Three Hills Winery

​Some months ago, we reported on the expedition we took with our intrepid group of explorers, seeking out civilization (i.e., wine) in the central regions of the great expanse known as California.  Much closer to home there is a region as yet uncivilized.  This is the area lying along the trail known as Highland Valley Road between the high lands of Escondido and the low lands of Ramona.  Only a few weeks ago one of our daring team, braving the ravages of a deadly disease, set off on an exploration of the area.  She uncovered evidence that civilization was indeed flowing up from the valley, with a new settlement (i.e., winery) just past the intersection of the Highland Valley Road trail and the trail named for our famous local pugilist, the great Archie Moore.  So, naturally, we had to see this for ourselves.
Trusting to our guide, Siri, we headed out on a very pleasant afternoon, taking the trail known as Route 67 over the low mountains and down into the valley of the wines.  As reported, we found the site less than a mile from the intersection of the Archie Moore and Highland Valley trails, on the left – Three Hills Winery.  We had travelled this path many times.  How could we have missed it?  Could it have been that well-hidden?  And, most importantly, were the wines any good?
So it was that we entered the site.  As shown in the pictures below, they had set up their operation at the edge of a haunted forest.  There were signs that some of the forest denizens had invaded their lands, but they seemed to have kept them at bay, away from their visitors.  It was also clear that we were not the first to partake of their offerings to Bacchus.

​We met with those manning this far outpost of civilization and learned that they had decided to start their enterprise in July, at the peak of the pandemic attacking our great land.  Such bravery!!!  Everyone had to be outside, but fortuned shined on them – they had designed their facility for outside tasting.  They are a small (boutique) settlement, preparing only a limited array of product, as shown below.  Tasting was $15 for five wines, but we managed to taste six of their fare.

​We thought that their best was a wine called “World Peace”, a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (estate grown) and Merlot (grapes from Paso Robles).  The other wines were nice, though, especially the Zinfandel, also estate grown.  We understand that a red Italian varietal has been planted.
Unfortunately, they made the same mistake that other wineries make, namely serving their red wines at too high a temperature.  Hopefully, they will correct this deficiency with time.  They also should consider providing water for their visitors – not just selling bottled water.  A real bathroom would be nice.
They do offer some food for sale, mostly snack stuff as shown on the menu that follows.  I braved the ghouls guarding the entrance to their abode long enough to take a picture of the interior, shown after the menu.  The ghouls, by the way, proved harmless.  Indeed, the only danger we met was from the yellow jackets that kept trying to steal our wine.

​They have a pretty-standard wine club – three bottles per quarter at a 20% discount, mixed or all red, 10% discount on food and merchandise, and first access to new releases with some wines for the club only.  They also have pick-up parties, catered with music.  Wine club members get two free tastings or glasses per month.
We understand that the site is nine acres, but only three are cultivated.  The rest appears to be mostly forest, which we were loath to explore, being uncertain of the friendliness of the ghouls and other forest denizens (and the lack of a decent bathroom).