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Destination ~ Warner Springs, CA

You like wine tasting? Are you up for a little adventure? I bet you love a deal. Can I package all this for you into a rustic vineyard romantic getaway? Yup! Read on.

I know you often go wine tasting and think – OMG this is such a beautiful place, I wish I could linger longer, but alas, there’s only the vineyards, the tasting room and the road leading home at the end of the day. So when you’re in the San Diego area next time…sip, savor and sleep over at Shadow Mountain Winery.

Day 1 Afternoon – Shadow Mountain Winery

Shadow Mountain Winery Located between Temecula Wine Country and Julian in Southern California, Shadow Mountain Vineyards & Winery is nestled on a northeastern slope at 3400′, in the coastal mountain range of northern San Diego County. It’s technically located on Sunshine Summit, 1/2 mile off scenic State Hwy. 79, which for your history buffs, was once part of the historical “Butterfield Stage” that brought many American and European settlers west to California. This means it’s about 45 minutes from Temecula, 90 minutes from downtown San Diego, and 2 hours from LA. Try to have breakfast on the way and bring your own picnic lunch for an afternoon delight of wine and food at the winery.

Alex - Owner of Shadow Mountain Winery The owners, Alexander and Pamela McGeary purchased the estate in 1990 and have continued the tradition of growing and producing premium white, red and dessert wines in this unique microclimate. The present winery and production facility, rebuilt from a devastating forest fire in 1995, was opened to the public in 1996.

What’s really interesting about this place is that cool Pacific Ocean breezes moderate the warmth of the summer heat in the day. Winter temperatures are generally mild with some seasonal snowfall. Rainfall totals average 23″ a year. And get this …they experience a four-season climate (yes this is in San Diego County). This kind of location is prized for quality grape growing. Current vineyard production is 25 acres and another 20 acres planted and managed by the owner for their production needs.

This winery has a long history of award winning wines. On my last visit, I tasted a couple of medal winners with the owners. First up was the 2005 Variation 3. It’s a beautiful lean red wine showcasing an exquisite blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cab Franc, and 25% Cab Sauvignon. 98% estate grown, it’s smooth layers of soft vanilla notes, makes this $38.00 Gold medal and Best of Class (California State Fair) beauty a winner.

My second tasting was a 2008 Dry Muscat. What an interesting wine. When they say “dry” they mean it: .01 residual sugar. The varietal flavor shines through as it presents with a beautiful nose. Your taste buds will expect something sweeter. At $18.00 this is an excellent wine to purchase for a hostess gift for the wine aficionado.

The tasting room, visitor center and picnic areas are open Wednesday through Sundays from 10AM to 5PM and most Monday holidays.

Time to check into your room!

The COTTAGES Option

Think about spending the night in one of their affordable charming cottages. This is a real treat. A bit rustic for the five-star crowd, but it’s genuinely a juicy slice of retreat heaven. Lovely use of color and space. Get into wine-down mode and enjoy the serene setting of this 3rd generation estate.

Room rates are $110.00 per night, including a premium bottle of Shadow Mountain Vineyards wine. A continental breakfast is also offered. Restrooms and shower are located just behind the cottages.

Cottages at Shadow Mountain Winery Inside view of cottage Now that you’re settled in, I suggest you head off to dinner. The Anza Ranch House is located at The Warner Springs Resort about 10 minutes from the winery. The dining room was built in the 1930’s and boasts rustic wood beams, old west decor and even an antler chandelier or two. The menu is primarily ranch style cooking in a casual atmosphere, with some seafood, vegetarian and Italian selections. As local dining options are very limited in the rural Warner Springs area, reservations are strong suggested on weekends and busy holidays.

Day 2 – Play Day!

If you didn’t order breakfast from the winery, then make sure you try a “Breakfast Ride” at the Warner Springs Ranch. For $55.00 (by reservation only) ride on horseback out to the remote “breakfast camp” location and enjoy a hearty Ranch Style breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, chorizo, frijoles, pancakes, coffee and juice. Located just off the historic Pacific Crest Trail, the breakfast camp sits next to a seasonal creek and offers riders a chance to enjoy some local scenery and stretch their legs a little before the ride back to the stables.

You can stay and play a round of golf after your ride is over. Then go back and take a nap – or head out to Borrego Springs, an interesting art community that features art galleries, shops and a gigantic Gomphotherium free standing art structure display. Dennis Avery, land owner of Galleta Meadows thought up the idea of adding ‘free standing art’ to his property with original steel welded sculptures created by ‘Perris Jurassic Park’ owner/artist/welder Ricardo Breceda based in Perris, California. I am pretty sure you’ve never seen anything like it before. Contact the Borrego Chamber of Commerce for more information on tours.

Julian Orfila Winery If giant sculptures aren’t your thing, head off to the cute tourist town, Julian (about 30 minutes away) for some more R & R. Be sure and stop at the Wynola Business District on your way. I especially like the Orfila Winery and Julian Hard Cider tasting rooms.