Verdant Vino

That delicious grape derivative, sweet fruit of the vine... we all know it and most love the experience of it. With subtle, layered flavors and aromas that envelop and entice the palette, it's a wonderful habit to indulge.

Luckily, here in Southern California we have myriad regional options from which to choose. When it comes to discovering some of the most delectable, including the well-established or even the newest and brightest, look no further than our sunny backyards. Pull up a chair with your friends, indulge in a glass and delight in some of California's most verdant valleys, filled with delightful award-winning wines.

Here are our picks for some of the most intriguing wineries for you to consider:

BERNARDO WINERY
13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte
San Diego, California
858.487.1866
bernardowinery.com

Established in 1889 by five business partners, this winery was originally part of a Spanish land grant and is currently the oldest continually operating in Southern California. Purchased by the Rizzo family in 1927, during a time when prohibition all but destroyed the burgeoning wine industry, they survived only through continued production of sacramental wines and grape juice. The property is dotted with turn-of-the-century buildings that house more than 12 village shops. Be sure to check out their award-winning restaurant, Caf� Merlot,
which boasts fresh, seasonal menus with a rustic Southern California flair

BRIAR ROSE WINERY
41720 Calle Cabrillo
Temecula, California
951.308.1098
briarrosewinery.com

Considered to be one of Temecula's premiere boutique wineries, Briar Rose is one of the most quaint stops you will ever find on your wine journey. Built on land purchased by Beldon Fields, one of many artisans who built Disneyland's Fantasyland and Toon Town. Fields constructed replicas of Snow White's cottage so accurately done, that you expect to see at least some of Snow's seven, stroll by "whistling while you taste."

It turns out that the location was a perfect one for growing grapes and in the 1990s, the Linkogle family purchased the property and began with Viogner, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling plantings. Currently, they feature a wide array of varietals, including world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, a Super Tuscan Blend, Sangiovese, Viognier, and Fume Blanc.

CALLAWAY VINEYARD & WINERY
32720 Rancho California Road
Temecula, California
951.676.4001
callawaywinery.com

Ely Reeves Callaway, Jr. started his journey in LaGrange, Georgia and his successes over his long life were peppered with many highly successful ventures - clothing manufacturing, golf (anyone remember the"Big Bertha"golf club? It made Callaway Golf, the number one golf company in the world) and finally, the wine business. Hirem Walker purchased the business from Callaway in 1981 and has continued the tradition of producing a multitude of world-class, award-winning wines to this day. Currently owned by the Lin family, Callaway Vineyard & Winery wines are only offered at the winery and are not available in other retail stores. Come taste their award-winning wines, tour the lush estate and then stay for a fab dinner at the on site contemporary Mediterranean-style, Meritage Restaurant.

FALKNER WINERY
40620 Calle Contento
Temecula, California
951. 676.8231
falknerwinery.com

Another of Temecula's jewels, Falkner Winery sits atop a beautiful hillside that overlooks Temecula's verdant wine country. They offer custom wine tours and tastings, as well as wine appreciation classes designed to improve your knowledge of the oenological process. Winners of two prestigious Platinum awards at the Critics Challenge International Wine Competition, Falkner is the only Platinum award winner for a Southern California winery. Marketing themselves "blended wine specialists," they have been rewarded as such, in numerous competitions, both locally and internationally. After the tours
and tastings while you're there, make a full day of it and dine at another Temecula jewel, the Pinnacle Wine Country Restaurant. But be sure to make a reservation for both!

MONTE DE ORO WINERY
35820 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA
951.491.6557
montedeoro.com

Combining 21st century innovation and centuries-old traditions, as well as an environmentally responsible approach to growing, Monte De Oro "exemplifies: Sustainable wine ecology - quality wine character - conscientious wine making."

An interesting business model, the winery is part of a family of no less than 68 owners, whose combined goal is to produce the best possible wines. Nearly 70 percent of Monte De Oro production is in red grapes, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Petite Syrah, Mourvedre, Malbec, Grenache and Cinsault. With numerous awards, including 35 Platinum, Double Gold and Best of Class, Monte De Oro has also secured many 90+ Point scores for our California wines. Make a day of it, and secure your reservation for their private tours and multiple tasting options. Delicious food is also available on site at MDO's bistro.

ROSENTHAL ESTATE WINES
18741 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, California
310.456.1392
rosenthalestatewines.com

Who knew that just four miles away and a mere 1,400 feet above the sunny beaches of Malibu, grow 32 acres of ideally-suited varietals and a committed winemaker with a 20-year-plus history of growing.

Rosenthal Estate Wines began its life in 1987 on Los Angeles businessman George Rosenthal's 250-acre retreat and are tended under the watchful eye of winemaker Christian Roguenant who has helped to produce over 100 award-winning varietals, ranging from Cabernet Sauvignons, Meritages, Pinot Noirs and Syrahs, to Chradonnays and Sauvignon Blancs. Visiting there
is possible in two ways: At The Malibu Estate and Surfrider Wine Bar & Patio, the one-and-only wine bar located on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, or Rosenthal: The Malibu Estate Vineyard, whose stunning setting is available for private tours and special events only.

SAN ANTONIO WINERY
737 Lamar Street
Los Angeles, California
323.223.1401
sanantoniowinery.com

The only Los Angeles winery still located within the city limits, the San Antonio Winery was started in 1917 by Santo Cambianica and is one of the few to have survived the Prohibition years. Doing so again, because the Archdiocese of Los Angeles granted them permission to make wines for sacramental and ceremonial purposes. Stefano Riboli and his wife Maddalena continued the winemaking tradition, as do the generations who have followed. They offer a broad range of award-winning reds, roses, whites and sparkling wines, included in their multiple brands such as San Simeon, Stella Rosa, Riboli Family Estates, Maddalena, Bodega de San Antonio and Kinderwood to name just a few. There are three San Antonio locations, at which to schedule tastings: Los Angeles, Ontario and Paso Robles. Don't miss their award- winning, trattoria-style eatery named for its matron founder, the Maddalena Restaurant.

SOUTH COAST WINERY & RESORT
34843 Rancho California Road
Temecula, California
866.994.6379
wineresort.com

On the list primarily because of the wine, but admittedly, in part, because of the overall experience offered there. A fully functioning winery, with a luxurious resort and spa sanctuary, South Coast adds a whole new dimension to their increasingly popular wines. Private villas, a lavish spa, all situated on rolling vineyards with fantastic dining and exclusive tastings, is an experience you won't soon forget.

As they say, "The glass is definitely more than half full at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. "Featuring two popular tasting rooms, their Vintner's Vault and the more intimate Wine Press and a full service Tuscan-style restaurant by the name Vineyard Rose (winner of the 2014 Wine Spectator Award and OpenTable.com Diners' Choice Award), you can expect the best in wine, food, fun and relaxation.