When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Charlie & Echo
Why Charlie & Echo is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Charlie & Echo is a standout urban winery located in San Diego, offering a unique gathering spot for friends who appreciate craft, natural wines made from local Southern California grapes. Founded in 2007 by Clara and Eric Van Drunen, this veteran-owned and woman-owned independent winery has built a reputation for their innovative approach to winemaking and their dedication to producing wines that capture the essence of San Diego’s terroir, lifestyle, and culture. Their selection includes sparkling, red, white, rosé, and dessert wines, each crafted with passion and care. The tasting room provides a welcoming environment, notably kid-friendly and dog-friendly, where patrons can relax, enjoy tastings, and even bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to complement their experience. Located conveniently at 8680 Miralani Drive in the Miramar area, Charlie & Echo offers a vibrant venue to socialize and explore adventurous wine flavors. They are deeply committed to sustainability, offsetting their entire carbon footprint and operating as a Certified Green Business. Their regular open hours and lively events invite locals and visitors alike to connect over thoughtfully produced wines in an inviting urban setting.
Here's what people think of Charlie & Echo
As of recent, Charlie & Echo holds a 5-star rating based on 52 reviews.
User reviews of Charlie & Echo consistently highlight its exceptional quality and unique offerings, reflected in a perfect 5.0 rating across 52 reviews. Many patrons appreciate the innovative and natural approach to winemaking, praising the distinctive flavors of their sparkling, red, white, and rosé wines. The winery’s friendly and knowledgeable staff receives frequent commendations, contributing to a welcoming and enjoyable tasting experience. Visitors also value the atmosphere of the tasting room, describing it as comfortable and inviting, with the added benefit of being dog and kid friendly. Customers recognize the care put into sustainability practices, which enhances their appreciation for the winery’s mission beyond just producing great wines. On the downside, a few reviewers mentioned limited seating during peak times and occasional challenges with parking due to the winery’s urban location, but these comments are minimal and do not detract significantly from the overall positive experience. In conclusion, the rave reviews for Charlie & Echo emphasize its status as a beloved local treasure, offering high-quality natural wines and a welcoming environment that make it a perfect destination for friends looking to enjoy a memorable winery outing in San Diego.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Krystal Ma
We love their sparkling rosé (firefly) and red wine! The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly and you can tell they genuinely love to share their wine with people! We joined their wine club and so excited to try those club member exclusive experiences!
Steven Ellison
This place was really cool! We did the flight that tries all of their wine, highly recommend. Our favorite was the Whoa Jake! They had a very cute dog friendly patio. It was a really cool and chill vibe there. You can bring outside food, but note you can't bring outside drinks, so no splitting off to the brewery next door! All the wine we tried was excellent, we will definitely be back here.
Dorothy Tse
We love coming here! So many inventive wines and cocktails. We have been coming for years and the winemaker and wife owners are lovely people who make great wine in an urban winery here in SD! You can bring food in to eat and kids are welcome if you need to bring them. We had 12 of us here once with 6 of them kids and had room to relax and enjoy the company. Support local!
Paul Madeya
This wine is an absolute must try in San Diego. The owners are artist when it comes to wine, and they make such incredible combinations that keeps you wanting to come back for more. There is no other winery in San Diego county that makes such unique combinations and can even take on some of the best wineries in Temecula, and even Napa! Can’t say enough good things about this winery this is a must try!
Carolina Govea
Fantastic winery that I recommend to everyone! Wine is delicious and the unique project x wines and slushies are always fun to try! Eric is always so welcoming and has such fun events that keep us coming back for more. Highly recommend anyone give them try and join the wine club too!
How to reach Charlie & Echo
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Website: None
Why Charlie & Echo may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Charlie & Echo with your friends?
When looking for a vibrant and memorable spot to gather with friends, Charlie & Echo stands out as a uniquely inviting destination. This urban winery located in San Diego offers far more than just excellent wines; it’s a place where the ambiance, craftsmanship, and community spirit come together to create an experience worth sharing. With a perfect 5.0 rating across numerous reviews, the quality and warmth the venue provides is widely recognized. The winery is intimate yet lively, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel more like family than mere visitors. Here, you and your friends can enjoy an innovative range of natural, craft wines made from local vineyards, embodying San Diego’s terroir, culture, and lifestyle. The inviting tasting room is perfect for groups, offering an engaging blend of laid-back comfort and spirited adventure that makes it ideal for socializing. Whether you’re novices or wine aficionados, you’ll find the setting encourages fun, discovery, and connection—making Charlie & Echo an exceptional venue to rally your friends for laughter, learning, and lasting memories.
What activities can you do at Charlie & Echo that make it perfect for a group meetup?
Charlie & Echo delivers a range of activities tailored to groups seeking both social enjoyment and a taste of local craft wine heritage. Their main attraction is the wine tasting experience, where groups can explore flights featuring an inventive selection of still and sparkling wines, including a limited batch of spritzers for a refreshing twist. The tasting sessions are educational yet entertaining, guided by passionate hosts who share their knowledge in a friendly, accessible manner, making wine education a fun group activity. For those who want to extend their visit, the winery’s cozy tasting room offers games, ample seating, and a welcoming vibe that encourages lingering conversations and celebrations. Being located in the Miralani Makers’ District, Charlie & Echo also benefits from being part of a broader community scene with nearby options for dining or exploring, perfect for a full day of group activities. Additionally, for environmentally conscious groups, Charlie & Echo’s commitment as a Certified Green Business adds a feel-good vibe to every glass, supporting sustainability efforts while you enjoy. These features combine to create a dynamic, inclusive environment tailored for groups looking to celebrate, learn, and have a fantastic time together.
How does Charlie & Echo create an engaging wine tasting experience for groups?
At Charlie & Echo, the wine tasting experience is distinctly interactive and crafted to engage guests of all levels. Unlike many traditional tastings that might feel stiff or overly formal, their sessions are described as lively and educational events that encourage questions, conversation, and discovery. The owners and staff are known to provide broad education in an informal, fun manner—showing guests not just what they’re drinking but why it’s unique to San Diego’s environment and culture. This approach demystifies wine and enables everyone in the group to feel included, whether they’re beginners or wine connoisseurs. By tasting flights that showcase a variety of both still and sparkling wines, guests can compare flavors, discover new favorites, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Also, the limited-release spritzers offer a fresh and tasty alternative within the tasting lineup, adding variety and excitement. This focus on an accessible, informative, and social tasting session makes it easy for groups to connect, share opinions, and create a collective memorable experience.
What makes Charlie & Echo a great spot for environmental and socially conscious groups?
Charlie & Echo stands out not just for its wines but also for its dedication to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The winery is a Certified Green Business, meeting stringent criteria to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and protect human health—a choice that resonates strongly with groups focused on ethical consumption. Every vintage they produce has its full carbon footprint offset, from grape growing to packaging and transportation, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Additionally, a portion of every bottle or can sold goes toward buying additional carbon offsets, meaning each purchase contributes positively to the planet’s health beyond neutrality. This commitment turns a simple social outing into an opportunity for guests to engage in responsible enjoyment. For groups passionate about supporting eco-friendly businesses or veterans and women-owned enterprises, Charlie & Echo’s ownership and production philosophy align with those values, allowing social gatherings to feel meaningful on multiple levels.
What are the practical details about visiting Charlie & Echo for a group meetup?
Planning a visit to Charlie & Echo is straightforward, ideal for group coordination. Located conveniently in San Diego’s Miralani Makers’ District, the winery is easily accessible with nearby parking and a lively neighborhood full of dining and shopping options to extend your outing. They are open Thursday through Sunday, with hours designed to accommodate both afternoon and evening visits—Thursday and Friday from 4 PM to 8 PM, Saturday 1 PM to 8 PM, and Sunday 1 PM to 6 PM—making weekend meetups especially convenient. The tasting room setting is designed to welcome groups, with ample space and a relaxed atmosphere allowing guests to settle in comfortably. Reservations can often be made for groups, ensuring personalized service and a seamless experience. Beyond onsite visits, Charlie & Echo also offers an online shop with free shipping on larger orders within California, a feature that group members can use to continue enjoying their favorite wines at home. For anyone planning a return or seeking to make it a regular spot, their Wine Club offers additional perks, further enhancing the communal feel and exclusivity for repeat gatherings.
Why choose Charlie & Echo over other wineries or bar venues for your next group event?
Charlie & Echo offers a distinctive blend of qualities that set it apart from other wineries or bar venues for group events. Its unique urban winery model produces natural and craft wines that highlight San Diego’s local vineyards, a localism that adds a sense of place often missing elsewhere. Being veteran and woman-owned, this business reflects modern values of diversity and innovation, appealing to guests wanting to support authentic, independent operations rather than large commercial establishments. The engaging and educational tasting sessions create a deeper connection to the product and to each other, fostering an experience that’s as enriching as it is enjoyable. Its commitment to sustainability and community stewardship enhances the social conscience of any get-together. In terms of atmosphere, Charlie & Echo’s tasting room strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and liveliness, providing an intimate yet energetic environment that encourages bonding. For groups wanting more than just a generic night out—those seeking a venue with character, purpose, and quality—Charlie & Echo is an outstanding choice.
How can Charlie & Echo fit into a full-day or multi-stop group outing in San Diego’s Miralani Makers’ District?
The location of Charlie & Echo within San Diego’s vibrant Miralani Makers’ District makes it a natural anchor point for a longer day of group activities. This district is home to a variety of craft beverage makers, eateries, and creative businesses, allowing groups to explore multiple venues in one outing. Visitors can start or end their day at Charlie & Echo with a wine tasting that sets the tone of sophistication and fun. Conveniently nearby are breweries, cideries, and coffee roasters that encourage varied tastes and experiences. Food options in the district—from casual dining spots to ethnic restaurants—provide excellent chances to share meals with friends. For groups that enjoy discovery and variety, moving between venues creates a dynamic social experience full of conversation and new finds. Charlie & Echo’s welcoming environment ensures your group is refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of the day, whether continuing the exploration or relaxing after other activities. This synergy makes it simple to design a customized, enjoyable itinerary with friends or family that maximizes social time and fun in a single vibrant neighborhood.
What special touches and experiences does Charlie & Echo offer that enhance group visits?
Beyond its core offerings, Charlie & Echo impresses groups with special touches that enhance the overall experience. The personal attention from owners and staff turns every visit into a warm, intimate occasion where guests feel valued and engaged. Their passion for wines and local culture shines through, often sparking lively discussions and shared appreciation among group members. For special occasions or celebrations, the atmosphere can be tailored with small details that create memorable moments. The availability of unique limited batches, such as their spritzers, provides variety and surprise to keep tastings lively. Their educational approach means groups leave not only entertained but with new knowledge, deepening the experience. Finally, by participating in a winery that actively offsets carbon emissions and promotes sustainability, guests enjoy added satisfaction that their gathering supports causes beyond enjoyment. Such thoughtful elements make Charlie & Echo a standout venue that nurtures friendships and creates lasting memories for group events.
What do visitors say about their group experiences at Charlie & Echo?
Visitors consistently highlight their group experiences at Charlie & Echo as exceptional and enjoyable. Many reviews praise the welcoming, family-like vibe fostered by the veteran and female ownership team, making people feel immediately at ease. Groups often note the high quality and interesting variety of wines, which keep everyone engaged and eager to try different offerings together. Several also mention how the informative yet fun tastings elevate their understanding of wine, turning what could be a routine activity into a lively event full of discovery. The tasting room ambiance is frequently described as cozy and conducive to socializing, ideal for laughter and conversation. The combination of excellent wine, great hospitality, and a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere makes Charlie & Echo a recurring destination for many. For groups wanting both excellent drinks and a great time, visitor feedback consistently affirms that Charlie & Echo delivers on both with flying colors.
How does Charlie & Echo support ongoing group engagement beyond a single visit?
Charlie & Echo encourages ongoing connection for groups through its Wine Club and online offerings. Joining the Wine Club allows groups or friends to share exclusive access to seasonal releases, discounts, and special events. This membership creates a sense of community extending beyond the tasting room, perfect for friends who want to keep the experience alive between visits. The online store complements this by providing convenient access to their full range of wines with the option for free pickup or statewide delivery. This accessibility means your group can coordinate shipments for gatherings, holidays, or simply to savor favorite bottles at home. By blending an engaging on-site experience with a robust digital presence, Charlie & Echo makes it easy to maintain the spirit of your meetups year-round. This approach turns a single fun outing into a shared thread of connection and enjoyment that brings friends together again and again.