Driving into Granite Lion Cellars is quite an experience. The driveway is lined up with rows of pines on each side of the road and the drive into the winery briefly took me back to theTuscan hills in Italy. Once you arrive to the newly paved parking lot, you are surrounded by greenery...Vines on one side, grass on the other and you are greeted with the sound of a waterfall and flowing stream of water. Upon entering the unique circular building, the atmosphere and staff are welcoming. We had a Groupon for a wine tasting and at the counter, our server explained what that included: a flight per person plus $10 dollars off a bottle of wine. She patiently explained the different wine flights and was able to suggest one based on our taste preference. Her suggestion did not disappoint. We took our wines outside, past the lovely green grass, onto the area of the man made waterfall. The entire space was so peaceful, and the wine elevated the experience. Our server came out to check on us several times and offered us cheese or olives from their snack menu. We had the cheese sample, which was from Trader Joe's. It was nothing fancy, but fitting for the experience. I will definitely be returning. read more

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We had previously taken some family pictures here with their beautiful landscaping (small waterfall, bridge over a stream, etc) so we decided to come back and do some actual wine tasting. We took a Lyft here but it is pretty remote (near Jamul Casino, but a few miles further) and hard to get a driver out, so I don't recommend it. Having a designated driver makes the most sense. If you have to rideshare, Uber is faster than Lyft in Jamul. I thought the red wines were nice and easy to drink but I'm not a wine connoisseur. The friends we were with thought the wine overall was good but not great. The 2024 Rose of Cabernet was my favorite, despite being one of the cheaper ones. Food options were very limited. Just cheese, hummus, meats and crackers, so don't arrive here hungry. Our server was very nice and friendly. There was an older gentleman walking around who was equally friendly and helpful. But there was an older lady behind the bar area who was very upset when we moved chairs inside by one window. I still think it makes sense, but don't do it. Apparently it obstructs the huge bar area walkway. There were kids running around while we were there. But this place is not kid-friendly, so leave them at home. Overall, the wine is fine and the setting is pretty. I recommend checking it out, but I probably will not become a regular. For those who live nearby, this place is great. read more

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This place is lovely! I loved the earth toned lobby glistening with black marble counters and gold tinted hanging globe pendant chandeliers. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was very laid back. All the wine we tasted was good, but I particularly loved the first and last wine of the sweet flight. We were here right before sunset and it was gorgeous! read more

Granite Lion Cellars - 1st tasting from sweet flight - Wineries Near Me - Jamul, California

A laid back wine tasting place in the foothills outside San Diego! We were staying at the Sycuan Casino and noted this WT place was within 30 min drive, so decided to give it a try! It wasn't that hard to find and we arrived there about 30 min after the opening time. I guess since it was a Monday morning, my wife and I were there with about 3 other customers. Not crowded and people come and go. Seating is under a covered tent area and they have some food for sale, in this case crackers, bread, cheese, salami, olive from Trader Joe's. You can also BYOF too. They offered different flights of wine for $20 - have to say each sample was pretty generous! After we were done, the nice server asked if we were interested in other tastings, so she checked in the back and came out with another red sample (which I ended up buying a bottle to take home)! So no pressure sales, an outdoor laid back atmosphere with music playing, you can see the workers in the vineyard doing their thing, and a nice drive in the countryside. Overall, a nice, relaxed experience! read more

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It's a pretty neat place to visit. I only wish they had heaters because when I went it was cold outside. Nonetheless, the vibes were there and the employees were extremely hospitable. Now getting to the actual wine. I really enjoyed how they had Flights already premade. I occasionally drink wine, but it was nice not having to choose. I would visit this place again once it starts to heat up and it's not so cold outside. read more

Granite Lion Cellars - Wineries Near Me - Jamul, California

Service is always my top priorities in any place that I go to. And Granite Lion Cellars staff are the best. They are always eager to serve their guest. Though I missed the water stream/river as the renovation is still going, but the place is looking better and better. Check their website for fun activities and wine tasting. I always look forward to their weekend schedule specially when they have local food vendors. And yes, they have the best wine selection. I always bring a friend for wine tasting. And if you signed up to their wine club you get to enjoy one wine tasting for your self and a friend for free every time you visit. read more

Very friendly and informative on what to try. When we went it was just us and one couple. Good view of the vineyards. read more

Granite Lion Cellars - View from the tasting tent - Wineries Near Me - Jamul, California

The location is great, the wine was good and the overall atmosphere was quite relaxing. The only thing I didn't like was the fact that our gps took us out to a private road, which we did not know considering we were going someplace else. So we were about to turn around and the older white lady with the blonde hair seemed a bit annoyed that we drove that way, as she still let us out....again, that was our first time out there and that's what the gps told us to go. Then again, she wasn't friendly at the winery either, so I'm not surprised. Over all, the Hispanic lady and the flamboyant guy made our time there pleasant. read more

Granite Lion Cellars - Wineries Near Me - Jamul, California

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There is someone There truly is something for everyone here. Whether your palate leans dry or sweet, and whether you're a red or white wine fan, you really can't go wrong with any of their offerings. They've recently introduced a sparkling wine, and I highly recommend getting a glass. The staff is incredibly friendly, special mention to Raquel, who has always been so warm and hospitable whenever we visit. The grounds are beautiful, and the new tasting room is stunning while still feeling cozy and inviting. read more

Beautiful property and good wine! Staff were friendly and attentive. The tasting room is immaculately gorgeous and has indoor and outdoor bar seating as well as indoor and outdoor tables. There is a creek with a small waterfall running by with seating in that area available. Very serene. Food truck on weekends. Highly recommend! read more

Granite Lion Cellars - Wineries Near Me - Jamul, California

I came here today for a Valentine's Day event and the service was horrible. My husband was given a hard time about ordering flights to take out to the event, and the lady was rude about it as well. We tried to close out our tab, waited 10 minutes of being ignored. One lady was putting glasses away, the other walked by us and didn't look our way, which was the rude one from the beginning. I did not feel welcome there. I will not be back, and I'm sure they are fine with that as well. Despite the horrible service, the winery is nice. It's not worth the drive brown people, there are many other wineries that will welcome us with great service. read more

Food - you can bring your own food. Food trucks are avail but they do run out of food to sell ( good bbq meat ) . Lots of wine to choose from. Good price points Service - staff are very helpful and friendly. Ambiance - it is true that children are allowed in the premises. Of that bothers you, then this may not be the place for you. That part did not bother our group ( more than 10 people on our group). Love the place , we celebrated our friend's bday. Bathroom was also clean ( thought I throw that in) Watching the sun sets for me is always very calming. read more

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If you live in San Diego, Jamul might as well be as far away as Palm Springs. So, of course it was a surprise to me to actually realize that Jamul was only a 30 minute drive from central San Diego. It's even closer than Temecula and such a more laid back vibe! There is a whole section of wineries out here that are worth exploring. I had an absolutely great visit to Granite Lion Cellars. They have large seating areas that can accommodate big groups. They did a great job of keeping everyone's drinks pouring. I ordered a tasting flight and really enjoyed the wines I drank! You can choose from a few different flight options and I went with the all red. We enjoyed so many of the wines that we were even compelled to buy a few. They allow you to bring your own food. We were lucky that the people we were with brought an entire charcuterie spread! I'd highly recommend a stop into Jamul's wine country! The weather is great and the wines are awesome. read more

Granite Lion Cellars is my own version of "Cheers". IFKYK! We enjoy visiting such a tranquil place to enjoy a glass of wine. Plus it's literally a half mile from my home, lucky me! The wines are truly exquisite and everyone who works here is so nice too. Special shout out to these folks who make us feel so welcome: Sonia, Raquel, Vanessa and Jim (who actually knows the dinky little west TX town I come from). Come visit and enjoy some truly great wine. read more

Beautiful drive heading in to this winery. Lusciously landscaped acreages with Italian Cypress, and the view of the vineyard across the fences. We arrived and walked up to a beautifully opened area with shaded covering and plenty of tables to choose from. They've got a lot of nostalgic decor from the historic past of rustic Jamul. There's a nice picnic area near a gorgeous waterfall, and light running stream. A huge mountainside where they're developing a larger appeal to a scenic facility as the business grows. Greeted by Cherylynn. She was extremely professional, knowledgeable and engaging. The wine we tasted and what was recommended was very good. We bought a bottle of red wine called Troublemaker which was fitting for the two of us. It's a robust blend of black fruit, toasted oaks and spices. Please be aware, they do not ship, so be prepared to carry your goods to go. There is a food truck on site. They make some delicious, authentic Mexican food. We got their Carne Asada Tacos which were amazing and went along with our wine as grilled meat is suggested for the perfect pairing. FYI- You can bring in your own food as well. Inside, is a small wine bar made of old wine barrels and wood. This shop also supports some local vendors and provide a selection of jarred honey as well as T-shirt's and other small touristy tokens. We went close to sunset and it was delightful , zen full and the atmosphere at dusk was absolutely picturesque to just breath in. Note-Trails are open to the public. Tours upon reservation. Open EVERYDAY are open every day 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Masks are Required. They do recommend groups of 8 or larger make a reservation. read more

Granite Lion Cellars - Troublemaker- Southern CA Red Wine - Wineries Near Me - Jamul, California

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What an amazing gem in Jamul but simply minutes from San Diego. This place is open everyday but also has 3 varying catered food available for purchase. On February 26th, we were luckily to be able to try Heftyboy BBQ - Pulled Pork meal and Pulled Pork Nachos (which basically have everything the meal has with the addition or chips instead of the burger and homemade cheese). We came with friends who had been here once before, we opt for 3 flights, this place offers 3 different flights. 1 for Whites to Pink, 1 Sweets and 1 Reds. We thoroughly enjoyed the service and hospitality here... not to mention the wine! The Chardonnay was a favorite and the Sauvignon Blanc. I didnt care too much for the Reisiling, which I normally like sweet but this one was not too sweet. We ended up leaving aith 2 bottles... they are half sizes! Perfect for 1 person. Also as we were walking up, we noticed that this place provides flights in shot glasses, 4 on a wood block and you are first handed a wine glass with Option 1. After you finish, you pour your 2nd and 3rd one in the glass one by one. Very unique and awesome concept then being given several wine glasses. This place is peaceful and does get busy, but that doesn't take away from service. We had a dog, thisplace in dog friendly, their were children - this place is kid friendly. Also there was animals and a hiking trail. Not to mention the bathroom was immaculate and clean and super cool, kind of like a storage turned bathroom, plenty of room and perfect view of the vineyard. We will definitely be back!!! read more

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The staff was very friendly and made the whole experience fun! The setting was peaceful and beautiful!! Looking forward to when they open the new tasting room!! read more

Love this relaxing winery...been coming here for years. Have seen how it's been growing.

We were celebrating our 22nd Wedding anniversary. We wanted to go wine tasting. We were staying at Thousand Trails Pio Pico and were looking forward to our adventure. I sought out reviews on Yelp. This was the first of three wineries in Jamul that we visited. The yelp reviews are wrong about what days this winery is open. They are open 7 days a week. First impressions were epic. There is a beautiful vineyard. There are tables with umbrellas that had Adirondack chairs. They were full. There is a covered patio that had tables and chairs. Standard yet effective stuff. Everyone looked happy. That's a great sign. We went to the "counter" and ordered wine flights. We ordered the reds. I mentioned that I was excited to be here on our 22nd anniversary. We sat down. Soon, we received a generous tasting in a wine glass. Minutes later the tray of reds arrived. Three employees came by to wish us Happy Anniversary. Very, very kind. Friendly banter. The tastings are $15 each. The red wines were delicious. OMGoodness ..so great. No wonder everyone looked happy. We flagged down an employee named Jim and asked him if we buy a bottle can we waive the tasting fee? He said no. We have a better deal than that!! If you become a member, for only $75, your tastings are waived and you receive 3, really 4, bottles of wine on the "Pick Up" list. We looked at the pick up list. Our favorite wines were on it. I hesitated and said, That's a great deal however, we live in Ventura. It's just too far. He laughed in a friendly way, and replied, I live in Utah and I work here. We said we would think about it. About 5 minutes later and after asking about shipping to Ventura, we said to Jim with enthusiasm, "You're the Man!!" He said thank you and nobody has told him he is the man quite like that. :-D $75 - $30 for tastings = $45. Since they are under construction creating a tunnel on their expansive and beautiful winery, they are temporarily giving a 4th bottle to wine members during this time. So $45 /4 bottles of wine = $11.25 a bottle. That is a steal!!! We thanked them profusely and were on our way to our 2nd winery. We returned later that week with my cousins. My cousins bought a bottle of wine and were impressed. We paid their tasting fees. The second winery, we went to, has signs all around Granite Lion Cellars. It is called Rustic Ridge Vineyards. Do not go. The wines are not tasty and there was no interaction with the husband/wife team until we were leaving. I will be writing that review next. If you want to go to a second winery, I strongly recommend Deerhorn Valley Vineyards. The gentleman from River Ridge recommended them. I'll be writing that review as well. Salud! read more

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Easy going wine tasting and a great place to gather and catch some sunshine! They are working an updating their tasting room and can't wait to come back! read more

Granite Lion Cellars - Wineries Near Me - Jamul, California

This winery is still a work in progress, but progress it is making. We've heard good things about the wine from my brother-in-law and decided to seek it out. Finding it with the nav system was dicey, but once I gave up on the nav system and trusted my instincts, it was easy to find the turn off of Lyons Valley Road. We opted for the "Reds All the Way" wine flight, and it was quite good with the 2017 Merlot Reserve and 2016 United leading the way. Tasting was under a tent-canopy with the flight delivered by one of the owners. We enjoyed a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich we brought for lunch with our tasting. The grounds are rustic but beautifully appointed along the drive with flowering shrubs. We understand that a new tasting room is under construction, as is a "tunnel" -- i.e., an artificial cave. There's an artificial waterfall on the property and a picnic area. Children are welcome, and there are farm animals for them to pet. We look forward to revisiting as the property facilities improve. read more

Granite Lion Cellars - Wine Tasting Flights - Wineries Near Me - Jamul, California

This is a local winery about a half hour out from where we live and they offer Groupons so we decided to see what it's like and taste some wines and unwind. Wines are good but they sold out of their best strains for the year. We had a bunch of silvers for the tastings. They are building a new tasting facility which should be done sometime in June 2024. it looks like it will be very nice. Might come back when it's completed. read more

Service and wine is great! Tried the Reds All The Way. Its a drive but worth it!Nice set up and is open during the week. read more

Granite Lion Cellars - Wineries Near Me - Jamul, California

The wine and the people who run the vineyard were fabulous. Beautiful views of the surrounding area from wherever you desire to sit. Definitely recommend going there. We will be returning soon. read more

We had a really wonderful experience here. The entrance is stunning, there's small farm animals the kids can have a blast watching, plus a grassy area to play on and a waterfall nearby to enjoy a nice picnic. We did the sweet wine flight, and ended up buying a bottle of our favorite, Muscat of Alexandria. It was sweet and well balanced, with a smooth finish. It was absolutely delicious and very sweet! The customer service here was amazing. Our GPS led us to the back entrance, and when we called we were given proper instructions and told that they would like to do something special for us for the confusion. When we arrived we told them my husband and I each wanted to do a wine flight, so they gave us one free of charge, which was so generous. We really appreciated their kindness. Overall it was a great experience and we can't wait to go back! read more

Granite Lion Cellars - Entrance - Wineries Near Me - Jamul, California

Customer service was great. A guy named Jim was walking around the tables, making sure we were having a good time. For the wine though - got two tastings- all reds and some white and reds. I'm sad to write this BUT all ten of the tastings were skunk tasting. Unsure how that happens but I l could not be more confused on how they priced their wine bc they were awful. To me they tasted bad or old. There was a taco truck there so I ate the tacos to get through the tastings. They give you 1oz pours in these small shot glasses that equal a glass of wine. The surrounding area seemed has cows and someone even mentioned there was a waterfall not to far away read more

Visited on Mother's day. They open at 11 and we arrived 11.45 perfect time. It fills fast. Our party did flights. Red, white, sweet. Reds were great, especially the merlot. Whites were fine. Sweets were drier then what you find at grocery store. Liked the sangria had a pineapple hint. Limited food options, salads and small meat plate. On the grounds they have a picnic area and creek for picnics. read more

Granite Lion Cellars - Red flight - Wineries Near Me - Jamul, California

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Just came for to celebrate Mother's day. The lady that worked there was unpleasant to say the least. Not a welcoming experience at all. The lady looked like she did not want to be there and was super dry when talking to us when asking questions. Not friendly at all- not sure if she treats everyone this way or because we are hispanic. The space was beautiful with the exception of the construction that was going on. However, we will not be returning for a wine tasting for the Granite Lion Cellars. We went for a good time, and left annoyed, puzzled, and distasteful by the hostess comments and unwelcoming aura. So much for a first time experience. Would not recommend- especially if she's there. read more

Delicious wine, very friendly staff and a a great atmosphere. The scenery is one of a kind, nestled in the east hills of our beautiful city. The membership is well worth the cost and I can bring a friend to taste with me every time I come here. read more

Great wine and lovely view of the mountains. Service was great. The lady at the front was the sweetest and most welcoming. She explained the wines and checked up on us. Also it's family friendly! My husband and I went with my toddler and newborn and my newborn enjoyed seeing the chickens and goats. read more

I am so happy to have discovered this place! First of all, if you are following your GPS, do not come in via Jamul through a residential area (if you do, just call the winery and they will let you in. Once there, in this time of Covid, there is plenty of seating outdoors to enjoy your wine. They offer three amazing flights. They also have specials so buying by the case can drop the price drastically! They also have an area to picnic and hike. Even with everything shut down, you can still buy a bottle and take it to the grass area by the creek. For now, you need to bring your own food, which they will allow you to do. We brought cheese and crackers and made our own platter. Everyone here was professional and very friendly and attentive. I would and will return ASAP! read more

The family and I stopped by Granite Lion Cellars yesterday afternoon. The Mrs. and I are wine club members and this was probably our 4th or 5th visit. Even before joining the wine club, we enjoyed every visit to Granite Lion. The staff are very friendly and the wines are good and very reasonably priced. We've visited during the week and on the weekends sine the winery is open 7 days a week with no appointment needed for tasting. On the weekends they have various vendors providing food. Otherwise you can purchase cheese and crackers. read more

Fantastic wine in a laid-back relaxed atmosphere. Lots of space to wander around with the kids and they always have fun checking out the chickens and goats. read more

Win win for sunshine in east county away from the June Gloom on the coast yesterday. After a walk about Lake Morena we stopped at Granite Lion for lunch and wine!! Yum! read more

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Wine tasting at Granite Lion Cellars was a nice treat on Easter Sunday. It was so relaxing and the catering service they had that day was excellent. We had steak, shrimp, rice, noodles and cranberry walnut salads, $14-$19.00 a plate. Yummy! We tried the sweet, white and red wine trays which added up to $45.00 for the three. The sweet peach was the best but, I forgot the proper name, but, just ask, it seems to be a people favorite. Not all the wines are from their vineyards but, they are from California. My family used to make the best Italian sweet red wine, it was so sweet and smooth, I guess I keep looking for it but, to no avail. I should've learned the secret. If you're looking for something to do on the weekend, do try their vineyards or even join their wine club for $74.00 a quarter. There's a manmade creek but, it wasn't on, something I was hoping for on Easter Sunday. If you buy some wine and head over to the play area you can bring your dog and have a wonderful day with family and friends. Not all the vineyards in the area allow dogs, so take advantage of it. I took lots of photos, so enjoy browsing. read more

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We are from out of town but frequent Jamul for family. We saw a Granite Cellars winery ad and decided to try the wine. We became members. The wine is reasonably priced and tastes great. This review focus is on our experience today. As members we get free tasting or a glass of wine. On this day, Algo Bueno (food truck) was serving Latin cuisine. We ordered the Chicken Mole Nachos. It was more than enough for Two and delicious. So...we had lunch - 2 glasses of wine (free) and chicken nachos total cost $10. My understanding, the winery frequently allows small businesses to serve lunch. Check out the website, become members, and enjoy a very reasonably priced lunch and good wine. read more

I am so disappointed with this winery; my wife and I will never go again! Staff was nice until we became members. On our last visit, Jim, a contractor who apparently is also in charge of security confronted us for "lingering" near the new tasting room and moving chairs. He was apparently watching us on a security camera in his on-site trailer unknown to us as there is no posted notice of surveillance. We were sitting at a table enjoying the day having a conversation when he charged up to us angrily, put his finger in my wife's face and told us to leave. I thought he was at best drunk or maybe just unstable, but it was frightening so we left. It was unprovoked, rude and why the winery employes someone who is incompetent to interact with guests is baffling. Based on his actions you would have thought we were swimming in the fountain or breaking bottles on the road. When we followed up with management, she thought the incident was humorous and multiple staff lied to the manager about their instructions to us and the altercation. We have cancelled our membership and will never go back. When I cancelled our membership, they couldn't have cared less. I asked for a confirmation that the membership was cancelled and that was apparently too difficult. The facility is little more than a warehouse with picnic tables and chairs set out with a dirt road running through the middle of the seating area?! The single restroom is an outhouse. Save your time and money and go somewhere better with staff that actually cares. Lastly, the wine wasn't that good either. read more

There were multiple great red wine options and the staff is very friendly! It's a beautiful place to spend a relaxing afternoon. read more

We were so impressed with this beautiful winery. The vineyard is vast and spread out. Huge property with a large covered area for tastings. Big variety of wines to choose from. My first time here and I'll definitely be back for more of that Sweet Sauvignon Blanc! read more

Very cool place to hang out and try some wine. The gals who work there are very friendly and helpful. They allow you to bring your own snacks but they also also offer locally sourced munchies to try and purchase. I'm pretty sure all the gals in my party spent more $$$ on food than wine!! But the wine was good too. Plus there's a nice picnic area nearby where you can sip wine and enjoy your food. read more

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