SALERNO WINERY

In 1988 Calabria-born opera singer Herman Salerno started making wine in a Long Island, NY basement. He and his wife Rose, together with her parents, followed their California dream and ten years later planted their Ramona estate with cuttings from older vines. In 2002 they bottled their first Petit Syrah. Today they have the only listed acre of Pinot Noir in San Diego County. Pinot is a difficult grape to cultivate in warm climates, but we loved the result and bought a 2008 bottle. Also noteworthy: 2007 Lagrein and the 2006 “Elegante” Bordeaux-style blend. Barmaster Ben graciously and knowledgeably hosted us in the cordial, Mediterranean-style tasting area, not failing to point out that Herman once won an award at the Orange County Fair for a wine he’d made in his garage. On the patio next to the bar guests can sit at tables and order handmade, wood-fired pizzas. The Salernos are very happy to finally be open to the public, and we’re very happy to have found them.

Joining Salerno's wine club requires a 6-month commitment at two bottles per month. Members get free tastings but are not allowed to open club wines on the premises.

Link to newest Salerno post

FIFTY BARRELS WINERY

The urban winery Fifty Barrels has been tucked away in an Oceanside industrial park since 2000. The winemakers - who met in college and have grown their business from a garage -  now sources grapes from Lodi, Napa, Sonoma, and Paso Robles. Their two-year-old tasting room is a place to socialize where everyone will find at least one likeable wine. Thanks to a generous fellow visitor, we enjoyed a bit of the last bottle of 2007 “Mellow Apathy” – a 50-50 Syrah-Merlot blend from Los Olivos grapes. Since we were headed towards a casual seafood dinner at Pelly’s in Carlsbad, the perfect wine to take along was a standout Viognier, pre-chilled.

The Fifty Barrels wine club supplies members with two bottles quarterly, including limited releases. There are also free tastings and members-only parties.

Fifty Barrels's tasting room is open Friday 5:00-9:00 and Saturday 11:00-4:00. 760.550.9463

WITCH CREEK WINERY

Witch Creek, established in 1993, is the oldest urban winery in San Diego County. They've won 27 medals in the San Francisco Chronicle’s competitions. The main tasting room is a couple blocks off the beach in Carlsbad, but the tasting room selections don't represent this winery's range. We bought a 2007 Chateau Neuf Du Cat at Whole Foods ($27). It's 50% Grenache, 25% Morvedre, and 25% Syrah. It certainly went well with the barely grilled clams we swirled in a garlic-and-chili-laden mixture of olive oil, lemon, and their own juices before popping them into our mouths.

Gotta Love the Cat

Members of Witch Creek's Winery Cellar Club definitely get the best bottles. They commit to two bottles per month for at least three months. In return the winery offers 20% off other purchases, free tasting, and invitations to private events.

Witch Creek's Carsbad and Julian tasting rooms are open daily 11:00-5:00. Carlsbad: 760.720.7499 Julian: 760.765.2023

BELLE MARIE WINERY

Belle Marie has recently started sourcing grapes from northern Santa Barbara County.  There’s a delicious 2009 Pinot Noir in pre-release; it’s a little darker and heavier than most – definitely reminds us of pre-Sideways days. Also stay tuned for a Chenin Blanc.

Go to first Belle Marie post...



BERNARDO WINERY

Bernardo Winery on the 4^th of July. Would the place be mobbed like the last time we stopped by, a few years ago on a Sunday?  Or might we start to appreciate why this winery has survived since 1889?  To our pleasant surprise, the scene was mellow.  Not dead, but more like a weekday.  Two shared tastings overseen by Linda allowed us to cover nearly the entire menu.  We liked the 2008 Chardonnay –citrusy with just a hint of oak, but the reds – all quite respectable – vastly overshadow the whites.  Our favorites: 2008 Meritage Private Reserve (fantastic nose, complex flavors, nice body), and 2006 Estate Syrah (luxury in a glass). Both grapes are grown on the adjacent Bernardo Estate, which the Rizzo family has owned since 1927. Originally they had 350 acres, i.e., a large chunk of Rancho Bernardo! Over time the family sold off some land but retained and continued to manage the core properties, including the vineyards and winery. The funky Bernardo complex of shops, a restaurant, and a plethora of interesting old tools and machines is a welcome respite from the suburban sameness that surrounds it.

Bernardo's tasting room and patio are open Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00, weekends 9:00-6:00. 858.487.1866