Cactus Star Vineyard crafts its wine from grapes grown on the vineyard premises and occasionally from grapes obtained from other Ramona Valley vineyards within the RVA appellation. On-premise grape varieties are: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

Our vineyard and winery represent the culmination of nearly 6 years of hard work, patience, and persistence. Since 2001, our dream and vision has been to build a small San Diego mountain winery in Warner Springs that offers an incredibly intimate wine-tasting experience. In April 2008 our dream became a reality as we proudly opened Hawk Watch Winery to the public. Our wines are hand-crafted from only the finest fruit using hands-on, old-world wine-making techniques. Each bottle truly represents the excitement and enthusiasm we have for premium wine making and the passion and obsession we have for viticulture.

A stone’s throw from both Julian and Temecula, we invite you to take a short, scenic drive through the mountains of Northern San Diego County and stop by our tasting room. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.  – Mike & Lisa Schnell

John Schwaesdall, A San Diego native, started making wine from some of the old vineyards in Ramona that were planted in 1950′s. He since has planted 4 1/2 acres of various red and white wine grapes. The vineyard lies among gigantic granite boulders that are found predominately in the Ramona/Mt. Woodson area of San Diego. These boulders are true natural wonders. One great granite boulder on the property weighs 80 tons and looks just like a cat. Another looks like Moby Dick. John won’t hesitate to show visitors the fantastic natural sculptures on his 6 acres of property.

Shadow Mountain is an ideal grape-growing location with an elevation of 3,500 feet, and it’s blessed with Pacific Ocean breezes and cool, dry nights. Master vintner Alexander McGeary specializes in award-winning viognier, whites, reds and dessert wines such as merlot, Syrah, cabernet, zinfandel and a muscat cannelli.Shadow Mountain Vineyards is a 3rd generation family estate grape growing & wine making business, which was founded by Agusto & Helen Mase, an Italian couple in 1944. The second generation of the family continued in this family tradition, by planting extensive vineyards in the 1960′s and 70′s.