Vesper Vineyards started in 2008 with a simple goal: show that San Diego County can be included among the great wine regions of California. Growing up in the small community of Valley Center, founders Chris Broomell and Alysha Stehly learned from families long rooted in agriculture that the best produce came from San Diego's own backyard. Their families primarily grew citrus, however each encounter a few local vineyards--encounters that stuck with them. After high school Chris went to Santa Barbara to pursue an education in Environmental Horticulture. While there, he took a job at Jaffurs Wine Cellars and fell in love with the winemaking lifestyle. Three years later Chris traveled to South Australia for the harvest, learning hand-on all that he could about every aspect of the process.

Alysha went on a more formal journey, majoring in Viticulture & Enology at the University of California, Davis where she learned the scientific aspects of grape growing and winemaking. Her education included traveling with fellow UC Davis students to wineries around California, even spending time in Chile and Argentina.

Vesper Vineyards is the result of combining Alysha's scientific background, Chris' practical experience and the love they both have for San Diego County. Alysha and Chris understand that they can work in Napa, Sonoma or Santa Barbara, yet it is only in San Diego that they can create their own world of wine. Here, with no established style of winemaking and no set varietal to define the area, their options are endless. There is great potential for some excellent wine, especially as the county has such diverse microclimates.

Vesper Vineyards sources grapes exclusively from these areas to produce their wine. Every bottle brings forth the unique characteristics of the vineyard and its microclimate. So, raise a glass and enjoy the best of San Diego County!