Overview: East County wine tasting
If you like to go wine tasting but don’t feel like fighting crowds, party buses, and a long drive, you’re in luck.
If you like to go wine tasting but don’t feel like fighting crowds, party buses, or a long drive, you’re in luck.
In San Diego, we’re lucky enough to have multiple wine trails and regions to visit. The Highway 94 wineries in East County offer exceptional wines and a casual, relaxed atmosphere, all while being very close to home.
Jamul is just a quick jaunt from Rancho San Diego, and here is where the wine trails really get going. A two-lane rural road stretches from Jamul to Dulzura and onward to Deerhorn Valley.
You can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, ranches, vineyards, ancient oak trees, and rustic scenery, and then taste small-batch wines, learn about the winemaking process, and, more than likely, be hosted by the winery owner or winemaker, offering chances to ask about grapes, the land, the winemaking process, sustainable farming, or wine in general.
Currently, six wineries comprise the Highway 94 wineries, with the newest offering — Hillside Ranch Winery — opening in January 2026. All of the wineries offer red, white, and rosé wines. Some even offer sparkling wines and wine cocktails.
To plan your outing or for more detailed information, go to: thewineriesonhighway94.com.
Dulzura Winery
This charming winery is located on the pioneer-era Clark Ranch of Dulzura, which was established in 1885. Today, it is still owned by the Clark family and boasts buildings that date back to 1906.
Sit and sip wine next to their babbling brook, in a citrus and palm tree grove. Visit the observation deck overlooking the vineyards and explore the ranch. They also offer an Airbnb unit for weekend getaways. Open Saturdays and Sundays.
Valentina Vineyards and Winery
Dulzura’s other winery is Valentina Winery, which they say is all about family.
With all of their wines and products, they share their love of the land and the hard work of their family. Besides wine, they also farm olive trees and bees. Enjoy their olive oil and honey.
Named after one of their daughters, Valentina, an artist who designs all the labels for the winery.
“We believe in giving each wine the time, attention, and care it deserves, ensuring that every drop is a true representation of the Southern California terroir,” their website says.
They are sustainably farmed, embracing eco-friendly organic farming practices, ensuring future generations the ability to enjoy the land’s bounties.
Open Friday through Sunday from noon 6 p.m.
Rustic Ridge Vineyards
This award-winning winery in Jamul started as a shared hobby and soon grew into a family business.
The property was originally planted with pomegranates, citrus, and apples, and eventually vines were planted in 2002. This lovely property has multiple patios with Adirondack chairs lined up to accentuate the panoramic views.
Besides wine tasting either by the glass or a flight, they offer food pairings with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, or gourmet bites designed to enhance the flavors of the wines. If you’d like to explore the vineyards, they offer a vineyard and behind-the-scenes tour to further educate you on the grapes and the winemaking process.
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. For more details, visit rusticridgevineyards.com.
Granite Lion Cellars
This winery produces 18 different wines and is a great winery to learn about these varietals in one stop. Beautiful grounds and tasting room with cypress trees.
Open daily from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. For more details, go to: granitelioncellars.com.
Deerhorn Valley Cellars
Located on the eastern slope of Lyon’s Peak, this winery produces five different wines.
They also offer flavored olive oils.
They don’t have a website. Call for current hours: (619) 468-0030.
Hillside Ranch Vineyard
The newest winery in Jamul, scheduled to open in January 2026, is also an event center. Visit their spacious tasting room and lounge on the patio, and enjoy the vineyard views. They boast a separate house/event center that many people use for weddings.
Watch for more details at: hillsideranchvineyard.com.
