One of the older shops in North County, located in La Costa.

When this shop opened it was the place to be. A great selection of wine and a great reserve room. Over time the people turned over and we seemed to loose the ones we liked. Other shops opened in the area.

Well there is a new owner, he has done a great job of getting his prices back to reality, his selection of wine is back to what it should be. He has totally re-built the inside.  It is now back on the list to stop in and shop.

Still just getting rolling so give it time to grow, I will be checking back to see how its going.

http://www.winestreet.com/

This shop started out a little warehouse style shop with great values and some great selections.

They moved to a nicer location and I think lost a step. While still some great values, not the selection that I would like to see. The staff seems to let you walk around and not bother you.

This is one of those cases where they had a good thing and maybe tried to hard to make it better and lost what made them great.

If  you are on Miramar Rd. you need to give it a look.

http://www.sandiegowine.net/

This is like Disney Land for wine lovers!

By far the largest selection on EVERYTHING in Southern California that I have seen. No matter what your flavor, varietal, country you name it they have it.

While it is larger than most, they still have an incredible staff here. Actually buyers for Cabernet, Pinot, Chardonnay etc. While shopping they ask if you have questions or if you are looking for something specific. If its not out, they may have it out back.

Typically the best prices around. A great way to kill a few hours, I am not kidding.  So if its a great $10 bottle or $500 Margeaux you WILL find it here.

Also great selection of beer, liquor and cigars.

http://www.hitimewine.net/

OK, I just received my 2006 Pina Cabernets!. If you are not familiar with this winery try and find them your next trip up. Just off the “Trail” not hard to find at all.  They started out 40 plus years ago in the vinyard management business. Tending to some of Napas best.Now producing big dense cabernets.

First is the Howell Mountain Buckeye Cab and the second is the Napa Valley D’Adamo both 100% Cabernet.

This is a neat little location with a small area for tasting, if your lucky like we were the first time up you might sneak a barrel taste.

Expect to pay for these beauties $75 to $85 maybe less at a retailer, a little.

Reviews will come after they sit in the cellar for a few days,  I can not wait!

http://www.pinanapavalley.com/index.htm

OK, the WCW and his wife love this place! The staff is just awesome. The array of wine that Cosentino makes is amazing. And if you are in the club you will love it. Sometimes “Whacky” But you are not going to get the same old two cabs or a cab and a white. They are going to mix it up on you, give you something to look forward to!

Now going to the winery is a great place to start a Napa trip They are on the 29 just north of Yountville. Start there, and work your way north. Right next door is Mustards which will make for an awesome lunch.

Have fun here

http://www.cosentinowinery.com/cosentino/index.jsp

We went with about 30 people on a limo bus this weekend and had a great time, good people. Try their famous Almond champagne and the Chocolate Port.

They have a large tasting area in front and in the back with the barrels. Sure its Temecula, Ca. But its a lot of fun and they do produce a variety of really good wine.