Chardonnay

Chardonnay

Orfila Vineyards

Orfila wine bottle label for their Merlot

Located in the stunning San Pasqual Valley, just 30 minutes from San Diego, Orfila Vineyards is an ultra-premium, small-production winery that invites wine lovers to indulge in its unique offerings. Conveniently located between Interstate 15 and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, this hidden gem boasts a breathtaking tasting room and patio that overlook the sprawling 70-acre estate.

Families will feel right at home in the tree-lined picnic area, complete with grassy knolls and picnic tables—perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends and a bottle of Orfila’s finest.

Orfila is known for producing critically acclaimed wines crafted from Italian and French varietals, including grapes from the Rhône Valley, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. The winery sources grapes from its estate as well as select vineyards in Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties. Under the expert guidance of winemaker Andrew Wisniewski, Orfila continues its tradition of creating award-winning wines that reflect the essence of San Diego County.

Since opening its doors in 1994, Orfila Vineyards has garnered more than 1,300 medals in national and international competitions, a true testament to the complexity, grace, and opulence of its wines. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, a visit to Orfila promises a delightful experience filled with exquisite flavors and breathtaking views.

J. Moss Wines

red wine swirling and dancing in the glass - Pixabay

J. Moss Wines’ goal is to produce not just good wines, but great wines from selected appellations in the Napa Valley. Their winemaking style is to produce intense, complex and elegantly balanced wines. The wines reflect the attention to detail of their portfolio, appeal to everyday wine drinkers, connoisseurs and some people call a “cult wine.” In order to ensure that J. Moss wines will always be of the highest quality, they produce limited quantities from single appellation vineyards of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Total production is approximately 250 cases annually with plans to increase production.

Conway Family Wines

beach bar woman with wine - wine artist Agata Zamobowski

About DEEP SEA and Conway Wines

DEEP SEA and Conway Wines are produced by siblings Tom, John, and Gillian Conway in Santa Barbara, California.

DEEP SEA Wines are sourced from coastal vineyards to reflect the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean. Crafted in a contemporary style, these wines cater to the modern wine drinker.

Conway Wines are sourced from the highest quality vineyards in Santa Barbara. The best barrels, lots, or vineyard sources are reserved for this label, which was created for the Conway family. These wines exhibit the most character, complexity, and ageability in the cellar.

Wine Style

Based in Santa Barbara County, much of the land planted with grapevines is located within twenty miles of the Pacific Ocean. The coastal air is cooler than inland regions, and the unique geology of Santa Barbara County, particularly in areas like the Sta. Rita Hills, traps cool air and moisture in the valleys. This “ocean effect” allows the grapes used for DEEP SEA wines to ripen over a longer period. The slow, steady development of this fruit leads to the perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and mature flavors, signaling the ideal time to harvest. Wines from this area are known for their balance, bright acidity, and beautiful California fruit, all of which are captured in DEEP SEA wines.

DEEP SEA and Conway Wines are produced by siblings Tom, John, and Gillian Conway in Santa Barbara, California.

DEEP SEA Wines are sourced from coastal vineyards to reflect the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean. Crafted in a contemporary style, these wines cater to the modern wine drinker.

Conway Wines are sourced from the highest quality vineyards in Santa Barbara. The best barrels, lots, or vineyard sources are reserved for this label, which was created for the Conway family. These wines exhibit the most character, complexity, and ageability in the cellar.

Wine Style

Based in Santa Barbara County, much of the land planted with grapevines is located within twenty miles of the Pacific Ocean. The coastal air is cooler than inland regions, and the unique geology of Santa Barbara County, particularly in areas like the Sta. Rita Hills, traps cool air and moisture in the valleys. This “ocean effect” allows the grapes used for DEEP SEA wines to ripen over a longer period. The slow, steady development of this fruit leads to the perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and mature flavors, signaling the ideal time to harvest. Wines from this area are known for their balance, bright acidity, and beautiful California fruit, all of which are captured in DEEP SEA wines.

Fortino Winery

wine corks and wine glass - Pixabay

The History of our founders and by extension our winery starts in Italy. Both of our founders, Ernest (Ernie) and Marie Fortino goes back to Italy where they were born. Marie emigrated from Sicily to the United States with her family at the age of eleven, while Ernie came to the United States at the age of 23 from Cosenza, in the region of Calabria.

Ernie met Marie in Santa Cruz, where their respective families were living. Ernie was immediately taken by Marie and gave her a promise ring while she was still in school, thus ensuring that she would not date anyone other than him. They married in Santa Cruz in 1964 and started their lives together. Ernie and Marie had two children (Gino and Teri) when they found and purchased a very run-down winery in Gilroy in 1970. As young newlyweds and immigrants, they had very modest means, however, they were able to purchase the building and the land surrounding it, thus beginning their legacy in the Santa Clara Valley.

Sonoma - Cutrer Vineyards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Despite the fact that this winery is owned by behemoth wine and spirits company, Brown Forman, we could not have picked a better winery to have a midday tasting. The three ladies that were manning the tasting room could not have been more charming as they set us up with a flight of pourings outside on the beautiful patio. We were surprised at the many offerings that Sonoma-Cutrer only provides from the winery or to wine club members.

Castello Di Amorosa

glass of wine - PIxabay

This is one of Napa's most memorable wineries - and the newest. It took more than half a decade to build and involved hand masonry by Italian artisans. Why? Because Castello is truly a castle. A Medieval, stone castle.... with a moat!

ZD Wines

wine and cheese - Pixabay

Norman and Gino rented a small farm building in the Carneros region of Sonoma County. They purchased winegrapes, some 50-gallon oak barrels and a redwood vat. Three hundred cases of Pinot Noir and a small amount of White Riesling represented ZD's first commercial vintage in 1969. The grapes were purchased from the Winery Lake Vineyard, which had been planted a few years earlier by René di Rosa. ZD's 1969 Pinot Noir carries the historical significance of being the first wine to have a Carneros designation on the label. It states, "Made in Sonoma from grapes grown in the Carneros region of Napa." The Chardonnay winegrapes from Winery Lake Vineyard were not in production until 1971, which is the first vintage of ZD Chardonnay.

Brewer Clifton

Wine swirling in the glass - Pixabay

While winemakers at Brewer – Clinton are grounded in traditional ideals found in Europe, Steve and Greg do not feel the necessity to be fettered by them. Instead they both make great effort to be certain that the wines that they produce truly are representative of the Sta. Rita Hills. Brewer and Clinton do not strive to emulate any other producer or any other region as they follow their own pursuit. This winemaking duo has espoused themselves to the appellation and will continue to do everything to display and celebrate it in as honest and impactful manner possible – in their wines.

Image: Saman Teher, Pixabay

Woof 'n Rose Winery

Logo for Woof'n Rose Winery

Woof ’n Rose Winery, owned by Stephen and Marilyn Kahle, is a small family operated Boutique winery on a north-facing hillside overlooking the beautiful Ramona Valley. We make only red wines made exclusively from Ramona Valley grapes, mostly using our eight estate grown varietals – Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Grenache Noir, Montepulciano, and Alicante Bouschet (a very unique varietal). Relax on our outdoor dog and rose themed tasting veranda, view the vineyards and surrounding mountains and valley, and chat with the owners and operators; all while enjoying our current releases, many of which have been medalists at international wine competitions. For the enjoyment of the white wine only aficionado we normally offer a by the glass option from other sources.

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