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.

6 Ways to Explore San Diego Urban Wine Week

Last year’s Urban Wine Week. | Photo: San Diego Urban Wineries

The post 6 Ways to Explore San Diego Urban Wine Week appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

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

The post 5 Can’t-Miss Events for San Diego Wine Lovers in April appeared first on San Diego Magazine.