A Surprise in the Suburbs
by Julie Whitmer –
A couple of weekends ago, some friends invited us for a picnic at a nearby winery. I wasn’t sure what to expect, just 10 minutes east of the 15 freeway in Escondido. Wow… I couldn’t believe this place, what a pleasant surprise!
The Orfila Vineyard and Winery is tucked behind the malls and schools of this San Diego suburb in an area known as the San Pasqual Valley. If you’ve ever been to the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, then you know the area.
Just beyond the buildings that house the tasting room is a large grassy area with picnic tables surrounded by huge shady trees. We unloaded our food and kids and set up for the afternoon.
We sent the guys over to the tasting room (armed with a 10% Yelp check-in discount) for a few bottles of wine.
After the kids ate, our only instructions were… “Go! Play!” Miraculously, they did. Only huddling around us a few times, to use the table for “time out” or to refuel on water and snacks.
It was a great way to spend the afternoon.
For more photos and information on Orfila Winery, I recommend you take a look at their yelp page or their website. It’s absolutely worth the detour if you find yourself driving along Interstate 15 north of San Diego.