Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum

Enjoy a taste of Americana at this inviting venue, blending fine wine with classic automobiles. The vineyard produces award-winning local estate wines and features the world’s largest collection of American convertibles (spread across three separate buildings), plus Coca-Cola memorabilia, vintage household appliances, and other blasts from the past.

Located off Highway 395 and Interstate 15 north of Escondido, the winery sits in a quiet, pastoral setting amid orchards and shaded picnic grounds. Motorists simply turn into the property off Champagne Boulevard, named for the “champagne music” played by the late TV bandleader Lawrence Welk, whose landmark resort (now renamed “The Welk”) is next door.

Visitors may begin their tour either at the wine bar or at the entrance to a dazzling display of approximately 100 classic and famous convertibles. All are showstoppers ranging from carriages of the 1800s to the muscle cars of the 1970s — each iconic model evoking reverence and nostalgia. Strolling about, enthusiasts and aficionados will love models such as:

• The Crofton Brawny “Bug,” — San Diego’s only production car (1959-1961), built as a small, all-terrain vehicle.
• A 1935 Packard — a cream-colored work of art and one of the most elegant motorcars of the Classic era.
• A 1950 Studebaker Champion Regal Deluxe with the signature aerodynamic bullet nose
• A 1950 Nash Rambler, Custom Landau Convertible – also famous as the “Lois Lane” car
• 1951 Frazer Manhattan – one of the rarest cars in the collection – window frames did not do down even though the top did
• A 1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe Convertible – in gorgeous green with front fenders and routed deck giving the car a very smooth look
• A 1953 Pontiac – a splashy car with an illuminated hood ornament/emblem
• A 1955 Mercury – a cruiser-ready eye-catcher with a seafoam green exterior, whitewall tires, a long chassis and big chrome bumpers
• A 1959 Cadillac Biarritz – highly stylized with with the rocket-ship tail fins, brilliant bullet tail-lights and air bag suspension

Automobiles on permanent display include American, Amphicar, Buick, Benz, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, 57 Chevy, Chrysler, Corvair, Crofton, Crosley, Desoto, Dodge, Edsel, Eldorado, Ferrari, Ford, Franklin, Frazer, Harley, Hudson, Imperial,  Indian, International, Jeep, Kaiser, Lincoln, Mercury, Messershmitz, Metropolitan, MG, Muntz, Mustang, Nash, Oldsmobile, Mercedes, Packard, Pierce Arrow, Pontiac, Plymouth, Porsche, Studebaker, Rambler, Twincoach Helms, VW, and Willies. NOTE: Some cars may be sent out for work or for parades and charities, so visitors are advised to call first.

Also unexpected and appreciated are antique radios, typewriters, cameras, projectors, antique bicycles, vintage pedal cars, antique signs, a collection of early Barbie Dolls, and arguably the best Neon sign collection most car buffs have ever seen.

Back at the tasting room, visitors can sample an impressive selection of reds and whites — all with antique autos adorning the label. Wines grown on the property include Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Chardonnay, California Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot Port (judged the best in San Diego), Peach Mead, Rose, and select blends. Deer Park Escondido Wines have won bronze, silver, gold, and best in class awards.

For an entertaining afternoon on Memory Lane, explore Deer Park’s vintage vehicles, filled with sleek, elegant and innovative designs and toast to a wonderful time.

Check out Deer Park’s gift shop and deli, stocked with goodies like charcuterie and cheeses perfect for pairing with Deer Park wines. The venue is at 29013 Champagne Blvd. Open at 10 a.m. Thursdays-Sundays. Call (760) 749-1666 or visit deerparkwine.com.

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• 50% Off Museum Admission

  

  

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