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Rustic Ridge Vineyards

4.9 (75 reviews)
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Robert H.

We went here to celebrate a friend's birthday. It was my first time there and I was kinda blown away. The views are amazing and the vibe is so quaint. They have a cool gift shop and some very picturesque spots. We started with wine samples. My friends with the white wine, my gf went with the red wine, and I went with a combination sampler. There is a guide to walk you through each sample so you appreciate the flavor profiles. We also got some pizza and onion dip. The pizza is store bought(we think), but it was amazing. The dip why the ruffles were a perfect complement. I was looking forward to the hummus and pita, but they were out. The wine sampler was great, but we narrowed down our favorites and had a few bottles. The sangria and the blueberry sparkling wine was the bomb. We eventually got cold and were moved to the fire pit after the owner swapped out the propane tank. They even gave my friend the privilege of ringing the bell and announcing sunset. This is an amazing spot and is not far from our house. We will definitely be back.

One of their chief greeters!
Misty M.

This vineyard is a little drive up a side road if you are like us and discovered there are some local vintners in the area. It's about 7-10 minutes from Jamul Casino. We didn't realize we caught them at their closing time but they were kind enough to do a quick tasting for a party of 5. The day before we experienced windy weather and they were in the process of repairing and adjusting their lights and sun sails. The vibe and aesthetic of the place is lovely and quaint! There's a beautiful view of downtown that i'm sure on a clearer day would be a sight to see. You're greeted by their resident greeters, 2 older dogs who are ecstatic to greet each and every visitor! super cute. the wine tasting flight was great and they set it up for us while we sat outside. I would love to come here when I'm back in San Diego

Wine tasting
Gavin H.

A very underrated wine tasting experience! I came here for my birthday weekend and I'm so glad I did! The atmosphere is absolutely gorgeous! You get a very rustic view in the interior with a distance view of the city. The wine itself was good! I like the sparkling blackberry but I was sad that I was not able to buy a bottle of the wine to go nor could experience the blueberry one. Another reason to go back! Service was nice and friendly with some southern hospitality! We got free hot dogs too in honor of Memorial Day weekend. On Yelp currently, you can get the tasting half off and with the atmosphere and wine, you have nothing to lose!

Yikes. This is the worst wine membership I have ever seen.
Diann B.

We saw the many signs outside of Granite Lion Cellars, which was our first stop on our plan to visit 3 wineries on our 22nd anniversary. We were excited. Rustic Ridge, via Yelp was described as having a beautiful view and landscape. Why one star, you ask?? This review is for the winery not the beautiful surroundings. We arrived happy as can be. When we arrived, there was 1 birthday party, 2 couples, and a party of 4. I thought that was a great sign. A lady approached us. I assume she is the wife, Kerri. We let her know that we were celebrating our 22nd anniversary. We requested a place to sit in the shade. There was one spot. It had a barrel as a table and two cute yet uncomfortable red chairs. We were still in a great mood. I asked for a flight of reds. She said, We don't have a flight of only reds. We both happily agreed to try the flights ($15 each). It took a L O N G time to get our wine. I did like that the first tasting comes in a glass. Just like our previously winery, the rest of the flight comes on a tray. She quickly explained what wine was in each tasting. They have a small colored sticky face system to match your tasting to he written description. Ok.. That is creative. Still feeling hopeful. The first glass was a dry white wine. A sauvignon blanc. I really did not care for it. I poured it into my husband's glass as there was no dump bucket. He tolerated it. The next tasting was a Rose of Malbec. I didn't like it. My husband tolerated it. We thought, It can only get better from this. The next tasting was the Pinot Noir, after that was a Malbec, after that was a Syrah, and we ended with a Cabernet Sauvignon. My husband tolerated them all. I gave almost all of my very measured and not generous pours to my husband. I did tolerate, put up with, the Cabernet Sauvignon. Kerri never came to our able to check on us. We love interacting with people. We waited quite a while to get our check. We were disappointed, however we weren't going to let this winery experience get us down. Kerri was often in the back in the shade where people make purchases. In fairness to her, she was ringing up a customer. However, that doesn't take 30 minutes.. it takes maybe 5. I waited patiently to get my bill. Rusty asked if he could help. I said I'm here to pay my bill. When the customer left, Kerri, asked if I enjoyed the wines. Yikes. I thought. I am a nice person. I shook my head from side to side indicating, NO. I quickly and awkwardly added my husband liked them as I didn't want to hurt her feelings. Then she said to me: OH. YOU MUST NOT LIKE WINE! She didn't scream it ... as all caps usually represents. She said it in a kind voice. I thought WTF, really. How pretentious! I did not leave a tip. As I returned to our table to gather our things, Rusty checked in with us. That was a kind gesture. He shared about Jamul, the 5 wineries that exist, and he had a happy air about him. My husband asked him if he could recommend one more winery. Rusty recommended, Deerhorn Valley Vineyards in Jamul. He said that Dianne is a kick or something to that effect. We went there and had an epic time. Again, the grounds are beautiful. They have cornhole that the party of 4 enjoyed.. We just didn't come for the views. We came for the wine and the hospitality/service. My 1 star review are for those things. I'm off to write my next review. Stay tuned. Also, when you look at YELP reviews, please pay attention to how many reviews the person has written. that may be a factor in the author's sincerity.

Decorated table for us
Nicole M.

Had a bday party at Rustic Ridge. Everyone had such a great time. The view and place look amazing! Great service, great drinks, and great food. Will love to go back!

Tasting
Aimee C.

This place was so cute! The patio had a lovely view of the vineyard and the decor with old cars was very quaint. The staff were so personable and welcoming. The wine tasting was great and we ordered the pepperoni pizza which was good. I could have hung out there all day but we had some other wineries on our list!

The owners inside the tasting room
Phyllis P.

Great wine, they have snacks, charcuterie boards & pizza. Fantastic views of the valley. Air conditioning inside, misters and plenty of seating outside. Cute things to buy. Owners are on site and fabulous. Rusty and Kerri are so much fun. They even have room for event parties

Sunset from Rustic Ridge Vineyards over Mount Helix in San Diego.
Debra S.

I had a great time at Rustic Ridge Vineyards this weekend. The owners were the nicest people in the world! I was traveling alone and they introduced me to so many people. We visited all evening and did wine tastings. My favorite was the Pinot Gris (white wine). The Mountain View down to the San Diego bay was wonderful. The sunset was amazing! Thanks for a wonderful time!

Rusty and Carrie are awesome hosts. The wine, music, misters and the views were perfect.
tony l.

Rusty and Carrie are awesome hosts. The wine, music, misters and views were perfect. Join the club its the best for sure.

Beautiful purple flowers to walk up to
Ashley D.

10/10 would recommend! Will be coming back with friends! Wonderful service, wine, and views! The atmosphere is so fun and relaxing between the beautiful scent of flowers, the views, and the music. Thank you for a wonderful local experience!

Jessica U.

My boyfriend found this winery as a date day for us. And let me tell ya it doesn't disappoint. The views are spectacular and the wine is the perfect compliment. Rusty and Kerri are great hosts and really make you feel welcomed and like they've know you for years. We enjoyed a tasting and had to splurge for a bottle of wine to take home. We chose the Rose. I'm not much of a rose drinker as I prefer less sweet wines, but this Rose was so yummy. I highly recommend. Definitely worth the trip and all around wonderful place!

Moon view

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29 days ago

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Rusty B.

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2 years ago

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Rusty B.

So glad you enjoyed!

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1 year ago

Great place to relax enjoying their great wine and fabulous views. We will be visiting there on a regular basis come summer time.

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

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Rusty B.

Thanks Tony, Welcome to the club. It was great to see you again.

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

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Rusty B.

Thanks for stopping by Joyce. Hope to see you again very soon

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

Great view and great wine! Kari and Rusty go above and beyond! Will be back for sunset soon!

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5 years ago

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Rusty B.

When are you coming back to visit?

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2 years ago

Great place to visit on a Saturday afternoon. Family owned and they are so friendly to guests. Try the olive oils and vinegars too

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5 years ago

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6 years ago

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4 years ago

This place is beautiful!!! The people are friendly.. And best of all we enjoyed every wine sample we had. This is a must on your trip..

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Rusty B.

It was great having you stop by the winery. Hope to see you again.

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4 years ago

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Rusty B.

We always love it when you stop by with family and friends.

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Rusty B.

Thank you Teri. We love it when you guys stop by.

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Ask the Community - Rustic Ridge Vineyards

Hello! We would love to visit your winery. Do people have a tough time requesting an Uber or Lyft from your vineyard?

It took about 15 to 20 minutes last time one was requested.

When are you open?

We will be open by appointment starting April 1 2020. Starting March 1st you'll be able to find our wines at better restaurants and liquor stores in East County

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - Rustic Ridge Vineyards

Kerri and Rusty And the Rustic Ridge team are fabulous hosts with a wealth of knowledge about their wines.

Mentioned in 22 reviews

Read more highlights

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Granite Lion Cellars

Granite Lion Cellars

(71 reviews)

$$

We had previously taken some family pictures here with their beautiful landscaping (small…read morewaterfall, bridge over a stream, etc) so we decided to come back and do some actual wine tasting. We took a Lyft here but it is pretty remote (near Jamul Casino, but a few miles further) and hard to get a driver out, so I don't recommend it. Having a designated driver makes the most sense. If you have to rideshare, Uber is faster than Lyft in Jamul. I thought the red wines were nice and easy to drink but I'm not a wine connoisseur. The friends we were with thought the wine overall was good but not great. The 2024 Rose of Cabernet was my favorite, despite being one of the cheaper ones. Food options were very limited. Just cheese, hummus, meats and crackers, so don't arrive here hungry. Our server was very nice and friendly. There was an older gentleman walking around who was equally friendly and helpful. But there was an older lady behind the bar area who was very upset when we moved chairs inside by one window. I still think it makes sense, but don't do it. Apparently it obstructs the huge bar area walkway. There were kids running around while we were there. But this place is not kid-friendly, so leave them at home. Overall, the wine is fine and the setting is pretty. I recommend checking it out, but I probably will not become a regular. For those who live nearby, this place is great.

This place is lovely! I loved the earth toned lobby glistening with black marble counters and gold…read moretinted hanging globe pendant chandeliers. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was very laid back. All the wine we tasted was good, but I particularly loved the first and last wine of the sweet flight. We were here right before sunset and it was gorgeous!

Monte Xanic - Cellar

Monte Xanic

(11 reviews)

$$

One of my favorite wineries in Valle de Guadalupe. Xanic stands for "the flower that blooms after…read morethe first rain", in ode to the winter rains that bring good fortune to the area (and the winemaking process generally). Monte Xanic is one of Mexico's premium wineries, having won numerous international awards and competitions. If you're driving here, keep in mind that Monte Xanic is located further into the Valle than other popular spots (closer to the entrance from the road to Tecate). It is about a 2 hour drive from Tijuana at a modest pace. Monte Xanic is one of the oldest wineries in the region. The varietals near the entrance are 60+ years old (which are harvested to make some do Monte Xanic's premium wines). The winery itself dates back to the 80s. As it stands, because of COVID, you must make a reservation in advance to be allowed into the property. You'll need to reserve with a credit card but you won't be charged until you arrive, unless you don't show or cancel time. Once you turn off the main road, there is a gate with a guard who will ask for your reservation (and take your temperature + give you hand sanitizer) before allowing you to drive into the grounds. You'll follow a winding road past the property's man-made lake and up to the winery itself, which has parking (and charging stations if you have an electric vehicle! Major props for that!) Once you arrive you'll check in with the host, and you can choose where to sit for your tasting. There are various packages to choose from. I recommend the "greatest hits" selection (2 white, 1 rose, 2 reds) which runs about $25. These are premium wines so I think the price is reasonable. There are more expensive packages if you want to sample the very best of their selection. There are tables and stools inside and outside the winery, but far enough to each to maintain social distance. There is also a private room which holds 10 people if you'd like to arrange for a large group tasting. There is a wine cellar as well, though it is closed for the time being and there are no tours of the grounds either. The view of the Valle from the winery is fantastic. The tasting room is located on the mountainside and overlooks the lake, providing a great vantage point of the surrounding vineyards. I believe you can also reserve the winery for weddings. As for the tasting, your host or hostess will pour each wine at your table, and give you a thorough explanation about the history and process of each varietal. Our host, Mara, was awesome, knowledgeable, and very patient. Monte Xanic offers a limited selection of charcuterie and cheese assortments, and of course, you can purchase bottles to take home, including some rare limited editions, for far less than you could anywhere else, so I recommend doing so if you like Monte Xanic wine. It is difficult to find any of their wines for less than $20 per bottle, but here they have several selections in the $15ish range, which is a steal. Personally, I recommend picking up a bottle of their 2015 Syrah Cabernet blend, which was the last project worked on by their longtime winemaker, Hans Backhoff, before he passed away. I really enjoyed Monte Xanic and I'll definitely be back during my next trip to Valle.

Truly a spectacular place with a spectacular view. The staff was kind of cold but I guess that's…read morebecause they deal with customers that probably aren't in their best behavior. The staff was really professional and the building itself was beautiful but the view was stunning. It's kind of hidden but worth checking out. The charcuterie board was small but honestly just enough to feel good with a cup of wine. My family and I went to other wineries but this one was the prettiest because of the view. It felt like I was in Italy for the summer! Un lugar realmente espectacular, la vista es increíble y el lugar es muy profesional. El diseño del edificio se ve moderno con toques rústicos. Fue el primer lugar que visitamos pero la vista nos enamoró! Mi familia quedó impresionada con la belleza de este lugar. Lo mejor fue que cuando fuimos estaba casi vacío ya que llegamos casi una o dos horas antes de que cerraran. El lugar está increíble e inolvidable ya que al sentarse y tomarse una copa realmente es una experiencia relajante. Espero regresar pronto.

Crystal Hill Vineyard - Outdoor seating area under awning

Crystal Hill Vineyard

(32 reviews)

$$

I checked this place out for the first time yesterday. It was a nice little spot. It kind of felt…read morethat we had the place all to ourselves as we were the only ones there when we first arrived. I believe he was the owner; but he was very hospitable. They have unique wines infused in whiskey barrels. I had their Chardonnay which had a slight taste of whiskey in it but I thought it was pretty good. I also tried their pepperoni and sausage flat bread which also was pretty tasty. We were greeted by "Whiskey" the cat and as we were told apparently he was a stray and greets everyone as they arrive which was cute. They have misters which helped a lot with the heat.

Planning for birthday is stressful, imagine its your wife's birthday and now imagine it's a…read moremilestone birthday, it was indeed a big choice. Called 20+ Vineyard and put my requirements and was chose Crystal hill as my choice, I am so glad I made that decision. Best wine, amazing scenery, very private, kid friendly, pet friendly most of all sweetest Staff you will ever find. This is the best winery of Ramona by far and exactly what we were looking for. The view is stunning and beautiful view, atmosphere is very relaxing. Wine choices we were excellent, Excellent wine, especially the whiskey barrel wines! Wine Choices: We initially ordered wine flights, double and singles an we choose the below bottles from there. 1. 2016 Stone Lake Merlot 2. 2016 Whiskey Stone Lake Merlot 3. 2019 Malbec Rose 4. 2017 Whiskey Rose They even have food; their flatbread is amazing too. The Staff and owners were very nice, as we were having good time Scott the owner took the kids, around 10 of them to a short hike and showed them around the property and vineyard, kids had good time while adults were drinking up. Meanwhile Kristy engaged the smaller kids. It was all fun and everyone had fun. Special kudos to the lovely bartenders. If you are looking for great wines, amazing views, comfortable atmosphere, great staff, kid friendly, pet friendly, this is the place. We are going back soon

Valentina Vineyards - 2022 Sauvignon blanc

Valentina Vineyards

(13 reviews)

Went to the winery on a Friday afternoon, was presented with a very thorough explanation of their…read morewines, the grape origins and the subtleties of each wine. The tasting was seriously enjoyable. They also make their own olive oil from their olives on the property. You can really tastes it's pure, clean taste of the extra virgin olive oil. I even brought home some of their honey. I live close to Valentina's and they say that eating locally sourced honey is good for allergies. I also came home with 2 other bottles of wine that I am sure we'll enjoy. Lance, the owner was a pleasure to meet and I will definitely be sharing this place with friends. See you soon

What a jewel of a place. Honestly one of the best wine tastings i have had in a while. To begin…read morewith the dulzura creek area is a hidden treasure of 6 working and one to come wineries. They are representatives of what old California wines use to be. The kind of places where you met the owners, talked about the grapes, got to see the fields, discuss real life events, enjoy good wine. You don't get that anymore from the commercialize corporate Napa or Temecula areas. There are still some places but in general the days of enjoying those wine country areas are long gone. The wines had great character and taste. From the whites with their aromas and great senses. Easy to pair with light food or pastries or just drink at an event or picnic. The rose wine with their unique changes in palate and taste a great addition for an awesome lunch get together, an afternoon boating, or a good sunset. To the ideals reds with bold creativity. Screams of chimichurri, big pieces of beef, lamb or portobello grilled. Yet you can just sit with some and enjoy an evening with some cheese, bread and music and think "life is alright". This place is not big but you feel comfortable, you are welcome by the family as if you are a long lost cousin, the country side makes you want to stay. Next door there is a nice store with a continuous running grill and excellent tacos when you get hungry. Don't forget to try and buy their great olive oil and honey. All natural grown on location. I am hard to please to 5 stars. I can't wait to come back bring a good basket of food and just spend my afternoon thinking of nothing and enjoying everything.

Hillside Ranch Vineyard

Hillside Ranch Vineyard

(8 reviews)

TL;DR: Hillside Ranch Vineyard is a family-owned, small-lot winery in Jamul with fantastic wines…read moreand a welcoming, personal touch. The soft opening was well organized with timed seating, generous tastings (Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Rosé, Pinot Noir, and Syrah), and light snacks. The property is beautiful, the facility is clean and stylish, and the views are stunning. Bonus perks include friendly hosts, a behind-the-scenes tour, ranch horses, plenty of parking, dog-friendly policies, and easy GPS access. Full review: Family-owned and operated, Hillside Ranch Vineyard produces handcrafted, small-lot wines from the hills of Jamul in San Diego County. We attended their soft opening today, and it was a huge success. The vineyard offered reservations with 15-minute arrival time slots, ensuring everyone had a cozy seat upon arrival. The family who runs the vineyard personally shared the story of how it came to be and guided us through each wine we tasted--they were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming. During the tasting, we sampled the Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Rosé, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Every wine was delicious--truly exceptional. Table snacks, including seasoned nuts and crackers, were also provided. After the tasting, we were given a tour of the facility, where we got to see where the wine is made and tested. A few of the ranch's horses even stopped by, which was a fun and memorable touch--we were able to pet them as well. The building itself is very clean, beautifully decorated, and thoughtfully set up, with heaters near the outdoor seating for comfort. The vineyard and surrounding ranch are immaculately maintained and absolutely beautiful, offering photo-worthy views in every direction. There is plenty of parking, and GPS took us straight to the tasting room with no issues. Leashed dogs are welcome, and smoking is permitted in the parking lot.

The wife snd I stopped by to grab a bottle of wine for me and decided to do a quick tasting! Let me…read moretell you..... the wine there is fantastic loved all of them and even their olive oil!!!!!! Do yourself a favor go see Donna and her staff ( very sweet people) highly recommend!

Rustic Ridge Vineyards - winetastingroom - Updated May 2026

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