Think San Diego is a beer town? Well, it is. But the area’s local wine producers shouldn’t be overlooked, and that’s precisely the reason for San Diego Urban Wine Week, a week of wine tastings, pairings, dinners, tours, and classes around the county highlighting local rosé, syrah, pinor noir, and more. Here are just a few of the events happening between June 1 and June 8.
Sip the City
Where: The Headquarters at Seaport Village
When: June 1, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The week of wine-fueled events begins with a splashy kickoff party featuring live music, artisanal food, and wine tastings from more than a dozen of San Diego’s best urban wineries. Tickets are $25 online or $35 at the door.
Winemaking 101
Where: Charlie and Echo
When: June 2, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Learn how this Miramar maker of sparkling and other wines creates their local products during two free tours with the winemaker.
Vesper Vineyards Wine Dinner
Where: The Cork and Craft
When: June 4, 6 p.m.
Escondido-based winery Vesper Vineyards hosts a dinner at Rancho Bernardo fine dining establishment The Cork and Craft.
Wine Week Trivia
Where: Negociant Winery
When: June 5, 7 p.m.
Q: The place to go for trivia, wine, and eats this Tuesday. A: What is North Park’s Negociant Winery?
Wine 101 with Brian Vitek
Where: La Fleur’s Winery
When: June 6, 5:30 p.m.
Let local winemaker Brian Vitek walk you through the basics of tasting wine and answer long-simmering questions like, “What is the difference between a Chardonnay and a Chablis?” And, “Is tannin a taste or sensation?” $20 per person.
Guided Wine and Cheese Pairing
Where: San Pasqual Winery
When: June 7, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Taste artisanal cheeses as they were meant to be savored: alongside wines that enhance their flavors, and vice versa. On hand will be cheese expert Jenny Eastwood and San Pasqual Winery’s vintner Linda McWilliams. Tickets are $30.
Last year’s Urban Wine Week. | Photo: San Diego Urban Wineries