Today Mike and I went to a business appointment in San Diego. On the way back I suggested taking the Old Town exit and meander around the touristy area for something to do. Actually, we wanted to go see William and Tammy’s new tasting room at Hacienda de las Rosas that they opened in April 2008.  We called first just to make sure they were open.  William answered and said, “sure we’re open, come on over!”  So over we went. 

What a beautiful setting, located in the Plaza del Pasado in the heart of historic Old Town. Music was playing, the sun was out, people where about, bright flowers blooming. You couldn’t have picked a better day. Although I understand it’s like this often. The ambiance is inspired by 19th century San Diego life with costumes and products from that time period.  William was decked out in a costume fitting right in the theme of things.

His lovely wife Tammy met him on her lunch break to help greet and serve the customers.  I can tell you this, the tasting room had a constant flow of people and William and Tammy treated every guest equally with gracious attention. Their enthusiastic passion for the business and its guests was infectious. They were both eager to show us their huge custom hand-carved pine bar, absolutely beautiful. 

Off to the right of the tasting bar was a seating area of tables made of wine barrels with skins of snakes (?) on top of the wine barrels covered by a piece of heavy round glass.  Very interesting, a conversation piece to say the least!  This was a nice bright area with lots of windows to sip on your glass of wine and do a little people watching. 

Off to the left was another quaint room – their artist gallery and wine accessory gift area.  William was quick to show me the archway leading from the tasting room to the art gallery, “Look up, my daughter painted the mural of grapes and vines you see on all sides of the archway.”  It was nicely done and very feminine, definitely artwork of a female.

The wine was presented in such a way that you receive a tasting flyer, which gets a red stamp each time you’ve tasted each of your five choices of wine. Our favorites were the 06 Rosa Blanca (yes, a pink wine) and the Princessa champagne. When ordering the Romance (sauvignon blanc) Tammy says her husband makes her ask for this wine “with attitude” as she proceeded to pronounce R-O-M-A-N-C-E with a sexy rolling RRRRR. We purchased a bottle of wine, complete with two complimentary Hacienda de las Rosas wine souevenier glasses, our tasting flyer with a history of the california missions on the back all put into a nice gift bag.

Another item of interest is that they welcome other local San Diego County wineries once a month to showcase their own wines.  They call it “Guest Wine of the Month”.  What a fabulous way to expose and support other local wineries! This month’s guest winery was Woof N Rose Winery of Ramona.

We had a very pleasurable experience with William and Tammy and are very happy for them and their new venture. We’ll be back with friends and family in tow!

Hacienda de las Rosas is located at the Plaza del Pasado, Juan Street Entrance in Old Town, San Diego CA. They are open Mon-Thurs 11:30am – 7pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am – 9pm and Sun 10am-7pm. For more information about Hacienda de las Rosas visit www.haciendadelasrosas.org.