This was our first time to Brooking Vineyards, and most certainly not our last. I brought my family from Texas for a California experience, and this vineyard blew our expectations out of the water. Eric was knowledgeable, passionate, and honest. We enjoyed learning the lost history of Southern California wine and viticulture. Brooking Vineyard wines are the best wines we have ever tasted. Even the non wine drinker of our group was able to drink every sample Eric gave us. One thing that we really loved, was that Eric was not trying to be a salesman, and we didn't feel any pressure to buy, however, my family ended up taking 7 bottles of wine back home to Texas. Highly recommend read more

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Friends dragged me out to go wine tasting for the first time. Glad I joined them. Eric was very welcoming and friendly. He taught us so many things about the wine making business. Definitely recommend coming out here to visit. Thank you Eric for your time and hospitality. We really enjoyed the tour and tasting. read more

Brooking Vineyards - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

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This place is AMAZING! We did the tour (requires reservation) and the tasting which was $20. There were 5 different wines in the tasting. My favorites were the Malbec and the Tempranillo. The best part was the tour/ much needed history lesson and I learned more about wine than any other tasting I've been on (and I've been to a TON of tastings all across California). Erick is truly passionate and a master at his craft. He does not have a single bad wine. Wish I could find these at vons!! I'll have to drop by to buy a couple of bottles. Definitely check this place out if you're in the San Diego area!! Also- the property is gorgeous and they are dog friendly!!! I love that. read more

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Very informative! They owner has a passion for wine I personally learned a lot. The views are amazing.

The absolute best wine and tour I've been on! Eric is passionate about his winery and his tour is entertaining and personal. The wine tasting is the best wine I've tasted (better, smoother, cleaner, and more flavorful than the Italian vineyards and other CA vineyards I've toured). Note! There is not "bar" or tasting area to sit at while waiting for the tour. Arrive when your tour starts :) we arrived early hoping for a glass of wine before. We called Eric and luckily he answered and let us join the current tour he was doing. So flexible and easy going!! After the tour there is a beautiful spot for tasking overlooking vineyards and the neighboring nursery. 5/5 hands down. read more

Brooking Vineyards - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

I questioned myself if we are driving to the correct place but when we finally arrived, I was so happy to hear about Eric and his expertise about wine. He has an amazing knowledge and makes you welcome in his home. The tour was great and he is fun and kind. We booked initially for two but ended taking some extra friends with us and brought our own snack for the wine tasting. He has an incredible treasure of knowledge about wine and his wine is incredible delicious. You cannot walk out without a bottle with one of his ports. The land where he grows his grapes is beautiful and we did the tour at 3 pm and tasted the wine an hour later and it was just a beautiful view. We sat at a big table and I will for sure come back and grab more wine. One of the most fun thing to do and so worth it! read more

Brooking Vineyards - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

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My family and I came here in December and it was wonderful! The wine was the best we've ever had. Eric was so welcoming, passionate and knowledgeable. He taught us so much about wine making and the industry. His vineyard is beautiful and going right before sunset made it even better! read more

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The best Vineyard in the world! Eric's service on the tour was very personable and informative. I learned quite a lot about the wine industry! The vineyard's ambience was quietly enjoyable. I could savor every piece of information that Eric provided to us! I can't wait to come back in a couple months to try the next batch of wine! read more

We were looking for something to do during our anniversary. We came across Brooking Vineyards and decided to do a wine tour. Eric is extremely helpful and knowledgable. He has a passion for wine and has mastered wine making! Hands down the best wine we've had and my wife is quite picky! Highly recommend, will definitely come back. We took home 5 bottles! They are so delicious and unlike and wines we have had. Thank you! read more

Brooking Vineyards - Best winery we have been too! Beautiful views - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

Eric was very informative and passionate about his work. I have tasted many wines and they all do seem to taste similar. It blow me away how different each of his wines tasted. His product is natural and free of contamination. Trust your senses, you will know its the best you ever had. Its so good only cussing could discribe how good it is. So I Say thank you beacause your wine is so Brooking good!! read more

Brooking Vineyards - Its hard to choose one wine. There all great! - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

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I would give this vineyard a 10/10, you do not want to miss this hidden gem!! Come with time to learn! Eric is the best, kind knowledgeable and funny!! I have been on Eric's wine tour 4x and I learn something every time! This is a place for learning and the best wine around!!! Eric's wine and tour is truly unforgettable read more

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If I could give 10 stars I would. Eric was THE BOMB DOT COM. He was so patient to educate us on his process while also being funny, kind, and passionate. We are vegan, and had no idea not all wines are even vegetarian! We deeply appreciate him taking the time to educate us all while tasting his amazing wine. My boyfriend isn't a wine drinker and even he LOVED it. Thanks again Eric. You truly are awesome! We will be back. Cheers! read more

Brooking Vineyards - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

Had an awesome time here! It was a fun and not pretentious wine tour (and we learned a lot)! Our favorites were the Tempranillo and the Port. read more

Brooking Vineyards - three bottles of wine on a table - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

I thoroughly enjoyed the intimate tour and tasting at this vineyard. It is very evident that Mr Brookings is passionate about quality over quantity --none of his wines contain imported grapes . I am no connoisseur but as someone who has never enjoyed port, I was pleasantly surprised at how rich the flavors were. His dessert wines are not sickeningly sweet like they are known too be and I highly recommend if you are a port or Angelica fan. My boyfriend (who is the one who loves to go to vineyards) jokes that I am a teetotaler = someone who never drinks alcohol. While that's a bit exaggerated... I do drink extremely rarely and I never ever buy alcohol to bring home.. so, the fact I left with a bottle of Malbec is a testament to how good it was. read more

Brooking Vineyards - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

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Would give seven stars if I could! The proprietor, Eric, is as good a storyteller as he he is a vintner. His knowledge of the history of winemaking in San Diego is amazing and he paints such a vivid picture of how it came to be and evolved over the centuries. Then you get to the wine! I'm certainly no wine expert but as Eric said, you should trust your senses, and I can honestly say that he introduced me to the best wine and ports, or should I say Angelica, that I have ever experienced. My only regret is that I live 2,000 miles away, but I know I'll be needing to make regular visits to stock back up. If you're anywhere near the Carlsbad area THIS IS A MUST VISIT! read more

Brooking Vineyards - The Brooking vineyard - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

My wife and I recently visited this vineyard as an early birthday present to her and we were blown away! What a great experience! Eric was amazing to us and I highly recommend requesting a tour of his operation. It was very educational, beautiful, and we got to try some great wine! We couldn't have asked for a better experience. read more

Excellent port that is clean and fresh. Lacks heavy rasin flavors and is bright instead. Favorite port by far.

I hesitate to leave this review, as I want it all for myself. Then I want to tell everyone about this winery and the perfection it produces, and how special Eric is. You won't find better for what he does - Ports, I challenge you! I guarantee Eric will be known, stay true to who you are! read more

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We had an amazing time at Brooking Vineyards. We were on our way to Newport Beach to visit or favorite French bakery on Labor Day. Unbeknownst to us due to the holiday our favorite bakery was closing at 1. We were in north county part of San Diego and weren't sure what to do. My friend looked up wineries in the area and we said what the heck let's take a chance. We gave Eric a call and he was more than accommodating! We had an amazing time, great stories, and the insightful history of winery's within the San Diego area. Eric is an amazing Individual who's passion for wine is more than his job, it's his life and you can taste it in the quality of his product! I would recommend anyone to take his tour, and listen to the great stories he has. We ended up buying 3 bottles and were not disappointed. read more

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What a gem in Vista, CA!! My girlfriend and I decided to come visit this winery and enjoy the amazing wine! Such rich local history and we couldn't be more pleased with the selections they had. Amazing hospitality and look forward to coming back! read more

Brooking Vineyards - two bottles of wine on a table - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

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We didn't realize we would get a private tour when we booked this reservation. It was so beautiful and Eric welcomed us with such a warm greeting! Very educational and intimate tour. Definitely recommend this winery! read more

Brooking Vineyards - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

What a great unique experience just steps from our home. We stopped by and Eric graciously gave us a tour and tasting last minute. Such a great history of our home town and winemaking in general. Our house is in multiple photos posted here and every visitor to our home always comments on the beautiful vineyards right across the street from us. We will go back again and again for sure. The Angelicas are unbelievable. Truly a local gem that everyone should experience. Thank you Eric! J.R. read more

Brooking Vineyards - Tasting on the patio - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

My boyfriend and I had a nice tour of the vineyards. It was a beautiful day and the view is so pretty. The wine was delicious. We went right when wineries opened again. I hope this business weathers the storm. read more

Brooking Vineyards - View of the vineyard - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

Eric was absolutely amazing! I didn't realize that when I booked the tour, we'd get the entire 6 acre vineyard to ourselves. We learned so much about wine making and the wine itself. His wine is delicious and unlike any wine I've ever tasted. I bought 1 bottle of each! Truly a one-of-a-kind experience and I can't wait to go back! read more

Our fault. During corona times. By appointment only Been there once before. Well priced, the owners are very Nice, and talk to all . Took two bottles with us and a bottle of Port read more

So glad we found this place. Eric was so knowledgeable about wine and very friendly. We enjoyed the format of his tours (1.5 hrs talking/walking, then 30 min wine tasting). It was interesting to see what he does to set his wines apart from the rest. His wines were truly the best we've ever had!! read more

I loved this this tour! I learned so much about the wine industry. Eric is very friendly and knowledgeable. And the wine!!! I bought 5 bottles and I'm sad that I'm down to the last one!! Must go get more. read more

Go here. (Calling ahead is appreciated and probably wise so you dont drive pass.) This is a family owned (Eric the husband) and runned vineyard. All of his wines are estate grown and he has done his research! He offers delicious fortified wines (angelica...which for those nonwine experts like myself are port styled wines but can't use the name port due to location). Don't plan to go here for an in and out experience. Eric has great insight on the surrounding area and history and definitely loves to share his knowledge! You will learn a lot not only about the area and where the wines come from but also about his process. Then wine tastings. Yum. Do it. $10. Purchasing wines he accepts CC and cash. The wines are just under $50. Only sells from location. Oh and he has an ocean view in the distance :) on his property of 6 acres that has been in the family for years- super neat and pretty impressive Again, you should go! Because it's a one man shop (for the most part) call ahead! read more

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Life is to short to not buy the good wine! Thank your an amazing experience and the best bottles of wine we've come across. - Alicia & Aaron ( your forever customers) read more

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Awesome experience!! I learned a lot and it was so interesting and who knew in Vista!! The wine was delicious! Even my mom who doesn't drink took home their most expensive bottle because it was so delicious. Thank you!! read more

This is an amazing Boutique Vineyard. The owner Eric was wonderful and gave us some history about the family acreage and how he turned citrus groves into a vineyard. He believes in old school wine making with small batches. The wines, ports & sherrys were like nothing I have ever sampled. It was a fantastic experience that you will never forget. read more

Eric was a fantastic host and tourguide. We booked for our group of 4, my wife and I were hosting my brother and his SO in from New York and have never been wine tasting before. This is unlike most tours you'll get at a winery in a very good way - entertaining, informative, lots of fun. The wines were also excellent! We got to taste a couple of tempranillos and 3 ports while enjoying the beautiful grounds. We took a couple of bottles home and plan to be back. Thank you, Eric! read more

This vineyard was beautiful! Eric was the best! He is very knowledgeable and makes wine the RIGHT way. The vineyard is very cute and clean. Would definitely recommend to a friend. We met a really nice couple on the tour who also made the experience fun! Thank you Eric :) read more

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We had amazing and informative experience at this awesome vineyard. Grab a gal and take here for you will definitely have an amazing time.

Eric was so great at explaining everything from the local history to the journey of his grapes into his delicious wines! I didn't like wine until I tasted Eric's wines! read more

Eric was amazing ! He told us the history of wine and we loved how knowledgeable and friendly he is. The wine tastes amazing every single bottle we had was just great. Go out and support him and his wines you won't regret it. You appreciate what you are tasting because of all the knowledge he gives you. 1000% recommend ! DO NOT MISS OUT ! read more

We thought we knew what Port and Sherry tasted like (not that great) until yesterday when we did a tasting at Brookings. What a revelation! Eric 'showed us the light' so to speak when we tried his 3 fortified wines. And besides that, the education we recieved about the history of fortified wines and the local history of winemaking in Vista and San Diego was very impressive. His location is only a few miles from our house so it was nice to not have to drive far. The situation of his vineyard on a hillside has an incredible view out to the ocean. Eric is so enthusiastic and passionate about his craft you cannot help but enjoy his tour. I highly reccomend taking a tour- you wont regret it! I can't wait to come back and bring my wine drinking friends! read more

We had such a great experience at this winery! The tour was super informative and interesting, the wines are EXCEPTIONAL, and the owner(who gives the tour) is very casual, down to earth and friendly. By the end of your tour you will have no doubts that this guy is PASSIONATE about his craft. Highly recommend!! read more

Brooking Vineyards - Gorgeous views and delicious wines! - Wineries Near Me - Vista, California

We attended one of Eric's wine tours and really enjoyed not just the wine, but all the history and wine knowledge that he shared as well. He truly makes wine the right way, and knows how to treat his clients the right way as well! Will be back again! read more

While visiting family for the holidays in San Diego I wanted to take my wife to a local vineyard. After researching a couple different vineyards we called Eric to see if they were open. He very graciously invited us to come out and experience his vineyard and love of wine-making. His knowledge and passion for the craft was evident from the moment we arrived. His son came down from the house and took my two nephews to a tree-fort and played hide-n-seek while we enjoyed Eric's tour. His knowledge of the area and history of wine-making, not just local but worldwide, made the tasting at the end well worth the wait. Thank you, Eric. We truly enjoyed this experience and would recommend his tour to anyone. Ty and Loretta Smith read more