Bernardo Winery holding 36th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Fair

Tucked away beneath mountains to the east in a green corner of Rancho Bernardo, is a San Diego hidden treasure: Bernardo Winery.

The 36th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Fair will be held at the winery Mother’s Day Weekend, May 11th and 12th from 10-5pm. Many well-known artisans and crafters from the western U.S. will be there.

There will be reserve wine tasting. A food court including Kaminski’s Barbecue, Greek food, Mexican tamales, and gelato will be set up for the Fair. Latin Jazz from popular Southern California artists Chinni and Camberos will ring out throughout the grounds. Just to add to the fun, admission is free, as is parking, with a free curb-side shuttle from all along Paseo Del Verano.

Even when there is no festival at the site, the Bernardo Winery is much, much more than just a tasting room. The grounds are a small village of boutiques, craft shops such as a glassblower, jewelry stores, a chocolatier, spa, and a salon. In addition you will find the Rancho Bernardo Historical Museum and the Vine Black Box Theatre.

As you stroll through the Old West atmosphere of the winery’s village, you’ll find a lovely place for brunching al fresco, the Cafe Merlot.  Often accompanied by a live musician playing jazzy electric piano, Cafe Merlot serves up a delightful choice of healthy, delicious meals, many made with organic fruits and vegetables grown locally in San Diego County.

For the past 125 years and three generations, the winery has been family-run, making it the oldest continuously functioning winery in Southern California. Since 1889, Bernardo Winery has been producing wine with San Diego grapes.

In the spring and summer, the tasting room is open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 in the morning to 5 at night. On weekends, wine can be tasted from 9 until 6. The cost is $10 for 5 tastes, free for members.

The various shops and studios are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm, although the times for particular shops may vary.

Cafe Merlot is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 to 3. Friday, Saturday and Sunday the cafe is open for breakfast from 8:30 in the morning until 1 pm; for lunch from 11 until 3.

Sweet Pea Coffee Shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8am to 4pm.

Each Friday, the Farmers Market sets up in the parking lot from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Organic fruits and vegetables can be found, and most of the produce is locally grown.

The Bernardo Winery is located at 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego CA 92128. It’s well worth the ride from anywhere in San Diego to uncover this hidden treasure!