?

San Diego wine tours can accommodate groups of visitors of all sizes. You will be able to choose your transport from practical vehicles to luxurious limousine transport. You could even consider booking a party bus if you have a larger party to cater for and intend to have a good time at the wineries as well as on your return trip. Your destination will be the Temecula Valley, also known as Temecula Wine Country, and it is growing in its reputation as a top quality wine producing region. Today Temecula wine producers can boast over 100 awards for the wines produced in the region. So you will not be lacking in choice of great wines to taste during your San Diego wine tour.

Preparing for your San Diego wine tours

A wine tour is the best way to really get the best from the Temecula Country, as the views are really spectacular. You will be able to enjoy the trip in perfect comfort if you book a luxurious limousine or even a luxury bus if you have a larger party. Decide with your companions when you want to take the Temecula wine tour and how much time you have available. Agree how many people will be in your party and then you are ready to contact the tour operator. Tour groups can normally start with 6 people and accommodate up to around 45 people. Make sure you book well in advance so that the San Diego wine tours companies can make all the necessary arrangements to ensure that your tour is a great success.

The best time to take the tour

The ideal time is in the afternoon as this means you can visit wineries when they are offering wine tasting and guided tours of the vineyards. Good tour operators will be also be able to arrange out of hours visits to certain vineyards if you have a large enough party. By taking advantage of the San Diego wine tours services you can relax and kick back and really enjoy your day out. Carefully planned San Diego wine tours will allow you to refresh your pallet in between wine tastings in order to be ready for the next winery that you will be taken to. Did I forget to mention your tour doesn’t stop at only one winery, so don’t drink too much at the first stop!

How to Get The Best Out Of Wine Tasting In San Diego

San Diego’s hinterland is rapidly growing in importance as a source of fine wines. Therefore, there has never been a better time to consider enjoying a wine tasting that San Diego can offer you, to really get the best impression of the fine wines from this region of California. The key wine production area is the North County with some of the best wines coming from vineyards in the Temecula Valley. Temecula Valley is easy to reach and extremely appealing. The vineyards, both large and small, stretch out across the rolling hills and valleys of this picturesque region.

Go to the wineries or bring them in?

Even if your time is short and you don’t have the time to get out to the wineries all is not lost. San Diego wine sellers will be more than happy to arrange for you to come to a wine tasting at their premises or some may even be able to bring a selection of wines for you to taste at your hotel, assuming that you have made the right arrangements. If you would like to taste the wines from over 50 of the best wineries in the San Diego area it will be perfectly possible without having to leave the city limits. Even if you are in San Diego only for a limited period of time you should be able to find wine tastings taking place in the city and these are open to the public, so you should be able to find a time that works for you.

How to get the best out of San Diego wine tastings

Even if you are a novice to the wonderful world of wine and all that San Diego has to offer, don’t be afraid to go to a wine tasting. The organizers understand that everyone has to start somewhere; so young or old you will be made welcome regardless of your knowledge of wine. Don’t try to make out that you are an expert in wine tasting when you have very little experience. The staff hosting the wine tasting will be more than happy to help you with a few useful steps to allow you to evaluate the wine you are tasting and how to work out if you like it or not.

Tips and tricks for wine tasting in San Diego and elsewhere

Wherever you are tasting wine the techniques to find out if you like the wine or not are basically the same. First of all the wine you will taste should be at its ideal ambient temperature. Room temperature for the red wines and chilled to about 5c for white wines. Red wines should have been allowed to “breathe”. This means that the wine should have been exposed to the atmosphere so that the wine can mellow; this is caused by the interaction with oxygen that removes the bitter taste caused by tannin when the wine is first opened.

You may have laughed when you see a wine expert gobbling like a turkey when trying the wine. You don’t have to imitate a turkey but you should allow the wine to touch all of your taste buds by effectively swilling it around your pallet. Wine tasting in San Diego should be fun and it will be if you follow these simple practical steps.