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.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
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, Oceanside, CA 92056 4002 Vista Way, 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.
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Dr. Elona is the founder of Inspire Smiles, a high-end, concierge-style dental practice. She is a cosmetic and rehabilitative dentist whose career reflects a rare combination of clinical excellence, systems-driven practice growth, and a deeply integrated wellness philosophy.
Beyond private practice, Dr. Elona is the founder of Inspire Changes, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to restoring the smiles, health, and dignity of human trafficking survivors. Over the past seven years, the organization has contributed more than $500,000 in donated dental care.
Dr. Elona’s career represents a comprehensive model of modern dentistry—where clinical mastery, intentional business systems, personal development, and social responsibility intersect to create meaningful, lasting impact.
