Tastings: $30/person for 4 pours and a glass of your favorite and includes crackers/cheese. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
We met Mike & Roberta (owners/winemakers) at last summer's "Garagiste Wine Festival" in Glendale, CA, and thought that their 2016 Merlot was the star of the day. We're quite familiar with the wineries in north San Diego County, but we hadn't heard of Effenberger Vineyards, so we made it a goal to visit them for a private sit-down tasting experience, and to check out their property. They hold tastings downstairs in their home, which doubles as a cozy tasting area and production area. Making reservations via their website was easy and follow up communication was excellent.
WINES: This boutique winery produces about 120 cases a year which is considered small. Several varietals are grown onsite, and other fruit is purchased from local growers. Mike poured the '23 Estate Bourdeau blend, '23 Cab. Franc, '23 Estate Cab. Sauvignon, '22 Montepulciano, and '21 Syrah. We had a wonderful discussion with them about their history, their wines, our wine interests, etc. After getting to know our likes/dislikes, Mike generously gave us a little extra taste of his Sagrantino (unfortunately, I forgot the vintage). We thought that everything we tasted was well made, and we purchased a couple bottles of the Cab. Franc and Montepulciano to take home with us.
Overall, a fun experience with wonderful people and delicious wines. I recommend that you check them out! read more