San Diego is a notorious craft beer haven but let's not forget the assortment of wineries nestled within the beer capital. San Diego Urban Wineries (the same people who offer the wine passport) wants to highlight local vino with a week of events, from food pairings to winemaking basics, running from June 1-8.
Here are some of the top events hosted by SD Urban Wineries.
6.1: Sip the City
This kick-off event will feature tastings from over a dozen local wineries, artisanal food, live music and more. Tickets are $25 online and $35 at the door.
The Headquarters at Seaport, 789 W. Harbor Dr., Seaport Village, 619.235.4013, theheadquarters.com
6.2-3: Girl Scout Cookie Pairing
Munch on the beloved and crazed Girl Scout cookies paired with various wines at Koi Zen Cellars. The offer is $15 and available during the winery's regular business hours.
Koi Zen Cellars, 12225 World Trade Dr., Carmel Valley, 858.381.2675 koizencellars.com
6.2: Carruth Cellars Winery Rail Trail with the Winemaker
Adam Curruth of Carruth Cellars will take guests on a tour of everything the winery has to offer, from Carlsbad to Little Italy. Full-day and half-day tickets are available (half-day tickets do not include a tour of the Little Italy Wine Garden).
Carruth Cellars Urban Winery, 118 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, 858.847.9463, carruthcellars.com
6.2: Winemaking 101
Get a free tour and insight from the Charlie & Echo winemaker. The event runs from 2-4 p.m.
Charlie & Echo, 8680 Miralani Dr., Miramar, 877.592.9095 charlieandecho.com
6.2: Gold Medal Celebration & Release Party
Gianni Buonomo Vintners was recently award the Gold Medal at the Hilton Head Island International Wine Competition for its 2013 Blaufränkisch. To celebrate the victory, the winery will pair its wine with traditional Austrian dishes. Tickets are $30 and include a glass of the wine and dinner.
Gianni Buonomo Vintners, 4836 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach, 619.991.9911, gbvintners.com
6.4: Vespar Vineyards Wine Dinner at Cork & Craft
Cork & Craft will host a seven course dinner in collaboration with Vespar Vineyards. The dinner costs $79 and includes all seven courses and their wine pairings. Tickets available online.
Cork & Craft, 16990 Via Tazon, Rancho Bernado, 858.618.2463 thecorkandcraft.com
6.5: Wine Week Trivia
Now is the time to know Pinot Noirs from Pinot Grigios, as Négociant Winery hosts a wine-filled trivia night.
Négociant Winery, 2419 El Cajon Blvd., North Park, 619.535.1747, negociantwinery.uswest
6.6: Wine Challenge
Test your senses. Gianni Buonomo Vintners challenges OBetians and Wednesday farmers market visitors to determine what sample they are tasting, the price range and where it came from. There are prizes for those who can guess right.
Gianni Buonomo Vintners, 4836 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach, 619.991.9911, gbvintners.com
6.7: Wine & Food Pairing Flights
During Négociant Winery's usual business hours on June 7, grab a flight of food and wine pairings for $20, which includes Symphony paired with Pepino Chévre; Boulevard Red Blend paired with Prosciutto Popper; and Contrition paired with Winey Fig Crostini.
Négociant Winery, 2419 El Cajon Blvd., University Heights, 619.535.1747, negociantwinery.uswest
6.7: Wine 101 with guest winemaker, Brian Vitek
Learn the ins and outs of winemaking with La Fluer's winemaker, Brian Vitek. Details soon to be announced.
La Fluer's Winery, 215 S Pacific St., San Marcos, lafleurswinery.com
6.7: Guided Wine & Cheese Pairing
Jenny Eastwood, an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional, and Linda McWilliams, an award-winning San Pasqual Winery winemaker will guide guests through a path of cheesy, wine goodness. RSVP here.
San Pasqual Winery, 8140 Center St., La Mesa, 619.469.9463, sanpasqualwinery.com
6.7: Meet Your Local Winemaker
This tour and discussion will be hosted by BK Cellars Winemaker Joe Ames. Learn all there is to know about winemaking and what it's like to make the BK Cellars wine. The tour will end with a barrel sampling and a surprise tasting of a library wine.
BK Cellars Urban Winery & Tasting Lounge, 2225 Barham Dr., Escondido, 760.270.9851, bkcellars.com
6.8: Pinot Party
In celebration of winning a Double Gold medal from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Carruth Cellars will not only release the award-winning wine but also put it on sale for 30% off during the free event. Tri-tip will be served to pair the Pinot.
Carruth Cellars, 118 S. Cedros Ave. #C, Solana Beach, 858.847.9463 carruthcellars.com
6.8: Syrah and Chocolate Pairing
Dayleen Coleman of D'Liteful Chocolat comes to La Fleur's Winery for a night of wine and chocolate made specifically for the La Fleur's 2016 Syrah. Chocolate and wine: what more does one need? Tickets can be purchased online.
La Fluer's Winery, 215 S. Pacific St., San Marcos, lafleurswinery.com
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