PassPort to San Diego
LOCAL LIVING RESOURCE for Residents, Visitors & Newcomers
Spring into our March newsletter, filled with annual events such as Cherry Blossom Season at the Japanese Friendship Garden, Busker Fest at Seaport Village, and St. Patrick’s Day fun. Also enjoy destination shopping, dining and wine-tasting, plus beauty, health and fitness options! https://buff.ly/3sRkCiC
Treat yourself to one of Oceanside’s top attractions. Tour Sea Hive Marketplace, bringing childhood memories back to life. Showcasing 13,000 square feet of everything from vintage Levi’s to vinyl records, to Mid-century Modern furnishings and exquisite estate jewelry, this home designer destination is truly a sight to behold. Shop over 100 dealer spaces under one roof. Sea Hive Marketplace
OPEN EVERY DAY
10:30-5 Friday-Sunday
11-5 Monday-Thursday
Written by: Barbara Pape
Although the air was crisp, the sun was shining and sky filled with fluffy white clouds contrasting the bright blue as we boarded the Hornblower. This beautiful ship has three levels, a snack bar, rooftop deck and windows all around for great views from every seat. There were over 200 hopeful whale watchers on board, but it never felt at all crowded as entire families, bachelorette parties, locals and tourists from around the world were all gathered sharing one mission – to spot whales.
The Eastern Pacific Gray Whale, in fact, was the species we were pursuing as we set out to sea paralleling the massive naval bases in the bay, gazing out at the Coronado Bridge and turning south to get close enough to even see the bull fighting ring near the beach in Tijuana, Mexico.
During the annual migration south along the California coast to Baja, Mexico for calving season, it’s prime time for witnessing these beautiful creatures up close and in action. Our tour followed at least three to four different whales throughout the day and even experienced frisky behavior as Captain Mike speculated some mating activity was taking place as we approached two whales together. The crowd blushed in unison as you might expect, but truly appreciated the rarity of experiencing nature and what nature does, audience or not.
As we made our way back to the harbor docks, already in awe of what we had just experienced, we were pleasantly surprised with a playful dolphin show. At least a dozen or more decided to escort us back to shore by jumping and frolicking right alongside the ship, as the children (of all ages) on board were giggling with excitement.
Volunteers from the San Diego Museum of Natural History were on board to answer everyone’s questions about these whales and their amazing migration journey, along with a courteous staff and Captain of the Hornblower. They were beyond entertaining, educational and wonderful hosts in every way. A perfect day on the bay was had by all in San Diego.
Hornblower Cruises and Events, 970 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Call 1-888-966-9251
or purchase tickets at the ticket booth located at 970 N. Harbor Drive before boarding.
Located behind the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, this hidden gem is home to hundreds of vintage instruments and specialty exhibits held throughout the year. Live concerts at the museum feature famous international and national musicians as well as local talent. Visitors can also pick up and play instruments like keyboards, drums and guitars in a vibrant hands-on area. A walk through the museum’s chronologically organized, 100-year history of music takes center stage. Gallery tours can be self-guided or for groups, led by docents. Either way, visitors will leave singing a happy tune! museumofmakingmusic.org
Make your ice cream dreams come true at the coolest shop in Ocean Beach! Located a half-block from the ocean, Lighthouse Ice Cream not only features 39 flavors of the sweet treat (both traditional hard scoop and soft serve), but also offers yummy shakes, malts, sundaes and flurries. In addition to plain, sugar and waffle cones, Lighthouse offers specialty cookie cones and crispy pretzel cones. Not to be missed is the store’s showstopper, the Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich, especially with bacon! With so many options, guests might be frozen by indecision, but Lighthouse is sure to please the palate. Open at 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Call (619) 222-8600 or visit the shop online
Looking to please your palate beyond a basic wine-flight offering? A seated wine-tasting in the elegant Cellar Room at Wiens Family Cellars is the perfect next-level experience. I enjoyed such a delight recently at the Temecula winery, known for its “Big Reds and Crisp Whites.” Wiens is a family-owned operation celebrating 20 years of wine production and education at its gorgeous property — which is surrounded by lush vineyards and citrus groves with stunning views of the mountains.
The Cellar Room, an oak-barrel lined space where enthusiasts share reserve wines in a working production cellar environment, was immediately impressive. Roomy and airy, the space still evoked an intimacy, with its dark woods and tables for up to eight, as well as a handsome mahogany bar off to the side. In a nice touch, the classic sounds of Sinatra overhead added to the atmosphere.
A quick primer on “reserve” wines: The term “reserve” is one that the winemaker has deemed to be of exceptionally high quality and/or has been aged for a lengthy period of time. With that:
The afternoon consisted of delicious reserve selections ranging from a light-bodied chardonnay to a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon. Gourmet cheeses were paired with most wines to accentuate the wine flavors, along with gourmet charcuterie, olives and crackers.
The reserve Chardonnay — well-rounded with tangerine, honeysuckle and vanilla cream notes — was poured first. My wine-tasting companion, Carolyn, and I, loved the fresh taste as well as being able to converse with our knowledgeable server about each flight. Next up came a reserve Primitivo (a variant of Zinfandel) – with characteristics of blackberry cobbler, gingerbread and a long finish, paired with Swiss cheese. We were definitely enjoying this savory adventure!
The Primitivo was followed by a reserve Malbec, richer than the first two with notes of red plum, vanilla shortbread and a velvety finish. The Havarti cheese served alongside amplified the robust tannins of our Malbec.
With the first three fantastic flights complete, Wiens somehow topped itself with the final two. The winery’s 2019 Chateau Grand Rouge, a proprietary Bordeaux-style blend with Emperor’s Plum, toasted coconut, and an elegant full finish, quickly became our favorite. Our server explained that this vintage’s composition of 48 percent Cabernet Franc and 52 percent Cabernet Sauvignon would make for a harmonious blend. We agreed! The Chateau Grand Rouge was paired with a Manchego, a Spanish cheese known for its delicately balanced buttery, tart, sweet, and nutty flavors.
The final fight, a reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, had the deep, full-bodied taste we had hoped for — a blend of black currant, Bavarian cream and mocha notes. Toma cheese from Northern Italy accompanied our Cab, the perfect end to a splendid experience.
Fun Fact No. 1: Regarding the Chateau Grande Rouge: Wiens sells it in a Jeroboam size, the equivalent of four standard bottles of wine. We had no idea there were wine bottle sizes beyond the standard 750ml bottle, but the Jeroboam of Chateau Grande Rouge could be purchased for $520.
Fun Fact No. 2: At our request, we also got to try the winery’s signature Amour De L’Orange, a savory sparkler with a citrus twist. Delicious, light and refreshing, we understood why this is another of Wiens’ showstoppers.
Fun Fact No. 3: We enjoyed a surprise tasting of a Futures varietal straight from the barrel to our wine glasses. The advantage of tasting wine as a future is to buy before it’s bottled, released and sells out.
If you go: Seated Tastings are available to non-member guests at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday – Sunday for $40 per person. The fee is included for Winemaker’s Select Club Members and up to three guests 6 times per year. Reservations are required.
Wiens Family Cellars is open daily 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is seven miles east of Interstate 15 on Rancho California Road. Turn at 35055 Via Del Ponte in Temecula. Call (951) 694-9892, email info@wienscellars.com or visit wienscellars.com.
Enjoy a Two-For-One Wine Tasting Here