Walk onto the grounds of the Monserate Winery on Gird Road in Fallbrook, CA, and you'll immediately realize this isn't your typical, cookie-cutter tasting room experience. It’s huge. It's sprawling. It honestly feels like someone took a slice of a Tuscan estate and dropped it right into the middle of North County San Diego’s rolling hills.
For years, this land was a golf course. The Gird Valley was synonymous with the Fallbrook Golf Club, but after the course fell into disrepair and became an eyesore for the local community, there was a real fear about what would happen to those 116 acres. Developers usually have one thing in mind: high-density housing. But Jade and Julie Work had a different vision. They bought the land in 2016 with a plan to preserve the open space by planting vines.
They didn't just plant a few rows of grapes; they planted tens of thousands of them.
The Transformation of Gird Road
If you haven't been out to Fallbrook lately, the drive alone is worth it. You wind through these narrow, oak-lined streets where the air smells like sage and damp earth. When you pull up to the Monserate Winery on Gird Road in Fallbrook, CA, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale of the vision. We are talking about a massive investment in the local landscape.
The winery focuses heavily on Italian varieties. Why? Because the microclimate in this part of Fallbrook—the "Avocado Capital of the World"—is surprisingly similar to parts of Italy. It’s Mediterranean. You get those warm, sun-drenched afternoons followed by a sharp cool-down at night as the ocean breeze creeps over the coastal range.
- They have over 15 varieties planted.
- You’ll see Aglianico, Montepulciano, and Vermentino thriving here.
- The property features ancient oaks that were carefully preserved during the transition from fairway to vineyard.
It’s a bit of a relief, really. Seeing 100+ acres of green space stay green instead of becoming another subdivision is a win for anyone who loves the rural character of San Diego's backcountry.
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The Tasting Experience: More Than Just a Flight
Let’s be real—some wineries feel a little stiff. You stand at a counter, someone pours a splash of white, tells you it tastes like "wet stone," and moves on. Monserate is different because it’s built for lounging. The tasting room is expansive, featuring high ceilings and massive windows that blur the line between the indoors and the vineyard.
The food is actually good, too. It’s not just an afterthought of crackers and cheese. They have a full kitchen putting out wood-fired pizzas and seasonal salads that make you want to stay for three hours. If you’re lucky enough to snag a seat on the patio during "Golden Hour," you’ll see exactly why the owners fought so hard to keep this land open. The light hits the Gird Valley in a way that makes the rows of vines look like they’re glowing.
There’s a specific kind of energy there. It’s busy but doesn't feel frantic. It’s upscale but you can still wear your nice jeans and a flannel. Basically, it’s Fallbrook.
Why the Italian Varietals Matter
Most people think of California wine and immediately jump to Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon. While those are great, the Monserate team leaned into grapes that actually want to grow in Fallbrook’s decomposed granite soil.
Take the Vermentino, for instance. It’s a white grape that loves the sun. At Monserate, it comes out crisp and bright with a bit of salinity that reflects the proximity to the Pacific. Then there’s the Aglianico. This is a bold, tannic red often called the "Barolo of the South" in Italy. Growing it on Gird Road is a bit of a gamble because it needs a long season to ripen, but the results have been stellar. It’s deep, complex, and has this earthy backbone that pairs perfectly with their charred-crust pizzas.
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Understanding the Local Impact
We have to talk about the community aspect for a second. When the golf course closed, it was a point of massive contention in Fallbrook. There were lawsuits, environmental concerns, and a lot of stressed-out neighbors.
The Works didn't just build a business; they saved a view. By keeping the land under the Williamson Act—which provides property tax relief to landowners who keep their land in agricultural or open space use—they guaranteed that this valley stays rural.
- Water conservation: Vineyards actually use significantly less water than a traditional golf course.
- Economic boost: The winery has become a major employer in the area, from vineyard managers to hospitality staff.
- Preservation: The 100-year-old trees on the property are now protected assets rather than obstacles for a backhoe.
What to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a trip to Monserate Winery on Gird Road in Fallbrook, CA, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it gets packed on the weekends. This isn't a "hidden gem" anymore; the word is out.
If you want a quiet, contemplative experience, go on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. You can sit near the lake—yes, there are beautiful ponds left over from the golf course days—and watch the ducks while you sip on a glass of Rosé.
Also, pay attention to the architecture. The buildings were designed to look like they’ve been there for decades. The stonework, the heavy timber, and the landscaping were all chosen to mimic a traditional Italian hamlet. It's "Instagrammable," sure, but it feels more authentic than a Hollywood set.
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Navigating the Wine List
Don't be afraid to try the stuff you can't pronounce. If you’re a fan of Pinot Noir, ask for the Cinsault. If you usually drink Sauvignon Blanc, try the Vermentino. The staff is generally pretty down-to-earth and won't judge you if you don't know the difference between a tannin and a terpene.
Honestly, the best way to do it is to get a flight. It allows you to taste the progression of the vineyard's growth. Since the vines are still relatively young compared to those in Napa or Sonoma, you’re tasting the "pioneer" years of this specific terroir. Every year the roots go deeper into that Fallbrook soil, and every year the wine gets more interesting.
The Practical Side of the Visit
Parking is usually easy, which is a blessing in San Diego County. They have a large lot, but again, Saturday at 2:00 PM is going to be a squeeze.
Wear comfortable shoes. The property is big, and you’ll likely want to wander around the paths. It’s also worth noting that the weather in Fallbrook can be tricky. It might be 85 degrees at the winery while it’s 65 degrees in Oceanside. Conversely, once that sun dips behind the hills, the temperature drops fast. Bring a jacket. You’ve been warned.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Event Calendar: They often have live music or special "member only" nights that can affect public access.
- Book a Table: If you are coming with a group of more than four, do yourself a favor and see if you can snag a reservation. Walking in with eight people on a Saturday is a recipe for a long wait.
- Explore the Gird Valley Grove: After your tasting, take a slow drive further down Gird Road. The area is stunning and represents the last of the "Old California" feel that is disappearing elsewhere.
- Join the List: If you find a wine you love, consider the club. Small-production Italian varietals from this region aren't easy to find in local grocery stores, so getting them shipped or held for pickup is usually the only way to stay stocked.
- Respect the Neighbors: Remember that Gird Road is a residential corridor. Drive slowly, keep the noise down when leaving, and help maintain the peace that the locals fought so hard to protect.
The transition of this land from a failing golf course to a world-class vineyard is one of the coolest stories in Southern California agriculture. Whether you’re a "cork dork" or just someone looking for a beautiful place to spend a Sunday, the effort put into this estate is undeniable. It’s a testament to what happens when someone with resources decides to build something that adds value to the community rather than just extracting it.