orfila vineyards & winery

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings they have live music and wine on their terrace. They also bring in local food trucks. The Saturday evening we were there had a local singer/guitarist who was so good that no one was leaving. There were families with young kids playing on the large lawn area, tables with couples and friends looking out over the vineyards, and the wine (we bought a glass after a quick wine tasting) was delicious. We came from cold and snow that morning - thought we had gone to heaven!

this is a wine tasting room in Julian right next to Witchcreek wine tasting the atmosphere in here was amazing the women who served me and my girlfriend was great the wine was awesome left with a bottle of wine

The last time I was in Escondido (to visit my grandparents) was the year Orfila was established. Went back for a little nostalgia and had a very pleasant experience at the winery. A beautiful view of the vineyards to look at while enjoying the samples; we had a 1/2 case shipped home and have reordered since as they offer delicious wines at reasonable pricing. I hope I don't have to wait another 40 years to return!

First, let me say that the winery is "just down the hill" from where I live.. I lived here for over 28 years, and during that time I have seen this winery change hands several times. You will find that most wineries in California do, mainly because they are family owned, and when the Older members pass away the remaining families may now want to be in the wine industry. I have noticed also, that with every passing of the winery there is either improvement or failure. Orfila has definitely improved each time, both in location and wine quality. It's almost like a spa now. entering the mature grounds you immediately feel calm and content. The view of San Pasquale valley from the covered table area helps with this. Romance? There is plenty to go around. The award winning wines (if you did not read my other wine report you know... wine is subjective) are great, the best for me is their "MUSCAT CANNELLI" . persistently year after year. Unlike other wineries in the area, Orfila marketing has been very good coming up with ideas to draw people in, the latest being TRIVIA NIGHT where the game of trivia is played by teams. Wine, of course, is available through Orfila only (law restriction) and you can bring anything from outside to eat. Want to try something different, want to have a bunch of fun with your friends, then come and join us on TRIVIA NIGHT. Which brings me to the downside of this place . . . come on now . . . there is always a down side but not many people will tell you about it. To me, this place screams for Italian food. Some wineries I have been to are family owned and runned. The matriarch usually puts together an italian heavy duty snack menu. Old, true italian, family recipes. The other downside, which is my cheapskate opinion only. is the pricing. For me, retired, living on a limited Bla-Bla-Bla it would be nice if ,not only this winery, but others as well, made a less expensive bottle of wine for us. Understand thought, this is not to say Orfila wines are not worth the price charged, because they are. BOTTOM LINE: Go to this place, enjoy their wines (I guarantee you will find something that you will like) and the atmospere and scenery.

I found Orfila through a Groupon deal offering two for the price of one for wine tastings. Driving from San Diego took us about 40 minutes. The area is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The wine tastings are done inside at the counter and there were about six or so whites and about the same amount for reds to choose from. Combined you get to choose six wines to taste. The wines I tried were all good, but I did not try any that really made and impression other than the Sangiovese. After the tasting you can relax outside on their patio under a trellis looking out at the vineyard across the rolling hills. It was nice just sitting outside with a glass of wine enjoying the company around you. There were a lot of small children running around outside while the adults sat and enjoyed their wine and cheese/crackers so if you are looking for some relaxation but have children, no worries, just bring them along.

I was killing a day in San Diego while my husband had business meetings and an advertisement for Orfila came on the hotel visitors channel. I made the longish drive and found it easily. There are many, many signs throughout the parking lot and on the door stating that they are not responsible for any car break ins. :( Hmm, not a very good first impression.Once inside, I cruised through the retail portion of the warehouse which has all the basic wine'y' gifts and over to the bar. The smell in there is heavenly. The gal helping me wasn't really very welcoming and wasn't really clear about the tasting process. I was alone, which I'm sure seemed a little weird. They give you a card and cross off numbers each time you get a new sample. You are also free to try either red or white interchangeably which is nice. There are various snacks, cheeses and chips for purchase. The samples are nice size and I only had 4 of my 6 because I was driving back to San Diego. You must really take the wine outside! In, fact, I would have only given this 3 stars, if not for the beautiful patio and view. No pressure about the wine club and I bought a couple bottles because the wine is very good.

Small to medium sized tasting room with party resources. There was a wedding happening the afternoon we were there. Relaxed atmosphere and certainly not a pressured environment. Wines were good BBC utility for my palate not great.

For the past couple years my husband and I have been members at Orfila Winery. On our trips to Napa/Sonoma, we judged the wine based on how we felt it compared to Orfila wines, and it often paled in comparison! The views, the wine, and the staff are wonderful, especially Tom and Doug!

My wife and I recently visited during our honeymoon. This place has great wine, a nice location, and the staff is very friendly. A special thanks to Doug for the tour!! Definitely check this place out.

This winery has very tasty wine! Escondido is know for it's wine country - great farm land and this is an excellent activity to include into your visit. the mountains surrounding the area are a breathtaking site. It can get pretty warm here, so a late autumn or winter visit could be your best bet.

We had a nice time tasting here. We bought our tickets inside and found chairs for a table on the patio. The wines are nice, I liked the Cab. I met some nice people with their well behaved dogs. We brought cheese and crackers but they are adamant about buying theirs or leaving the patio with music and losing your seat. Our friends got 2 for one tasting coupons online. There was also a painting class that was fun to watch.

We have lived in the area of this winery for many years. We have seen the progression of owners and each owners' improvement to the facilities. It has always been a "positive" improvement by all. I would like to add that my wife and I are avid wine people. We have visited wineries all over the world, so when we say this is one of the best wineries, we are not exaggerating. Those of us that know judging a winery is more than just judging their product. The facilities. staff, and location play a very big part in the "mystique" of any winery.It has become a great place for quiet contentment. Their facilities cater to both families and individuals, with an outstanding, romantic view of San Pasqual Valley . The staff is helpful, educated in the art of wine, and charming. Their line of wines . . . I can honestly say I am sure you will find something that you will like. They are an award winning winery.It is truly like visiting with friends. Do not let this get away from you. It is a well kept secret in Escondido.

Orfila has an extensive selection of red, white and sparkling wines -something for everyone. Their grounds are well maintained, and the location provides beautiful views of the San Pasqual Valley. Check their event calender on their website (http://www.orfila.com) - they typically have live entertainment on Friday and Sunday afternoons, with food available from 1 or more mobile food trucks, as well as selections from the deli area inside. Does someone in your group only drink beer? They sell bottles of that too in their deli case. Really like it and want to go tasting frequently?? Become an "OWL" - Orfila Wine Lover - aka a wine club member.

I've always wanted to go wine tasting, and since I was in the area after visiting the safari park which is near by, I decided to stop by this winery the next day! I was amazed by how great this was the vineyards were beautiful, also the price was very cheap. $12 for 6 tastings, my boyfriend and I both did 6 tastings, he stuck to the red wines which he claims are great! I tasted a few reds (rosay) and mostly whites. I loved their whole selection of wines! the people working there were very friendly and deff. taught us a few things about wine. I will deff. recommend this place and will be going back when I get the chance.

The last of the wineries we found was Orfila. Interestingly, the vineyards were once the vineyards to San Pasqual winery and that the land is heritage site. The vineyards are some of the older vineyards of Southern California. We started the tour by walking the land and seeing the vineyards with nicely ripening grapes. We were also served their tasty southern Rhine style rose. We then walking into the winery. This is a much larger winery than many of the San Diego area wineries. After the tour we tasted some very good wine with our tour guide. Orfilas pinot noir is very good and nationally recognized. We also like many of their other wines, if a wine tour of San Diego is on your radar, you shouldn't miss Orfila.