National Wine Day

Vino Carta

May 25th marks National Wine Day, and whether you're a connoisseur or just looking to relax with a good bottle, this day is perfect for taking in all that wine has to offer. Now, more than ever, there is an abundance of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms to explore across San Diego, so finding the right place to celebrate can be tricky. To make things easier, we've rounded up some of our favorite spots in the county to help you find the perfect bottle, savor a tasting, or just appreciate a glass of wine with friends!

Vino Carta is just what you need if you're looking for something out of the ordinary. With locations in Little Italy and Solana Beach, this neighborhood wine shop and bar offers a vast selection of natural wines from all over the world. They focus on small, family-run producers and interesting varietals, made through organic and sustainable farming practices that are hard to find in most wineries. Buy a bottle to go or sit down and enjoy a glass of Zinfandel Rosé from Calandri Vineyard in their wine bar. The lip-smacking Mojave desert dry rosé with cedar, rhubarb, and lemonade notes is an absolute delight worth celebrating.   

On Saturday, May 20th, Vino Carta will be celebrating its seventh anniversary at its Little Italy location  from 3:00 – 11:00 p.m. True to its vibe, it will be low-key hanging out with specials on by-the-glass wines from 2016, the year it opened, along with music from DJ John Manhard. Vino Carta only sells natural wines from small producers with organically-grown grapes.

Discover the true meaning of la dolce vita by stopping by the Al Dente restaurant, located in University Heights. Immerse yourself in rich Italian history, full of authentic flavors with hints of newness and modernity. From homemade pasta to flavorful antipasti and wild game meat specialties, each dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and expertly paired with curated fine wines and wine cocktails by knowledgeable staff. On National Wine Day, stop in during Happy Hour, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to enjoy $6 house wine – red or white, and pair with any appetizer or bite, like the Charcuterie Board.

For French-inspired cuisine paired with hand-selected wines, look no further than Arely's French Bakery in the heart of Clairemont Square. The newly remodeled restaurant and wine bar, attached to the bakery, offer a full-service experience with authentic cuisine and new California and French wine additions. Whether you come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the staff will gladly help you find a vintage that perfectly complements the delicious sweet, and savory fare. Order a Wine Flight to your Paté Charcuterie board and let the cozy atmosphere filled with the rich smell of fresh pastries make your celebration extra special.

Description automatically generated with low confidenceCan you imagine a summer day without fresh seafood and a refreshing glass of wine? At Fish Shop’s three locations – PB, Encinitas, and Point Loma - you'll find both, as well as bright and airy seating where you can catch a few shining rays and feel the breeze. Pair classic, creamy Clam Chowder or Fish Shop favorites, such as the TKO Taco, with any one of the sips offered on the menu. You can also bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy with a small corkage fee. Fish Shop partners with wineries throughout the year to support causes such as National Breast Cancer Foundation, No Kid Hungry, Pets for Patriots, and more.

Add an Italian flair to your celebration by visiting the recently opened AnniVenti La Trattoria, in Lemon Grove. The ultimate Italian culinary experience paired with an amazing selection of wines is sure to satisfy every palate, be it a romantic dinner for two or a family gathering. Complement the authentic flavors of Sicily with a glass of delicate and refined Chiaramonte Inzolia Firriato with fresh notes of exotic fruits, almond, lime, wisteria, iris, and acacia that blend delightful hints of Mediterranean herbs. We guarantee that this combination of flavors will win your heart, and you will not be able to forget this evening.

Life is too short to enjoy food without wine! San Diego is lucky to have an abundance of great places to celebrate National Wine Day, so gather your friends and head to one of these local hotspots for your perfect wine-drinking adventure. 

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