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Owned and Operated By the Rizzo Family Since 1927
Step back in time to the oldest producing winery in Southern California, where wine, family and old world hospitality come together. Family owned and operated by the Rizzo family for three generations, the Bernardo Winery offers wines grown, pressed and bottled in the same European tradition since 1889. Host to unique shops, beautiful landscape and an award-winning restaurant, Bernardo Winery offers something for all visitors.
Originally part of the Rancho La Cañada de San Bernardo Spanish Land Grant, the Bernardo Winery was purchased and planted in 1889 by a group of five Sicilian farmers, vintners and businessmen.
Juice for wine-making extracted from the grapes in the traditional way-stomping them in a giant barrel. PHOTO COURTESY OF BERNARDO WINERY
The 500+ acres of grapes and olive trees covered much of the rolling hillsides of what would eventually become the town of Rancho Bernardo. In 1927, Vincent Rizzo purchased the winery, after discovering it on a hunting trip in North County, San Diego.
Vincent began a family business that has spanned three generations and withstood the test of time. During prohibition, the winery endured by selling sacramental wine to the catholic church and producing olive oil for the San Diego tuna industry. Also, the winery sold grape juice that was “guaranteed to ferment by the time you reached the end of the road.”
Estate Vineyards include Syrah, Petite Syrah, Zinfindel, and Cabernet Franc
Visitors can wander the grounds of the Bernardo Winery and see the original winemaking equipment amongst the flowing gardens, original buildings and vineyards that’s still produce the elegant red wines in the same Italian tradition that Bernardo Winery is known for.
Tasting Room, Café
and Village Shops
Enter the tasting room, one of the original buildings on the winery, and you’ll be greeted by the winery’s knowledgeable and friendly tasting room staff, ready to serve you.
Sample estate red wines along with delicate whites and crisp, fresh Champagne, or if sweeter wine is your preference, the tasting room has a nice selection of dessert and fruit wines to choose from. In the tasting room, you also will find a beautiful collection of home décor and gift items, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Enjoy a 25 minute guided walking tour of the grounds which includes a tour of the winemaking process from beginning to end, as well as the history of the winery.
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Private events can be held in the Wine Barrel Room.
If you’re planning on s taying for lunch, Café Merlot has a seasonal fresh menu with a rustic Southern California flair. From handcrafted soups to fresh, flavorful salads and pasta dishes, Café Merlot is a culinary adventure.
The winery also is home to a village of over 16 specialty shops and artisans. From the glass blowing studio to women’s and children’s clothing and accessories, the village shops offer something for everyone.
Tour and Tasting
Packages
The Bernardo Winery offers a variety of tour, tasting and lunch packages. Tour and tasting guests
can look forward to a personalized wine tasting experience in the tasting room, accompanied by a 25-minute guided walking tour of the grounds, a tour of the winemaking process from beginning to end, some wine-tasting knowledge as well as a family history of the owners.
Learn how Southern California was the heart of the winemaking region for many years in Old California, and see how wine was made and sold over 100 years ago at Bernardo Winery.
Special Events
The Bernardo Winery is the perfect location for special events. From the intimate setting of the 120-year old barrel room to Rosario’s Patio, surrounded by olive trees and flowering gardens, the Bernardo Winery can accommodate groups of all sizes.
Whether you come to wine taste, enjoy lunch at the award-winning Café Merlot, or host your next social gathering, the Bernardo Winery is an unforgettable place you will return to time and time again.
Monday - Friday 9 - 5
Saturday & Sunday 9 - 6
Private Tastings are also available.
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