Beer isn’t the only thing to drink around here. After all, San Diego is a wine region, and one surrounded by other wine regions at that. With spring underway and summer around the corner, wine-pairing and -tasting events are popping up all over the calendar. Here are a few of our favorites this month, including one featuring Baja wines, another that takes place inside an actual wine cave, and other choices to make your weekends and evenings that much nicer.
Winemaker Dinner Series
Where: Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
When: April 5
Step inside Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa’s wine cave for local food from chef Jarrod Moiles and wine from Santa Maria’s Tyler Winery. Both the chef and winemaker will be on hand to tell guests more about the cardamom-crusted yellow tail, California quail, 2014 Dierberg Vineyard Chardonnay, La Rinconada Vineyard Pinot Noir, and other menu items. Call 858-759-6246 to make reservations; $195 per person.
Saturday Champagne Brunch Cruises
Where: Hornblower Cruises
When: Saturdays starting April 7
The folks at Hornblower Cruises—the same ones who offer Sunday brunch cruises—also arrange Saturday brunch trips with champagne. Tour the bay to the sounds of the Dave Scott Duo’s live jazz on a boat stocked with plenty of bubbly and brunch and lunch dishes. Reservations required; $69 per person.
Meet the Baja Winemaker Series
Where: The Wine Pub, Point Loma
When: April 12
The Wine Pub in Point Loma arranges four-course dinners paired with wines from Mexico’s premier wine region, Valle de Guadalupe. Dine while the featured vintner schools you on their sips. The next event, on April 12, welcomes Cava Maciel winery’s Jorge Maciel, followed on July 31 by Villa Montefiori winery’s Paolo Paoloni. If your interest is piqued, you can follow your tongue to Valle de Guadalupe on bimonthly wine tours with Fernando Gaxiola, owner of Baja Wine + Food. Dinner tickets are $65 a person; reservations required.
VinDiego Wine and Food Festival
Where: Liberty Station
When: April 14
Wines from 300 top flight wineries from California and the Pacific Northwest will be on hand at this year’s VinDiego Wine and Food Festival, alongside eats from a long list of lavish restaurants (Nobu, anyone?) and live entertainment. Tickets start at $75.
Bubbly Garden at Taste of Liberty Station
Where: Liberty Station
When: April 18
Ten-hut! This former naval training center plays host to a variety of food, drink, entertainment, and art events during the Taste of Liberty Station. Get the $15 “Bubbly Pass” to sip on sparkling wine while you stroll (and the additional $30 “Liberty Pass” for access to all the food events).
5 Can’t-Miss Events for San Diego Wine Lovers in April
April 14: VinDiego Wine and Food Festival
