Take some time to enjoy the Southern California lifestyle and  make the most of the cool ocean breeze, warm year-round weather and scenic views with a visit to our local vineyards. Most of these vineyard visits offer all of the advantages of  So-Cal characteristics like their laid back, unpretentious feel. Take a break for your San Diego vacation rental off the beach and head up to one of the many great wineries in San Diego.

Bernardo Winery

1 1/2 miles off Pomerado Road in Rancho Bernardo, North County San Diego lies one of the area’s best kept secrets. In 1889, five Sicilian partners came to the San Bernardo Rancho area and established vineyards for what is now the oldest continually operating winery in Southern California.

Strewn with antique, turn-of-the-century buildings that house some of San Diego’s premier artisans, services and culinary delights. Within the winery gates are over 13 Artist Village Shops, a Wine Tasting Room and a beautiful restaurant lend to Bernardo Winery’s romantic charm and feel.

One step in the gates and you are transported 6000 miles away and 100 years into the past to a place south of Sicily with a courtyard, beautiful Mediterranean gardens, lush vineyards and a quite homey atmosphere.

• www.bernardowinery.com

Orflia Wineyards

This is an award-winning boutique winery nestled in the pristine San Pasqual Valley agricultural preserve, approximately 30 minutes north of San Diego, just 5 minutes off the I-15, on the way to the Wild Animal Park. Executive Winemaker Don Reha and his team produce premium Rhône-style wines from grapes grown on the hillside estate.

Approximately 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard estate is blessed with cooling coastal breezes that produce exceptional grapes.

Located in the smallest American Viticulture Area (AVA) in the state, Orfila wines have put San Diego on the international wine map. Since its opening in 1994, Orfila Vineyards has been the recipient of more than 1,300 medals in major national and international competitions – a testament to the complexity, elegance, and opulence of its wines.

• www.orfila.com

Belle Marie Winery & Chateau Dragoo

These sister wineries are located in North Escondido along Interstate 15. The facility encompasses a 20,000 gallon winery, corporate and reception venues, educational facilities and a demonstration vineyard with varietals from around the world.

The unique soils and microclimate of the Guadalupe Valley, Baja, California creates the depth and character found in our wines. Belle Marie and Chateau Dragoo use only the finest grape clones from around the world to produce wines of intensity and distinction.

• www.bellemarie.com

I would strongly suggest sampling the wines from these fertile wineries. Not only do these make interesting day trip it also make for some great souvenirs and gifts.