VESPER VINEYARDS has a new tasting room in Escondido...

ORFILA WINERY

We’ve long enjoyed Orfila in Escondido for its beautiful picnic grounds, but for a time we could barely find a wine that satisfied our craving for earthiness and distinguishable tannins. This changed gradually but we’ve never been as impressed as we were this month. Of special note: 2008 Estate Sangiovese, 2008 Estate Ambassadors Reserve Merlot, and several Syrahs. Both the Escondido winery and the Julian tasting room are festooned with flags from all over the world. Mr. Orfila was Argentina's ambassador to the U.S. He figured that when people see their flag, they feel at home.

View from Our Picnic Table on Orfila's Escondido Grounds

Orfila's wine club offers quarterly 3-bottle shipments taylored to members' preferences for $45-$82. Members also get free "V.I.P." tastings in Escondido and Julian, 20% off additional purchases, and invitations to special events.

The Escondido tasting room is open daily 10:00-6:00. 760.738.6500
The Julian tasting room is open Friday-Tuesday 10:00-5:00 760.765.0102

BELLE MARIE WINERY

 

We've been vintage club members at Belle Marie, just north of Escondido, for several years now. Winemaker Mick and his assistant Jeff, who craft both "new world" (Belle Marie) and "old world" (Chateau Dragoo) style wines, never disappoint.  Our most recent tasting included two lovely whites – a Viognier and a blend, a dry rose, and quite a lineup of dry, interesting reds. Besides our club wines – 2008 Tempranillo, 2007 Zin, and 2005 Maestro (80% Cabernet, 20% Nebbiolo), we brought home a delicious and afordably priced 2003 Barolo.  It's always a pleasure to visit with Marie in the tasting room.  

Belle Marie's wine club offers four 3-bottle shipments per year for a flat rate of $55. Wine club members get free tasting at any time and discounts on additional purchases.

Link to newest Belle Marie post

WINE TOURING AROUND ESCONDIDO

This route begins at Belle Marie Winery (A - daily 11-5) and proceeds to Orfila - our favorite picnic spot (B - daily 10-6), Cordiano (C - Wed.-Sun. 11-dusk), and Bernardo (D - Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. & Sun. 9-6). If you're headed back to San Diego and feel like one more stop, try the Hacienda de las Rosas Tasting Room in Old Town (E - daily 11:30-9).

Escondido/San Diego Touring Map