Fun place with different varieties of wine. They even make their own red wine on site and thanks to Jessica we got a little tour of their facility. Totally recommend it for casual meeting with friends, family or for a date :-) read more

Gianni Buonomo Vintners - Red wine barrels at the wine tasting room. - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Diego, California

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You know when you have a good wine and you know just how good the rest of the glass in going to be based on that very first initial sip?... yes, yes do. Gianni's Charbono satisfied my every craving for a delicious glass of red wine- the moment I smelled it I was intrigued. The moment I tasted it I was in heaven!! The black cherry, the oaky taste it was delicious. My husband and I grabbed our glasses of wine and sat down as we admired the various printed marketing materials on the tables. Im a sucker for good paper and stationery :) Thanks to my good friend who gave me a bottle of Gianni Buonomo wine for my birthday! I'm really happy I made my way down to OB. The staff is personable and very sweet. We will def be back! read more

This little urban winery is one of the best wineries that I have been to since moving to San Diego! Their layout on Newport Ave in Ocean Beach is perfect. Lots of foot traffic and cars full of beach lovers constantly going by! Parking is hard to find, but we luckily parked right across the street at 3pm. The tasting room has several tables, a long bar so you can stand at either side, and another bar which kept glasses readily available for Alan, who was serving us. Oh, Alan is a Great guy!!! Several regulars stopped in while we were there (Great sign) to buy a favorite, or just chatting it up with folks as they sipped wine. I had been excited to taste the wines here especially being very familiar with the areas in Northern CA where they source their fruit. I am very particular about wine, and the small production they do here allows for some quality tastings. Not all the wines I tasted were my favorites, but they gave me enough pleasure to know their Reserves will be exceptionable, so I spent a boatload on their Reserves that were not open for tasting. I even joined their wine club!!! If you are ever in the area, or just visiting San Diego, I Highly recommend going to Gianni Buonomo. By the way, if you would like to bring your own snacks or charcuterie with you it's well accepted. If you do go, and Alan is there please tell him I sent you! Cheers to All read more

I have lived in Ocean Beach for about two years now and I have always wanted to go to this wine bar (Most of my friends are beer people). My mom is the one who got me into wine, so I thought when she came to visit would be the perfect time to try this place. We went to dinner at Holding Company and I was so excited to get to do a wine tasting with her after we were done. We walked down there and upon entering there were barrels throughout the whole space, with bins and there was just one table with 4 chairs (full of people), and standing room only at this little bar top (with 2 people already there). The tables and chairs were all put away and we were not acknowledged upon entry. There was a strange woman standing at the counter complaining about the girl who was pouring the wine TO the girl pouring the wine, kindof poking fun at her for not knowing what the wine club member discount was off the top of her head. The lady was extremely rude to the employee, so I figured we should just hang back and wait for her to handle that lady first before we got to try anything. There was some time that had passed before the employee had spoke to us, and we were asking about some bar chairs or seats (my mom couldn't keep standing and had to sit down). The employee made no attempt to help us get a table or chairs or really even offer a seat, which remember, were all put away and stacked out of reach. This made us think they were closing soon (it was about 8 PM), and she said no we are open until 10 pm. We were there for about 15 minutes before she was ready to get us wine or talk to us about the menu, and at this point I was pretty over it and really wanted to get out of there. It was a very weird vibe and poor customer service and experience. My mom wanted to stay but I opted to just go home and open our own wine instead. I was very disappointed with this experience, as I was really excited to try this place. Maybe it would have been better with more tables and seats? I know it's not their fault for having barrels and needing to store wine there at the location, but at least could they set up tables outside on the sidewalk? Or at least improvise for someone who can't stand for an entire tasting? It was a poor experience overall. read more

This wine is so good!! I'm super particular about my reds and these are delish. Juicy and spicy, just how I like it! Tasting room as a nice ambiance. So excited to have discovered a new wine tasting spot like this! read more

Wines are great! Some of my favorites - especially the Barbera and Maestrale. But one star for the service. The people who work there are somewhat rude, don't acknowledge you and are incredibly unfriendly. Oh and when I had questions and went to the guy at the counter, it seemed like I was just a huge bother. Didn't even greet me. Awful awful treatment - unless they recognize the people as members, etc. i definitely saw the difference. Too bad since my husband and I have come in several times and even referred our friends to them. Stuck up establishment. read more

My husband and I love having a glass of wine here! It's a chill relaxing spot to sip on some great wine! I've tried most of their wines since my husband and I have been wine members here for almost two years now! I highly recommend becoming a wine member. You get a discount on wine and they are always doing fun events for just wine members! It is also a great way to meet people! We have so many new friends just from coming here to either pick up our wine, have a glass of wine, or from the get togethers! I also love having a winery close by to support instead of drinking some cheap store bought wine. It is also pet friendly and pretty much everyone has met our dog Blossom and she LOVES coming here as well! read more

Wanted my 1,000th Yelp review to be of someplace special, and that special place is Gianni Buonomo -- one of San Diego's newest and best urban wineries. The grapes all come from renowned vineyards in Yakima Valley, Washington, but are made here in San Diego by Point Loma winemaker Keith Rolle. He earned his degree in Enology and Viticulture in Walla Walla WA, and apprenticed at the distinguished Long Shadows Vintners in WA, but fortunately for us, has returned to San Diego. The wines are really outstanding - the 2012 wines which are currently being released were aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, and then bottle-aged another 8 months, and are wonderful. The Sangiovese, Avennio (a blend of Mouvedre and Syrah), and Maestrale (a blend of Petit Verdoh and Cab Sauv) are all amazing, but my favorite is the Blaufrankisch. A little tricky to pronounce, but it's just blau (like cow); Frank + quiche. And worth the effort. It is great on its own or wonderful w/ food, especially Italian. The winery's store-front will be open soon in Point Loma, but meanwhile, you can join the Fedora Wine Club for free by completing a membership application and buying a case of their 2012 wine - you get a 20% discount on this purchase and on all subsequent full case purchases, plus 10% discount on single bottle purchases. You also get advance notice of new releases, winemaker dinners, events, and invitations to take part in the wine-making process. We have had the chance on several occasions (crush, blending, bottling, blending trials - tasting various versions of the blends) and it is fascinating. Such an exciting addition to the Point Loma wine, craft beer, and culinary scene. Check it out! read more

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What a great find - a San Diego treasure! I was searching for an uncommon wine (Charbono) my wife and I tried 25 years ago in Napa, and Gianni Buonomo had that varietal on their website. We went to try it out. While we were tasting the Charbono (and others), Al (the general manager) got a message that the Charbono had just won double gold and best in class at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition! Their whole wine list is filled with awards. Anyway, Al was great, we met the winemaker (Keith), and we tried a number of interesting wines. A few weeks later we decided to go back and join the wine club (which makes it the only one we belong to). Since then I've been telling all my friends about it (good wine should be shared). read more

This is our favorite spot in OB- hands down. Keith and Al are amazing, the wines are all excellent, and the food vendors who they host on Friday nights are all incredible. We were staying in OB for a month and we became wine club members our first week and popped in several times every week , excited to have glasses of our favorites. We didn't plan well at the end of our stay so instead of being able to pick up a half case for the road/to take home we had to go without (they're closed Mondays and Tuesdays and we left on a Monday). Looking forward to our next case this fall and can't wait to come back next year to enjoy paella, pizza, and more on our Friday nights in OB. read more

Great Red Selection. Knowledgeable Staff. This is hands down the best wine tasting option in Urban San Diego! read more

Stopped in here for a tasting and was not disappointed. They source their grapes primarily from Washington and the Sierra foothills and make the wine in their OB cellar. Cool climate WA grapes keep the wines dry but they still pack some fruit. I give the wine maker a lot of credit for sourcing wines from WA and creating a unique approachable dry style. Most varietals are Italian but they added an Austrian grape, as well as a Rhone blend, which I happened to like best. I would return and recommend wine lovers looking for something different give them a try. Their wine club is called the Fedora Club. I am not promoting it, just commenting that the experience is similar to Mondo Cellars in Paso Robles. They also encourage Fedora wearing when you enter their tasting room in Paso. Kinda fun. read more

Rude. Walked in today and guy said with attitude, can I help you? I said in shock, wine tasting? He said no we can't do that. The guy was super rude. We just walked right out. Sorry for trying to give you business dude! We won't be returning. read more

Went for a tasting and they were all really good. I left with a bottle of Charbono that I consider to be a steal for the price. Had never had it before and it was really solid. The atmosphere is casual and fun and the staff as well as other customers were friendly and talkative. Will go again for sure. read more

I have to give them one big FAT star 100% based on the ethics of hitting me for a $15.00 tasting fee, when I bought four bottles, almost $200 of wine after the tasting. This doesn't even happen at Opus or Caymus! WTH. read more

What a great little tasting room! We had a private event and hired a taco guy which worked out perfectly! Wine and food for everyone. The staff is very knowledgeable and passionate about their winery. I loved the Sauvignon Blanc and the Sangiovese. I tried a few others and everything was tasty! If you purchase six or more bottles you get 10% off your total! I can't wait to go back and bring some friends or have another private party this is the perfect place for that! read more

Awesome little winery that is much appreciated here in OB. My husband and I became members earlier in the year, and we definitely take advantage of happy hour during the week. We loved it so much that we decided to have our rehearsal dinner here in August on a Friday night. Keith and Neely did an amazing job answering all of our questions, decorating our event, and really helping us develop a night that would be both intimate and special for both us and our guests. We planned our rehearsal dinner about six months in advance with Neely who had us come in, while the winery was closed off to guests, which helped make the planning private and more attentive. She helped us with finding a caterer who would help accommodate our needs and would be local. We were allowed to bring in our own appetizers, desserts, and music. In addition, since it was dog friendly our ring bearer was allowed to attend the festivities as well. She really helped to ease the anxiety around the planning process for the night. Although closer to the event we had a few delays in communication, she apologized and her and Keith really stepped in to make sure we were taken care of the last two weeks prior to the event. Our guests shared with us how lovely the winery was and how tasty the wine was. They appreciated the knowledge and kindness of the staff and how attentive they were. The fact that it was reserved just for our event made it even more special for our guests. It was truly a wonderful night and they did an amazing job! read more

Joined the wine club although the fine print was not clearly disclosed at the time. Their Maestrale is a perfect 90 points but had to pour down the drain a Barbera, and the Viognier is only viognier by name, not a mere ressemblance to a Condrieu or some Central Coast ones, a sugar bomb with little fruit. When requesting to cancel my second allocation ( you sign up for 3 ) I was promptly charged a $50 cancellation fee. So, be careful what you commit yourself to. At an average of $40 per bottle there are plenty of other choices in Point Loma. read more

Symphony is a great blend white. All the wines have deoth. Jenn did our tasting & was awesome at finding a wine that I would really like. Cool atmosphere. $20+/bottle. $7 glass. $12 for 3 tastings or $15 for 6. Try the sangria! read more

A fantastic addition to Ocean beach! Gianni Buonomo adds much needed diversity to the "bar scene" on Newport. Great wines, great ambiance and a very reasonably priced no obligation wine club, what's not to love?? read more

Gianni Buonomo Vintners - very creative use of upcycled wine barrels! - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Diego, California

I'm a self professed wine snob. I like what I like. Very particular about my wine and what I consider good wine. Blown away by some of the wines here. Joined the club my first visit. Keith is a cool host and obviously an amazing wine maker. The Sangiovese was king. The Meastrel, a Petite Verdot/ Cabernet blend was a close second and the Blaufrankisch was right there too. Go check this place out. You will leave happy. read more

Great wines and a great addition to OB. Relaxed atmosphere verus most other tasting rooms. Everybody is friendly and knowledgable. Am very happy we have this spot in our neighboorhood. Solid 5 stars read more

We just finished wine tasting at Gianni Buonomo Vintners and couldn't recommend it enough! We came with a total of 18 people for a Bachelorette and they immediately made us feel so welcome! The wine was delicious, and at the very end of the tasting we were so lucky to have them surprise us with a beaker of wine for a barrel tasting. We can't thank them enough for the fun time. Highly recommend anyone to go here - they will make sure you're taken care of and have a smile when you leave. read more

Best wine in San Diego if you ask me. Keith is making gold with carefully selected grapes from spots in NorCal and WA. Really careful blending with some lesser known varietals means you are in for a treat if you stop in - AND YOU SHOULD! I go at least once a week, and am always bringing bottles to events and wowing people. read more

I ran across the Gianni Buonomo Winery on Newport Ave. when I was at the OB Christmas Parade this past Saturday. My friends and I went inside and had an impromptu wine tasting once the parade was over. The winery is gorgeous and super inviting. It's so brand new that the grand opening isn't happening until February. All wines will be made and stored on the premises! So it's a real urban winery and not a wine bar. Owner and wine maker Keith was super personable and his wines are AMAZING!!! I'm not even much of a red wine drinker, but every one I tasted was better than the one before. My favorite was the San Giovese. Just perfect and not too heavy. I bought two bottles to take to a holiday party this week. Don't miss this place! It's a part of the new look and feel of downtown OB and it will be trending very soon!!!! read more

I love this place! The owner is so knowledgeable and friendly! Truly a gem in OB! The shop itself is inviting and open! I love seeing all the barrels while I tasted wine. It made me feel at home. read more

We had a great time at our tasting on a Friday afternoon. Owner Keith, employee John, and friend of the shop Clay were welcoming and chatty. The wines were all excellent, and my favorite, like others', is the Blaufrankisch; we took a bottle of it home to Chicago for my mother-in-law. Make a pit stop here when you're strolling the avenue! read more

Gianni Buonomo Vintners - So much wine. - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Diego, California

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The wine is good. So good we joined on the spot, however after this our sever Chris accused us via email of taking the owners sunglasses. Super insulting, paid the fee to cancel shortly after. read more

I came here for a private tasting for my birthday. Such an amazing place. The ambiance was cozy and so laid back. The collection of beautiful fedoras on the wall gave it a little historic charm. Then the wines. I prefer whites, every white I tasted was delicious. Even the reds were enjoyable. My friends and I had such a great time. Can't wait for the next wine club shipment! read more

Location was great and the service was wonderful. This was our first wine bar that we went to after getting our Wine Passports and it was a great first choice. The Sangiovese and Charbono hit the spot. Also love all of the fedora's lining the walls. read more

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Super cute winery ! They had a special paella day when we went in. Paella lifestyles. So good! They have a great selection of yummy wines . But the paella was awesome. There was a giant pan and it sold out . read more

Gianni Buonomo Vintners - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Diego, California

A winery in in OB on Newport Ave.? Really? Yes. REALLY! To be honest, the event we attended there was less about tasting wine and more about celebrating the end of an amazing 33 year Navy career and the beginning of anew life as a civilian of a really outstanding patriot with friends and family. This winery made a great event a fabulous event. Keith Rolle, owner, operator and Chief Grape Scientist, and Event Manager Jenn Olson could not have been more gracious hosts. They bent over backwards (Jenn literally while retrieving bottles from hard to reach places in their large on site inventory) to ensure this event was to be truly memorable and they succeeded grandly! About the wines. Wine for me is like art. I don't know wine but I know what I like. I like EVERYTHING I tasted that evening and that is high praise from me because I'm pretty particular. Like I said, everything I tasted was really good to really great with three real standouts that I would grade as both wonderful and amazing! The 2013 Maestrale was perfect in every way. From the first sip on my lips to the last drop at the back of my tongue. You can look at their website to get a better description but I'm asking you not to miss the pleasure of tasting this wine. The other standout for me was a wine that Keith was kind enough to give us a sneak preview of. The 2014 Avvenio which will be released later next year. You should look forward to this wine. It's everything a red should be and nothing it shouldn't. Lastly was the Gianni California 2013 Zinfandel. Zinfandels have always been my favorites but they can be a mine field. Most are really bad. But the good ones are the best tasting wines in the world to me. Prior to this night I had three favorite Zins I was happy with and had no desire to try another because as previously stated so many of the others I've tasted have been awful. But since I had been really pleased by everything I had tasted that night I decided to give theirs a shot and I now have four favorite Zins. Thank you so much Gianni Buonomo for a fabulous evening! read more

Great place! Great atmosphere!!! They really catered and went above and beyond in the home style service!