Grape Day Competing Wineries 2026

---

Built in 1886, Forgotten Barrel Winery is San Diego's oldest Winery full of rich California history, beautiful backdrops, and some of the best wines you'll find south of Napa! Forgotten Barrel Winery offers a wide selection of premium hand crafted wines using fruit sourced from Escondido and San Diego County, Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast by our winemaker John Eppler. John hails from Northern California, having worked in Napa for Robert Mondavi, Rosenblum Cellars, and his own brand, 

John Robert Eppler Wines.

The reincarnation of the former Ferrara Winery has transformed this once-forgotten homestead into a tranquil rustic hideaway in the city.

UVAS Winery is Family-Owned and operated by The Zaldivar Family, united by a shared dream and a deep love for wine. Together, we’ve built more than just a winery; we’ve created a space rooted in care, connection, and joy. Every detail reflects the dedication we pour into this journey, and we are endlessly grateful to share it with our community in Old Town Poway.  Our story truly took shape in 2021, when Tristian, better known as “Tito”, began working under the winery’s previous owner. During that time, he learned the craft from the ground up: harvesting grapes, caring for the vines, and guiding each wine through fermentation and the aging process. Through hands on experience and a genuine passion for winemaking, Tito developed the skills and respect for the process that now define our wines. 

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning as an old friend, we invite you to step into the comfort of UVAS Winery. We look forward to welcoming you into our family.

When John first spotted the 105 acre property, about a mile from their home, a dream began to ideate – Mia and John would purchase that property, plant grapes and build an estate winery.

In 2016, that vision of a “winery” became a reality. After several years of planting, learning, constructing, and designing, they officially debuted Mia Marie Vineyards, a family-owned, community-focused estate winery featuring top quality premium craft wine in Highland Valley, San Diego. With an eye for beauty and a relaxing setting, Mia Marie Vineyards features a setting to create lasting memories with loved ones.

Ramona Ranch Winery was founded in 2004 and in 2005, we made our first wine from Ramona Valley grapes. In 2006 we planted our first vines at Ramona Ranch – a small test vineyard of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Merlot, and Mouvedre. We expanded our larger vineyards on the property in 2010, consisting of Tannat, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Symphony, with more to come.

What began as a passion project in 2009—planting 3,000 vines—has since grown into an award-winning winery with an underground, Italian-style wine cellar. By 2016, Mike and Nelson had transformed their vision into reality, crafting exceptional wines aged with precision and care. Their dedication to the winemaking process has led to numerous accolades, solidifying Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery’s reputation for excellence.

Hungry Hawk Vineyards and Winery is supported by a dedicated team that is eager to make your experience enjoyable and memorable. 

The Owners - Ed and Jeannine - run the show, along with their son Mike, who is the Winemaker.  

​A truly integral part of our success and a key in supporting us in achieving our goals of growing grapes of exceptional quality, is Adrian Morales, Vineyard Manager and Winemaker.  

Our family had a thriving avocado ranch until the Witch Creek wildfire in 2007, wiping out the majority of our avocado trees. Unsure of what to do next, we decided to follow our passion and go on a new adventure. Instead of replanting avocado trees, we pursued our lifelong love for wine and planted grape vines. We now dedicate each day to making unique wines of exceptional quality. 

Inspired by the valiant ‘speckled’ granite boulders left standing after the fires, we named our wines ‘Speckle Rock’ as a symbol of endurance through tough times. Along with their symbolism, these rocks in their decomposed state are what contribute to our soil quality and give our wines a true expression of place.

Cheers to new beginnings!

-The Perrin Family 

Nestled atop the San Pasqual wine appellation, the south-facing slopes of Eralto Winery & Vineyard provided the perfect canvas for old-world, artisanal winemaking. Rooted in rich, decomposed granite soil and bathed in natural sunlight, our boutique vineyard yields a strictly limited production of premium wines. We believe that great wine is made in the vineyard. Driven by a passion for the craft, the Eralto team is committed to producing memorable, long-lasting wines that elevate every pour.