With sun, surf, and a thriving wine culture, San Diego is the perfect vacation spot in Southern California.
Not only is San Diego an ideal vacation spot for great weather, but the San Diego tours offered by So Diego, will give you an experience of a lifetime and life-long memories with your friends and family. Here are 3 tips to ensure your next trip to San Diego is a smashing success!
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Visit Mexico’s nearby, little-known wine region
Looking for a more low-key, authentic winery experience?
Then look no further than Valle de Guadalupe, one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. Only a two-hour drive south of San Diego, this region is home to over 100 wineries. There the feel is distinctly less commercial and built up. Most wineries are family-run, and you’re likely to mingle with the owners themselves.
With its dry climate, the region is perfectly suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Check out two of the oldest wineries, Las Nubes and L.A. Cetto, which pour a great Nebbiolos. Finca La Carrodilla is the region’s first and only certified organic winery. It is committed to sustainability in all steps of the winemaking process, from the use of organic grapes to the use of solar energy and water recycling.
After a long day of wine-tasting, you can dine farm-to-table style with organic catering services in San Diego for large groups and equally eco-friendly eateries for smaller ones. It’s definitely worth it to book catered events to try local ingredients in a variety of tasty dishes. Cap off your day with a stay at one of the region’s many chic boutique hotels.
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Be sure to visit Temecula, California
Located less than an hour away from the city of San Diego, Temecula is a highlight of a Southern California wine country. With its abundant sunshine and low levels of rainfall, Temecula is suited for growing the perfect grape.
The Temecula Valley is home to over 30 wineries and all are open to the public– no appointments are necessary. Most are located centrally within the city, making it easy to visit several in one day.
Don’t miss Lorimar Winery, which offers 2 in-town tasting rooms and a vineyard out in the beautiful countryside. With 20+ fruit-forward varietals, what really makes this winery unique is their focus on entertainment- live music accompanies all weekend evening tastings, and they also host their own special events concert series.
Another star is the Maurice Car’rie Vineyard. Established in 1968, it is Temecula’s oldest. It is particularly known for its whites like Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, both of which have won numerous awards. As a bonus, all 5-sample tastings are only $15 and come with a special 30th Anniversary glass to keep.
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Eat to your heart’s content in Little Italy
Hungry after all that wine? Head to the Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego.
Beginning in the early 1900s, this hilly neighborhood began to populate with the development of the American tuna fishing and canning industry, whose employees were largely Portuguese and Italian immigrants. Since then, this neighborhood has been home to San Diego’s Italian community and a host of amazing restaurants, bakeries, and shops.
Open since 1950, Filippi’s Pizza is a Little Italy institution. The cheese pizza is legendary, and so are the meatball subs. In the mood for gelato? Then head to Pappalecco, where the sweet treat is made fresh daily, in-house. They also serve a variety of paninis, quality Italian coffees, and delicious baked goods.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, be sure not to miss the Little Italy Mercato, an Italian farmers market held every Saturday on West Cedar Street. There you’ll find local fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread and pastries, seafood, flowers, a good Italian white wine, and a variety of local art.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to enjoy a wonderful holiday in San Diego, California!
This featured post was made possible by our site supporter, Anne Davis.
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