Bernardo Winery

Restaurants, Wine Bars near Escondido, CA | Last updated: Mar 15, 2024

Avg 4.3* in total 817 reviews.

Claimed - $$ - Venues & Event Spaces, Wine Tasting Room

About the Business

Specialties

The Bernardo Winery is Southern California's oldest operating winery, established in 1889 and owned and operated by the Rizzo family since 1927. Specializes in varietals that grow well in the Southern California region and sources its grapes from San Diego vineyards, producing wines that grow well in our terrior such as Syrah, Petite Syrah, Sangiovese, Merlot, Viognier, Alberino and Chardonnay to name a few. Besides a large tasting room and plenty of outdoor areas to enjoy your wine, the Bernardo Winery is home to The Kitchen, a rustic Italian restaurant, a unique village of shops, artisan galleries and a coffee roaster. There's something for everyone to enjoy at the winery and families are welcome. No pets are permitted, only service dogs that are trained to perform a specific task for a disabled person. No exceptions. The winery also has several venues of every size and character to make your wedding or special event beautiful and memorable and your corporate event a complete success. Please email our events department at events@bernardowinery.com for more information about your next special event.

History

Established in 1889.

The Bernardo Winery is the oldest operating winery in Southern California, family owned since 1927 by the Rizzo family. The winery, one of San Diego's oldest businesses, is a testament to the old ways of California winemaking. During Prohibition, the Bernardo Winery continued producing Sacramental and "medicinal" wine and fresh grape juice that would "begin fermenting before the barrel reached the coast". Also at that time, olive oil production began at the winery from our olive trees that still grow throughout the property. During the hard times of prohibition, the winery also sold olive oil to the thriving San Diego Tuna industry. Today, Bernardo Winery still produces wines with San Diego grapes, now in it's modern cellar and crush pad on the property utilizing the old ways as well as modern viticulture and enology. Also preserved though, on the grounds, is much of the old style equipment and redwood vats, which can be seen as you explore the grounds.