Highway 94 Winery in San Diego
story and photos by Kari Jenkins
Highway 94 is a scenic, 30-minute drive from San Diego, and home to seven of California’s oldest wineries. This historic route, far removed in time from the newer, better known Temecula wineries, unfolds like a vivid tapestry, woven with the golden hues of the grassy hillsides and dotted with majestic oaks.
Dulzura Vineyard & Winery produces a full range of red and white estate wines.
Among its hidden gems is the charming Dulzura Vineyard & Winery, a family-owned estate dating back to 1885.
The pioneer-era Clark Ranch, now home to the Dulzura Vineyard & Winery, was established by Frank J. Clark and his wife Lila. The land was planted with a diverse array of fruit trees and, notably, grape vines. Over the years, it transitioned from agricultural to winemaking.
Its “Pickle House,” once the kitchen for Clark’s famous Pickleized Figs, is now the winery’s tasting room. Its offerings include a robust Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. The original stone pantry beneath the house, built in 1895, now serves as the wine cellar.
Clark Ranch, founded in 1885 by Frank and Lila Clark, is now home to the Dulzura Vineyard & Winery.
A restored guest cottage adjacent to the tasting room provides a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape.
Grant Spotts, a direct descendant of the Clark family, and his wife, Sarah Babine, are the hosts at Dulzura Winery. Grant continues to cultivate the land with the same dedication and passion that characterized his ancestors. His deep knowledge of viticulture and his passion for winemaking shine through in every aspect of the offerings.
Sarah is an advocate for white varietals in the region. “It’s all about the diurnal drop. It cools off a lot here at night, 30 degrees on average. That’s why we can make good whites,” she explains. Her understanding of the local climate led the couple to produce award-winning whites, and challenge the common wisdom about where they can be grown.
The ranch recently introduced olive oil from trees planted in 1887. These trees yield an olive oil that is as rich in flavor as it is steeped in heritage. Characterized by its robust and peppery notes, it perfectly complements Dulzura’s wines.
Unlike the commercialized wine routes of more famous regions, here the beauty of the landscape converges with the legacy of winemaking, creating a unique destination for those in search of authenticity.
A visit to Dulzura Vineyard & Winery and the six other wineries along Highway 94 is an immersion into a lifestyle that cherishes slow living, natural beauty, and the art of winemaking.
For more information on Dulzura Vineyard & Winery, including booking details for the guest cottage and upcoming events, please visit DulzuraWinery.com.
Other vineyards along Highway 94 include Rustic Ridge Vineyards, Granite Lion Cellars, Hillside Ranch Vineyards, Deerhorn Valley Vineyards, and Vecchie Oso Vineyards.
For more information visit thewineriesonhighway94.com, Pen