While Napa, Sonoma, and Paso Robles have long been considered premier California wine destinations, lesser-known regions also offer world-class wines, along with picturesque landscapes and unpretentious charm. These hidden gems of the wine world stand tall on their own, with exceptional varietals that delight locals and visitors alike.
California’s winemaking culture is diverse. Some producers are experimenting with bold flavors and innovative techniques, while others focus on sustainable practices and improving upon classic styles. The tapestry of wineries is just as broad. From sprawling vineyards to historic venues to intimate tasting rooms, wine lovers are sure to find a tasting experience to suit their palate.
Wine is everywhere in California—on its coast, in its valleys, and beyond. There are even pockets of expert wine production right in our own backyard. San Diego and Temecula Valley offer approachable atmospheres oenophiles are sure to enjoy, while Carmel-by-the-Sea rewards wine lovers willing to travel further afield. These underrated wine destinations invite guests to sip, savor, and indulge in unforgettable experiences.
Temecula Valley
Just over an hour outside San Diego lies Southern California’s very own wine country: Temecula Valley. A climate similar to that of the Mediterranean makes the Temecula Valley an ideal location for growing high-quality wine grapes. The region’s 40-plus wineries produce a wide array of critically acclaimed and award-winning wines. More than 30 varieties are grown in the Temecula Valley, including cabernet sauvignon, syrah, sangiovese, and albariño.
With so many fantastic wineries to choose from, plus an ample assortment of hotels, restaurants, and spas, it’s no surprise that multi-winery tasting tours are popular. Take advantage of this—and get a sweet discount—with a SIP Passport, visit temeculawines.org/sip-passport.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Take a trip up north to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming village on the scenic central coast. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a top-rated wine destination, with 18 friendly tasting rooms all within the idyllic town’s one square mile. Many of the varietals are local to Monterey County, one of the state’s largest premium wine regions known for its chardonnay and pinot noir.
In addition to the bevy of tasting rooms, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the US. Two of its dining establishments, Chez Noir and Aubergine, have received Michelin stars, and a third, Yafa, is recognized as a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Bernardo Winery
San Diego is home to one of the oldest continually operating wineries in California: Bernardo Winery. This family-owned business’s history dates back to 1889 and includes a stint producing sacramental wine during Prohibition. Though communion vino is no longer among its offerings, Bernardo Winery crafts several reds, whites, and rosés using locally grown grapes, plus dessert wine and sangria.
Guests can enjoy a stroll through Bernardo Winery’s lush gardens or Friday morning farmers’ market, peruse the works of local artisans in its Village Shops, and dine on Sicilian and Old Californian dishes at its walk-up-style restaurant.
California Wine By the Numbers
4,700 wineries in the state
85% of wine produced in the US comes from California
422,000 California jobs are related to the wine industry
635,000 acres of vineyards in the state
$57.6 billion in state economic impact
95% of American wine exports come from California
*Sources: California Wine Institute, winecountry.com, Wine Institute, the National Association of American Wineries.
Most homeowners want two things before they commit to a remodel: a realistic sense of cost and a clear picture of what the finished space will look like. Milan Design + Build helps deliver both through its online remodeling estimator and personalized design consultations, supported by a showroom experience and 3D renderings.
“The online estimate gives homeowners a starting number in about a minute, and the showroom and 3D renderings let them see materials and layouts before anything is built,” says David Noriani, CEO of Milan Design + Build. “Keeping design, permits, and construction with one team helps us manage expectations and keep everyone working toward the same vision.”
Courtesy of Milan Design
Modern design is a particular focus for Milan, with an emphasis on clean lines, natural light, functional layouts, and carefully selected materials. The team adapts each design to the homeowner’s lifestyle and the character of the property. Milan Design + Build combines thoughtful design with construction expertise, creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
The online estimator covers kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, full-home remodels, and ADU construction. At Milan’s showroom on Carroll Road, visitors can review real materials, finishes, and design options, meet the design-build team, and discuss project scope, budget, and timing. Consultations can also be held virtually for homeowners who prefer to start remotely.
At Milan Design + Build, one integrated team works on the entire project. Design and construction aren’t divided between separate firms. The process begins with a consultation and feasibility review, followed by design, space planning, and 3D renderings developed from detailed measurements and digital scans. The team also coordinates architectural plans, structural engineering, city approvals, and material selection, with construction overseen by a dedicated project manager.
Homeowners can explore their remodeling options, get an initial estimate, or request a design consultation at MilanBuild.com.
In the last several years, there’s been a surge in FDA approvals for what’s known as oral oncolytics. Oral oncolytics are targeted cancer therapies that come in tablet, capsule or liquid form that patients can take at home, rather than in an infusion clinic. Scripps physicians have seen exponential growth using this approach, with patients citing convenience as a major quality-of-life enhancement in their cancer treatment. This approach also allows treatments to be customized based on specific genetic mutations and a patient’s unique disease biology. Find out more about oral oncolytics here.
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Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Unio Specialty Care is a multi-specialty practice specializing in urology, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology.
Unio’s Radiation Oncology team—Dr. Donald B. Fuller, Dr. Tahir Ijaz, Dr. Reza Shirazi, and Dr. Siavosh Vakilian—combines extensive clinical experience with a commitment to personalized cancer care. The RO team treats cancerous and non-cancerous conditions using precision therapies including SBRT, IGRT, and the CyberKnife® S7 System, the only system of its kind in Southern California. Their expertise spans prostate, breast, lung, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and central nervous system cancers, as well as low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis.
In 2026, Dr. Shirazi and Dr. Vakilian were recognized as San Diego Top Doctors, joining Dr. Fuller and Dr. Ijaz, who have previously received this distinction.
Faces of Healthcare 2026: San Diego Fertility Center
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Susanna Park, MD; Sandy Chuan, MD; Brooke Friedman, MD; Said Daneshmand, MD; Valerie Flores, MD; Bryn Willson, MD
At San Diego Fertility Center, parenthood starts with personalized, cutting-edge care. Nationally recognized physicians offer individualized plans spanning IVF, PGT, egg donation, surrogacy, Gentle IVF, fertility preservation, and LGBTQ+ family building. Newsweek ranked them among America’s Best Fertility Clinics in 2026: top 6% of 450+ clinics nationwide, and best in San Diego.
“Remind yourself you are not alone! You don’t have to have all the answers before you walk through the door,” says Dr. Friedman. “Our job is to listen, explain your options, and guide you toward what makes sense for you. Because fertility care isn’t one-size-fits-all — and building your family should feel like your journey, supported every step of the way.”
Faces of Healthcare 2026: North County Cardiovascular Specialists
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At NCCS, both doctors take a personal, traditional approach to cardiovascular care. Patients speak directly with their physicians and build lasting relationships with doctors who know them.
“We became doctors to care for patients, not to run a business,” says Dr. Kabra, who trained in England and the United States and leads the practice’s office-based cardiac care. Dr. Rajamanickam, an interventional cardiologist trained under renowned Dr. Samin Sharma, shares the same philosophy.
Guided by evidence-based medicine, they tailor care to each patient’s unique history, physiology, lifestyle and goals. Both are respected, well-reviewed physicians and four-time Top Doctors.
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3142 Vista Way, Suite 206, Oceanside, CA 92056 760-224-7776
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Community health is about more than just vaccines and checkups, At Neighborhood Healthcare, patients receive whole-person care, giving them access to the resources they need to live their best lives—whether that’s primary care, pediatrics, dental care, behavioral health, lab services, or pharmacy needs.
Neighborhood Healthcare is a private, non-profit community health organization in San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Primary Care Physician James H. Schultz, MD goes above and beyond in serving people with high integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. Alongside the entire Neighborhood Healthcare staff, he works to improve the health and happiness of the community, regardless of situation or circumstance.
