Rancho Bernardo is one of the first master-planned communities in the United States. Twenty-five miles north of San Diego, Rancho Bernardo along with Rancho Penasquitos and the San Pasqual Valley were annexed by the City of San Diego in 1963. Today, it is a sprawling suburban community with over 17,000 homes and 45,000 residents.

Not too exciting, right? One can only imagine the sour grapes that fell when word came down that this once rural community was going to be paved over for a 'master community' development. And, woah, build they did.

Looking from afar, Rancho Bernardo looks like a pristine bedroom community complete with all the trappings of a ready-made community. Zoom in closer and you'll find (if you haven't already) a relic of the past. For 119-years, Bernardo Winery has been keeping it real despite all the build out around it. Though surrounded by residential homes, this property has something for everyone. You'd be hard-pressed to not find something that appeals to you.

Bernardo Winery

It is known for being the oldest continually operating winery in Southern California. But this isn't your father's Northern California winery. There's a world inside the gates of the Bernardo Winery. The Rizzo family has owned the property since 1928 and it has become more than just a winery. Though still a working vineyard, like many vineyards, a lot of grapes have to be imported from all over to produce their annual output. However, wine is still to be had and tastings are available (5 for $8).

Here's a sweet deal: Bernardo Winery has a 'walk around' license. The license allows guests to saunter around the property with their signature wine glass or wine bottle and enjoy this old California oasis. Walk through the dozen or so shops, meander through the property to take in the old vintage garden and winery implements, look for a shady spot or garden swing or bring your own picnic and spread out on the grass. And yes, you can walk around the vineyards.

If retail isn't your thing, then maybe food is. You can grab a table at Cafe Merlot and enjoy the outdoor cafe setting. Not a foodie? Maybe watching a glassblowing artist work in his outdoor studio will spark your interest. If none of THAT interests you, how about the Friday Farmer's Market, First Friday's Art Walk from 5:00-9:00 p.m. or the live jazz music on Sundays from 2:00-5:00 p.m. If that doesn't wed you to the idea of checking this out, they also make accommodations for weddings and special events. If we can't grab you with the rest, maybe rustic architecture grabs you. If so, the motley but charming collection of buildings and old barn-like structures or the functional and decorative windmills located around the winery might just wind you up.

Wanna hug a tree? You'll find plenty of trees to hug. The tall, mature olive trees around the property not only provide shade but also olive oil. Each year, the winery produces 500-600 gallons of cold-pressed virgin olive oil.

Note: In the past, we talked about the tuna fishermen of San Diego. Bernardo Winery, after the war, produced the olive oil for the tuna canneries.

The trees on the property provide a natural barrier between the outside community and the winery. We were surprised to learn that the winery was able to pocket some money from the sale of hundreds of olive trees which would line the streets of the new Rancho Bernardo development. If you like checking out wineries, but you don't feel like getting over a barrel to make it happen, take the quick drive to Rancho Bernardo. They'll wine and dine you. You can even bring your "Fido" as the Bernardo Winery is pet-friendly.

Side note: Elizabeth Rizzo, the matriarch of the Rizzo family, owners of the Bernardo Winery, passed away at 102-years old in April 2009. She had lived on the property for 71-years. It is obvious that the Rizzo family takes great pride in carrying on the family legacy.

Honestly, this place has a charm all its own. We liken it to the old Thomas' English Muffin. Bernardo Winery is filled with interesting nooks and crannies.

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