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Orca Travel Collection

Southern California

Julian & the San Diego Backcountry

A curated guide to mountain & backcountry wineries

14 featured wineries · 7-page PDF guide

Download the free PDF guide
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Apple pie, mountain wine

In the mountains east of San Diego, the old gold-mining town of Julian is famous for apple orchards and apple pie. Around it, the backcountry stretches toward Santa Ysabel, Warner Springs and the southern hills.

Small wineries in this rugged landscape benefit from elevation and cool nights, and make for a scenic escape from the coast.

At a glance

Signature wines
Small-lot mountain and backcountry wines
Getting there
Highways 78 and 79 into the mountains east of San Diego
When to go
Autumn for apple season; spring for green hills
Plan ahead
Roads are winding and wineries are spread out; check hours

The 14 featured wineries

  • Campo Creek VineyardsCampo
  • Emerald Creek WineryWarner Springs
  • Granite Lion CellarsJamul
  • Hillside Ranch VineyardJamul
  • Menghini WineryJulian
  • Mesa Grande Corazon WinerySanta Ysabel
  • Rustic Ridge VineyardsJamul
  • Shadow Mountain VineyardsWarner Springs
  • Valentina VineyardsDulzura
  • Walnut Tree Ranch Vineyard and WinerySanta Ysabel
  • Hawk Watch WineryWarner Springs
  • Sierra Roble Winery & VineyardWarner Springs
  • The Julian WineryJulian
  • Volcan Mountain WineryJulian

Full details for each winery are in the free PDF guide.

Data: California ABC & TTB public records

Download the free PDF guide

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