Bernardo Winery, San Diego County Travel Guide

Name: Bernardo Winery
Address: 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, 92128, US
Telephone: +1858-487-1866
Price range: 2
Rating: 4.6

4.6 (625)

Discover Southern California's oldest winery: historic Rizzo family gem with local wines, Italian kitchen, coffee roastery, gardens, shops, and event charm in San Diego's foothills.

Founded in 1889 and family-owned by the Rizzo family since 1927, Bernardo Winery is Southern California's oldest continuously operating winery. Nestled in San Diego's North County foothills, it offers approachable wines from local grapes, alongside The Kitchen restaurant serving Italian fare, Manzanita Coffee House, gelato, artist village shops, lush gardens, and event spaces. Open Wednesday-Sunday with walk-up service, no reservations needed. All ages welcome in this historic, rustic destination just 25 minutes from downtown San Diego.

A brief summary to Bernardo Winery

13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, California, 92128, US
Click to display
Click to display
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Wednesday 11 am-9 pm
Thursday 11 am-9 pm
Friday 11 am-9 pm
Saturday 11 am-9 pm
Sunday 11 am-9 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bernardo Winery.

Visit mid-week for fewer crowds and full tasting room access; arrive early for Friday farmers market fresh picks.
Pair Kitchen pastas with estate Syrah or Zinfandel; opt for garden seating on sunny afternoons.
Combine wine tasting, coffee at Manzanita, and village shopping for a full half-day escape.
Book events via email; explore antique winemaking gear in the courtyard for free history lesson.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Juniper and Ivy

C Level Lounge

insideOUT

Herb & Wood

Rustic Root

Explore Bernardo Winery on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Bernardo Winery, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

25-min drive from downtown San Diego via I-15 N; free parking in lower lot. 5-min from Rancho Bernardo Inn.
Public Transport

MTS bus 921 to Rancho Bernardo Rd (45 min from downtown), then 20-min walk or 5-min Uber; limited service.
Rideshare

Uber/Lyft from San Diego airport ~30 min, $35-50; designated drop-off in main lot.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Drink Options
Drinking Water
Food Options
Seating Areas
Sheltered Areas
Picnic Areas
Trash Bins
Information Boards

Discover more about Bernardo Winery

History and Heritage

Established in 1889 on the historic La Cañada de San Bernardo Spanish land grant, Bernardo Winery stands as Southern California's oldest continuously operating winery. Acquired by Sicilian immigrant Vincent Rizzo in 1927 during Prohibition, the Rizzo family sustained it by producing sacramental wine. Now in its third generation under President Ross Rizzo, it blends century-old traditions with modern techniques, producing around 10,000 gallons annually from San Diego County grapes like Syrah, Zinfandel, and Viognier.

Winemaking and Tasting

The winery crafts approachable wines suited to the local terroir in a modern facility converted from a century-old tractor barn. Visitors explore the nostalgic courtyard with antique equipment, including 130-year-old redwood barrels and a historic crush pad. The tasting room, open Wednesday-Saturday 11am-8pm and Sunday 11am-6pm, offers daily tastings without reservations. Guided by Master Vintner Ross Rizzo, Enologist Matty Ward, Cellar Master Adam Edwards, and Engineer Max Pewitt, the team upholds California winemaking legacy.

Dining and Amenities

The Kitchen provides walk-up service for house-made pastas, brick-oven pizzas (weekends), fresh sauces, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. Dine in the courtyard, patios, or gardens. Manzanita Roasting Coffee House serves world-class coffee Wednesday-Sunday 9am-5pm (Sunday to 4pm). V's Sweet Shoppe offers locally made gelato and estate desserts. A Friday farmers market (9am-1pm) features produce, flowers, and artisans.

Artist Village and Grounds

Stroll the picturesque gardens, grounds, and village of unique, locally owned shops and galleries open Wednesday-Sunday 11am-6pm. Take wine shopping amid rustic charm. The 13-acre property welcomes families, with children required to stay with parties. Amici Wine Club provides VIP perks.

Events and Accessibility

Host gatherings from 20-1200 people, weddings, corporate events, or private tastings in venues like the old barrel room or indoor/outdoor spaces. Nearby hotels include Rancho Bernardo Inn. Closed Mondays-Tuesdays; ample parking available.