Bernardo Winery Verified listing Verified listing

About The Winery

Bernardo Winery is the oldest operating winery in San Diego County, established in 1889 and continuously producing wines on its historic Rancho Bernardo property for over 130 years. The winery is more than a tasting room — it is a living historic village with artisan shops, galleries, and studios spread across the tree-shaded grounds. Wines are produced on-site from California-sourced fruit and poured in a rustic, relaxed tasting room that feels entirely unlike any other winery experience in the region.

What to Expect

Bernardo feels less like a single tasting room and more like a small village — you’re walking into one of California’s oldest operating wineries, with a cluster of artisan shops, a café, and weekend artist stalls surrounding the tasting area. Come hungry and give yourself time to wander; many visitors make a half-day of it. Tastings are casual and walk-in friendly, and the staff are happy to guide first-timers through the lineup. Weekend mornings bring a farmers-market energy, while weekday afternoons are calmer and better for a quieter pour. The grounds are flat, shaded, and easy for families and larger groups. Parking is free and plentiful. If you only have time for one stop in the Rancho Bernardo area, this is the one that gives you wine, history, food, and a bit of shopping all in a single visit.

Winemaker Name

Ross Rizzo Jr. (4th generation, head winemaker since 2008) & Matty Ward (UC Davis Viticulture & Enology) & Adam Edwards (4th gen family member)

Founding Year

1889

Vineyard Acreage

13-acre property in Rancho Bernardo on the original La Cañada de San Bernardo Spanish Land Grant — 5 acres of estate vineyards. 7,500 cases annually from 100% San Diego County grapes.

Know Before You Go
  • Dog Friendly: No
  • Reservations: Walk Ins Welcome
  • Estate Type: Mixed
Awards & Recognition

Southern California's oldest continuously operating winery — founded 1889, family-owned by the Rizzo Family since 1927. Survived Prohibition by producing sacramental wine. At its peak, produced over 100,000 gallons per vintage with distribution from Tijuana to Los Angeles. 4th generation winemaker Ross Rizzo Jr. took the reins in 2008. Head winemaker Matty Ward is a UC Davis Viticulture & Enology graduate. Produces award-winning Syrah, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Viognier, Sangiovese, Albariño, and Chardonnay — all from San Diego County grapes. A rare 50-year Tawny Port blend (1952 & 1962 vintages) is one of California's most extraordinary historical wine artifacts.

Private Event Availability

Bernardo Winery is one of San Diego's premier destination winery venues — hosting weddings, corporate events, and private parties for groups of 3 to 300 in multiple venue settings on the 13-acre historic property. The Kitchen Restaurant serves rustic Sicilian/Old California fare including wood-fired pizza and housemade pasta. Village shops, Manzanita coffee roastery, gelato shop, and rotating art galleries all on-site. Contact 858-487-1866 for event pricing. Open Wednesday–Sunday.

Location
Sip Destination
San Diego Wine Map
Featured Resource
San Diego Wine Map Preview
Sneak Peek
Digital Download
San Diego Wine Map
40+ wineries, every tasting room, every region — in one beautiful map.
$10 instant download
Download the Map →
PDF · Print-ready · Yours forever
  • No comments yet.
  • Add a review