Altipiano Vineyard and Winery is off the beaten path in Highland Valley, above San Pasqual Valley in San Diego. Established in 2008, the family-run winery has already begun collecting awards for their Sangiovese and Rose. The owners, Peter and Denise Clarke, originally tasted a Brunello red wine in Montalcino, Italy. After that visit, they were hooked and searched for a start in the wine-making business. They found property in San Diego county and have now planted 2,600 Brunello vines on their vineyard, amongst other varietals. They now process about 12 tons of grapes each year.
The winery is Tuscan themed, with a lovely patio for guests to come sip delicious wine and enjoy the view of the vineyard and skyline. There are picnic sites available for guests to couple their meal with Altipiano's wines and relax in the beautiful outdoors. The new crush building has just been completed and is open for tours, but has to be scheduled in advance. Visitors can also enjoy a private tasting orchestrated by the owners, where they can sample wine and food. Three sweet llamas also inhabit the vineyard as well as two friendly dogs, Poli and Roscoe, who all love to greet wine-loving visitors.
