Winemaker Name
Boutique Family Winemakers — Cheval Estate
Region
About The Winery
Cheval Winery is a family-owned boutique winery on a five-to-six-acre estate on Hill Valley Drive in Escondido. When the family found the property, the vines were already rooted there, and they turned it into a place that brings together wine, people and animals. Cheval means "horse" in French, a nod to the owner's lifelong love of horses, and the estate has an Italian-countryside charm that blends rustic beauty with a refined feel.
What to expect: wine among the vines, a chance to meet the estate's animals and a calm, unhurried pace. The tasting room is open Friday evenings from 4 to 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 7 pm, with Thursday visits by reservation. Late-afternoon hours make it a good sunset stop, and Cheval runs a wine club and an events calendar.
Nearby: Cheval is in the hills of west Escondido, a short drive from Hidden Meadows Vineyard and the Escondido urban wineries. See our Escondido wineries guide and build the route with the Wine Tasting Day Trip Builder.
Frequently asked questions
What does Cheval mean?
"Horse" in French, reflecting the owner's love of horses.
When is Cheval Winery open?
Friday 4 to 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday 2 to 7 pm, with Thursday by reservation, per the winery. Call 760-690-6617 to confirm.
Are there animals at Cheval Winery?
Yes. Meeting the estate's animals is part of the experience.
Does Cheval have a wine club?
Yes. Cheval offers a wine club and hosts events throughout the year.
Own or manage Cheval Winery? Claim this listing for free with the Claim button on this page to add your photos, hours, wines and story.
Founding Year
2017
Vineyard Acreage
5-acre boutique estate in Escondido's Eden Valley — estate vines visible just off the driveway to the Tipsy Barrel Tasting Room, with stunning Italy-like hillside views and award-winning horses on property
Know Before You Go
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Reservations: Walk Ins Welcome
- Estate Type: Mixed
Awards & Recognition
Cheval Winery (French for "horse") is named for the family's deep love of horses — each wine is named after an award-winning horse on the property. Flagship wines include MAVERICK (Sangiovese, named after the owner's son), CODEBREAKER (Barbera-Merlot blend), and WALK THE LINE (Syrah). Consistently described by visitors as a hidden gem with some of the best wines in San Diego County. Features a Vacation Villa and Casita available for overnight rental on the 5-acre estate. Stunning Italy-like views from the Tipsy Barrel Tasting Room in Escondido's Eden Valley.
Private Event Availability
Cheval Winery hosts private events, paint-and-sip nights, live music events, and group tastings at the Tipsy Barrel Tasting Room overlooking the estate vineyard and horse property. Vacation Villa and Casita available for overnight rental — perfect for a wine country getaway in Escondido. Parties of 6+ welcome Thursdays by appointment. Contact chevalwinery.com for event and rental bookings. Open Friday 4–7pm, Saturday and Sunday 2–7pm.
Location
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2919 Hill Valley Drive, Escondido, CA 92029, USA
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