Archive: Jul 2013

Sometimes, we hear complaints that southern California doesn't have seasons. Nothing could be further from the truth. We have four seasons here just like nearly anywhere else; all it takes to fully enjoy them is developing an appreciation for the subtle. Which is, of course, a great way to learn to fully enjoy wine, as well.  That's our way of telling you that fall is on its way! In San Diego, you don't see many trees changing color, and frost doesn't begin to pinch at your nose until at least December, but you can tell when autumn gets here. The air is clearer, but with a tinge of smoke from chimneys and faraway forest fires, the sky is a perfect shade of chilly blue, and the grape stomps begin.  Did you know that there are more than 60 wineries in…

Grab your big hats and your pin money, because it's horse racing season again! We can hardly believe it, but it's that time of year already — the track is open for business today! The Del Mar Horse Races are among San Diego's best known events; the racetrack is a place where people go to see and be seen, to place wagers, to showcase their summer pinstripes and their elaborate hats, and most of all to enjoy themselves! It's a decades-old tradition, and it gets better every year, featuring live music, special events, and fine dining with great beer and wine at the Turf Club. We love horses, big hats, cool outfits, and above all, great food, wine, and beer, so the Del Mar Races are, obviously, right up our alley. We think they'll be your thing, too. Join us…

Happy Pride from San Diego Beer and Wine Tours! Today and tomorrow, San Diego is holding its annual celebration of diversity: Pride Weekend. Much like our craft beer scene and Comic-Con, it started out a small gathering and turned into something much, much bigger.  Every year, the Pride Parade, festival, and afterparties transform the always-lively San Diego neighborhood of Hillcrest into a gigantic, colorful (and sometimes glittery), and inclusive party. We at San Diego Beer and Wine Tours love and respect the differences that keep life interesting. After all, who wants a world just full of Merlots when there are varietals like Albariños, Montepulcianos, and the ever-delightful and spicy Gewürztraminers to try, as well?  And who wants to drink the same bland big brand beers every day when you can try a whole rainbow of craft stouts, pilsners, or  IPAs?…

Well, maybe not Wolverine. As difficult as it might be to believe, it wasn’t so many years ago that Comic-Con was just a tiny gathering of like-minded people. Now, much like San Diego’s craft beer scene, it has transformed itself from a handful of geeks who do their best work alone in a basement into an economic and cultural leviathan. We in San Diego are proud to lead the way in both beer and comics, two of the things that make life worth living! Luckily for all of us, you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can have both – and sometimes two separate things combine to make a new and wonderful experience. For example, Gigantic Brewing Company out of Portland, Oregon proudly displays labels designed by comic book artists, as does Elysian Brewing’s 12 Beers of…