Monserate Vineyards & Winery

​Some time ago, I proposed in a blog on this website that Southern California wineries should seriously consider focusing on Italian grape varieties (The Italian Connection).  My reasons were that 1) the terroir of Southern California is similar to that of Italy; 2) Italian wines are growing in popularity; and 3) there is far less competition for wines made from Italian grape varieties than French grape varieties.  I am delighted to announce that a new, large winery has opened up in Fallbrook with a heavy emphasis on Italian varietals.  I doubt that the owners knew of my blog, but I’ll take full credit where credit is not due….
​Located in Fallbrook, just off of rte. 76, Monserate Vineyards & Winery opened their tasting room in October of last year.  The owners have converted a golf course into a winery, with 75 acres planted in 2017 and another 10 since.  That, by the way, makes them the largest winery in San Diego County.  With their main tasting room still in construction, they have made use of two temporary areas, one to the right as you go in.  Some pictures of that area can be seen below.

​The other area is to the left as one enters the grounds.  As shown below, it is just as nice as the are to the right, but with more trees.

​Before discussing the wine, I feel obliged to bring up one very important feature of this winery:  the people.  I have been to many wineries, and I can comfortably say that they have one of the best crews I have ever encountered!  We not only brought many of our friends, but also three of our granddaughters -- ages 1, 4 and 7.  They didn't blink an eye....
OK, now on to the wines.  The grape varieties that have been planted are shown below.  I am happy to say that their wines are much better than their spelling….  As you can see in the tasting menu that follows the listing, many of the red wines made from these grapes have not been released.  Not surprising, since their first vintage is 2019.  I personally can’t wait for their Aglianico, Sagrantino and Negroamaro varietals to be released, and will let you know when I do.  What has been released so far is pretty good, especially the 2019 Montepulciano Library Reserve and the 2020 Petite Sirah.

In terms of unique wines, I believe they are making the only orange wine in Southern California.  An orange wine is one made from white grape using the red wine making method, i.e., crush, ferment, then press.  This is a very interesting wine….
Now on to the food.  Wood-fired pizza, bruschetta made with freshly-baked bread, a charcuterie board with some of the same incredible bread, and a wonderful caprese make it hard to remember that you came for the wine.  Food is counter-ordered then brought to your table, while wines are poured at select stations.  Oh, for the non-wine drinkers in your group, they offer beers as well.

​They have two wine club offerings – Legacy (three bottles four times a year) and Legacy Case (a case every six months).  Both entail a 25% discount on bottles, tasting and glasses, 35% on cases, and 10% on food, merchandise, et al. – if you join before August 31st 2022.  Those who join after that date get a 20% discount on bottles, et al., and 30% on cases.  Legacy members get four free tastings or glasses per month, Legacy Case six.