FROM VINEYARDS TO URBAN WINERIES, LOCAL PRODUCERS CULTIVATE GOOD REPUTATION

S.D. Wine Sector Is Its Own Blend of Businesses

By Sarah de Crescenzo

Originally published October 5, 2017 at 3:09 p.m., updated October 5, 2017 at 3:09 p.m.

Eric Van Drunen, who recently opened urban winery Charlie & Echo in Miramar, uses a device to “punch down” grape skins in a tank of fermenting red wine. Urban wineries produce wine in industrial and commercial areas rather than at vineyards.

Eric Van Drunen, who recently opened urban winery Charlie & Echo in Miramar, uses a device to “punch down” grape skins in a tank of fermenting red wine. Urban wineries produce wine in industrial and commercial areas rather than at vineyards. Photo by Jamie Scott Lytle.

photo

Photo by Jamie Scott Lytle

Jason Wimp, an owner of 2Plank Urban Winery, and winemaker Mike Szymczak show off some of the winery’s top offerings at its tasting room in Vista. The winery uses grapes from its vineyard in Fallbrook as well as from other vineyards.

photo

Mike McWilliams, who with Linda McWilliams owns San Pasqual Winery, holds a cluster of malbec grapes. Photo courtesy of San Pasqual Winery

San Diego — Bring up California wine, and few think first of San Diego...

Take 1 minute to subscribe and you'll get this story immediately, plus:

Already a subscriber? Sign in

  • 52 weekly issues
  • Subscriber-only digital content every business day, plus full access to SDBJ.com archives
  • Book of Lists — the most comprehensive business resource in San Diego
  • NEW: San Diego 500 — influential business leaders you need to know
Yours for only $129