Local Wineries In and Around Poway, CA

Poway and its surrounding areas are home to a substantial collection of local wineries, each offering different styles of wine, distinct tasting experiences, and connections to the inland San Diego County landscape. If you're exploring the best wineries in Poway, CA, you’ll find everything from small-lot producers to larger, established estates, all within easy driving distance.

This guide highlights key details about each winery, including tasting options, on-site features, and nearby places to shop, dine, or relax.

Barrel Riot Winery is a modern urban winery that produces bold reds and refreshing whites, often aged in French oak barrels. The tasting room is industrial and straightforward, allowing the focus to stay on the wine. Flights are customizable, and the winemakers often engage directly with guests during tastings. After your visit, you can visit the nearby Poway Plaza Shopping Center for casual restaurants or stop at local boutiques on Poway Road. Barrel Riot is a good introduction for those new to the area’s wine scene or looking to explore small-production wines in a relaxed setting.

Mission Cellars is located off Midland Road in Old Poway. It has a walkable tasting patio and a lineup of wines from California-sourced grapes, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. The small indoor bar is surrounded by a landscaped outdoor area with bistro tables and shade sails, giving it a community-focused atmosphere. Just steps from the Old Poway Village shopping area, you’ll find artisan shops, weekend markets, and specialty food vendors. Mission Cellars often hosts live music and small events, making it a popular weekend stop.

Koi Zen Cellars offers a full indoor tasting lounge. The winery focuses on hand-crafted small batches and sustainable practices. Signature pours include Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Petit Verdot. Wine club members receive early access to limited releases and curated events. The shopping plaza next door includes boutique fitness studios and cafés, making it easy to pair your tasting with other local stops. Inside, the décor is clean and peaceful, emphasizing community engagement.

Mahogany Mountain is located just outside Poway in Ramona, but it’s close enough to include in any local wine tour. The property comprises 43 acres of vineyard land, with a rustic tasting area that overlooks the surrounding hills. It specializes in Bordeaux-style blends and Italian varietals like Barbera and Sangiovese. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy a picnic in shaded areas.  Afterward, nearby shopping includes Ramona Family Naturals Market and seasonal craft stores in downtown Ramona.

Woof ’n Rose Winery in Ramona is known for its red wines and vineyard-grown grapes. The tasting patio has views of the estate vines and San Pasqual Valley hills. Cabernet Franc and Grenache are featured on the regular tasting list. The name reflects the owners’ love for dogs and roses found throughout the property. The drive to the winery passes by antique stores and home décor shops along Highland Valley Road. Visitors can enjoy a quiet afternoon on the patio while learning about the small-scale production process.

Mermaid Valley Vineyard is a micro-winery situated in Ramona’s higher elevation region. It’s open by appointment only, offering an intimate setting with vineyard tours and personalized tastings. Production is limited, and much of the winemaking is done by hand, including grape sorting and barrel aging. The setting at Mermaid Valley feels more like visiting a friend’s private estate than a commercial winery. It appeals to those looking for personal connections and an immersive vineyard experience.

Three Hills Winery offers panoramic views, a shaded patio, and a solid mix of estate and regional wines. Varietals include Syrah, Viognier, and proprietary blends. Guests can order wine by the glass or enjoy flights at individual tables with direct access to the tasting counter. Shoppers heading back into town often stop at Bernardo Winery Marketplace for local crafts, lavender products, and handmade soaps.

Sunrise Vineyards is a boutique winery with limited public hours and a focus on estate-grown fruit. It’s in the rolling hills outside Poway and offers vineyard walks, guided tastings, and private events. Their portfolio includes crisp whites and structured reds with minimal intervention during the winemaking process. Because of its quiet setting, guests often pair a visit with a stop at shopping spots near the junction of Highland Valley Road and Pomerado Road. The winery caters to small groups and values direct conversations about the wines being poured.

Bernardo Winery is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in Southern California. The property includes multiple tasting areas, a wine garden, and a full shopping village with over a dozen boutiques. Guests can walk through gift stores, clothing shops, and art galleries before or after their tasting. The setting features brick patios, historic structures, and rotating artisan vendors. As one of the best wineries in Poway, CA, Bernardo Winery combines history with convenience, offering a full-day destination with shopping and wine in one place.

Speckle Rock Vineyards is near San Pasqual Valley and offers a modern tasting room surrounded by native landscaping and olive trees. Their wine list includes Albariño, Grenache, and a notable red blend called 88. The venue features contemporary seating and shaded outdoor tables with vineyard views. Nearby attractions include boutique stores and specialty grocers along Escondido’s Valley Center Road. Speckle Rock is a good stop for those who appreciate modern hospitality and unique varietals.

If you plan to buy or sell a home in Poway, partner with a local expert who understands every corner of the community. Chad Basinger has been a trusted real estate professional in Poway and San Diego County since 2007. A San Diego native and graduate of the Poway Unified School District, Chad combines deep local knowledge with a standout professional background as a CPA and CFP®, giving you a strategic advantage in every transaction.

Reach out to Chad Basinger today to take the next step with confidence in the Poway real estate market.