DUBÉ VINEYARDS

Dubé Vineyards in Deerhorn Valley is about a half-hour drive eastward from downtown San Diego. In 1999 Carol and Doug planted rootstock from Sonoma vines on their 2-acre plot. They’ve weathered unseasonable snow and a devastating fire since, but setbacks have not stopped them from energetically pursuing their dream. Their 2008 Cabernet Franc was one of eight boutique San Diego County wines Bernardo Winery chose to offer for sale in their busy tasting room. The 2009 is quite nice as well, and a bargain at $14.95. Dubé's own tasting room will open within the next few weeks and Doug suggests a simple touring loop: San Pasqual in La Mesa, Dubé, and Rock Canyon Vineyards in Alpine.

Dubé's tasting room is open by appointment. 619.468.0030

ROCK CANYON VINEYARDS

Rock Canyon Vineyards in Alpine started as a breeding ranch for Spanish Andalusian horses. In 2000 the owners planted some Zinfandel vines and started experimenting with winemaking. Since then they’ve branched into other varietals and started offering their wines – all made from San Diego fruit – to the public. Cabernet Sauvignons are notable here. Visitors are most welcome by appointment. 619.445.4763

Link to a more comprehensive Rock Canyon post

OLD COACH VINEYARDS

At Old Coach Vineyards in Poway winemaker Sandy Mubarak grows several varietals, most notably Petit Syrah and Syrah. Her Wine Country Festival features were an interesting Syrah/Viognier blend called “Showdown” and a big 2008 Petit Syrah. Sandy likes to create unique blends and would be happy to share more of them with folks who visit by appointment.

Old Coach's wine club offers members two bottles quarterly for $40, 20% off regular prices, and invitations to private events.

Old Coach's tasting room is open by appointment. 760.432.6840

SCHWAESDALL WINERY

We hadn't visited Johnny Schwaesdall, proprietor of the oldest tasting room in Ramona, for quite some time, but we've heard his name quite a lot in our recent ramblings. He’s helped many an aspiring winemaker get started and played a pivotal role in establishing the Ramona AVA. Johnny bottles wines under the Schwaesdall and Ramona Winery labels, the latter of which is available in local stores. His ports deserve special mention, especially the Orange Muscat. And – strange as this sounds coming from us – the White Zinfandel tasted quite refreshing on a hot summer day.

Johnny's Truck

Schwaesdall Winery is open weekends 10:00-6:00. 760.789.7542

WOOF'N ROSE WINERY

Finding Woof'n Rose Winery is a bit of a challenge; owners Steve and Marilyn Kahle wisely ask visitors to call or email in advance so they can provide expert directions. Marilyn was waiting for us when we arrived at their hillside spot overlooking the Ramona Valley, where the Kahles have been growing grapes since 1995. Five years ago they started making handcrafted, unfiltered wines and selling them via retailers and caterers, augmenting their own grapes with others purchased almost exclusively from within the Ramona AVA. They opened their tasting room earlier this year. We liked the un-oaked 2008 Chardonnay (from Mendocino grapes) with just a few drops of Muscat and Gewurztraminer adding refreshing pineapple notes. Next we tried a 2008 Estate Grenache Noir, served chilled – a perfect summer sipper. Three award-winning reds followed; for us the 2008 Estate Cab. Franc won the day.

Woof'n Rose is open by appointment. 760.788.4818