The mood was light and fun at the 20th Annual San Diego County Vintners Association’s Wine and Food Festival staged at Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo last weekend. Well-attended, the event showcased 25 local wineries, several exhibitors, a silent auction, live music, gourmet small bites and food and wine demonstrations.
Both urban and traditional wine makers and winery owners were on hand to greet guests and pour two hand-selected wines crafted with San Diego County grape varietals.
The California wine industry traces its roots back to San Diego in 1779 with the first sustained vineyard planted by Franciscan missionaries at Mission San Diego de Alcala.
It was a fitting tribute to hold the SDCVA Wine & Food Festival at the Bernardo Winery.
The landmark winery was established in 1889 by the Rizzo family and is the oldest family owned and operated winery in Southern California to this day.
The San Diego County Vintners Association is composed of vintners, growers, trade and wine lover members who strive to promote awareness and appreciation of the locally grown grape varietals.
For more information, contact www.sandiegowineries.org