With my longtime wine partner Frank Mangio and his son Ron, visiting from Texas, looking for a place to celebrate Ron’s recent birthday, I knew exactly where to go: Skip and Maureen Coomber’s new Coomber Craft Wines tasting room in downtown Vista.
Just a few weeks into its opening, the space was already brimming with warmth, rhythm and the kind of unfiltered friendliness you’d expect from a place where everyone really does know your name. They are already exceeding expectations from what the Coombers were planning on 6-12 months after opening.
The story behind this new location is one of perseverance and vision. After the success of their Oceanside urban winery and tasting room, opened in 2019, the Coombers were encouraged by the City of Vista to bring their inviting wine culture further inland. They purchased the Vista property in June 2021, and while they had hoped for a quick six-month build like in Oceanside, the pandemic and other delays turned the process into a perfect storm of challenges.
Despite the delays, Skip credited Will Burtner, “The Wine Guy,” for designing and building both locations. Though Will recently moved on to start his own project, California Wine Experiences, Skip shared nothing but support: “It was bittersweet, but I’m delighted to see him branch out.”
With their May 1 opening, the Vista tasting room quickly captured Skip’s heart. “We didn’t know downtown Vista would feel so much like the Midwest,” he said. “Everyone says hello, it’s incredibly welcoming.” That community spirit fits perfectly with the Coomber vision of creating a “third place,” like home or work, where people can relax, connect and feel at ease.
Just like the Oceanside location, anytime I am at Coombers, I am reminded of the charm of Cheers with fine wine and live music. Patrons are encouraged to bring outside food, kids, dogs, and friends — all are welcomed.
Adding to the comfort factor are three adjacent eateries: Shaks (Mediterranean), Seven Seas (seafood) and Mikko Sushi, all of which will deliver directly to your table. The drink list goes beyond wine, with wine-based tequila and vodka (you’d never know they’re grape-based) to make original and strawberry margaritas, ports, and limoncello and zesty orange spritzes. Also, they have local draft beer and kombuchas (regular and hard) and non-alcoholic options. There’s something for everyone.
As with their Oceanside location, live music is a nightly affair at the Vista tasting room. Thanks to 800 additional square feet compared to Oceanside, the Vista venue boasts an indoor and outdoor bar, ample seating and a stage that welcomes local talent. On the night we visited, the Rob Lamonica Band was set to play, but with Rob feeling under the weather, the show went on with an impressive lineup: Johnny “V” Vernazza on vocals and guitar subbing for Rob, Boyd Gardiner on drums and Brenton Kossack on bass.
One of Johnny’s neighbors, Thomas Labrot, saw my press badge and leaned in to share a bit of history. Turns out Johnny “V” toured extensively with Elvin Bishop, co-creating six albums and recording the 1974 hit “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” which reached No. 3 nationally and went gold. Johnny also lent his slide guitar skills to a Marshall Tucker Band LP.
The evening’s crescendo came when Skip surprised us with a special bottle from the library, a 2014 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford. Deep opaque purple in color, the wine opened with a nose of blackberries, cocoa, cedar and spice notes. On the palate, it was wonderfully velvety, with a supple structure showcasing red currants and hints of eucalyptus and Rutherford (cocoa) dust. Aged over three years in 100% new French oak, this bold cab was both alluring and expressive.
Coomber Craft Wines’ new Vista location is more than just a tasting room. It’s a community living room with a pour. With nightly music, an inclusive drink menu, neighborhood food partnerships and the Coombers’ signature hospitality, this newest venture lives up to the ethos Skip and Maureen have cultivated since day one: Wine should be fun, personal and shared.
Whether you’re in Oceanside or Vista, there’s always a glass waiting—and a song, too.
— Story by Rico Cassoni
Wine Bytes
• Vittorio’s Italian Trattoria in Carmel Valley is hosting a Rescue Dog Wines Dinner on Thursday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner and dessert paired with Rescue Dog’s Napa Valley wine. The main course features Grilled Lamb Chops served with baby carrots and 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. Vittorio’s Proprietor Victor Malgahaes will donate $10 for each guest to the San Diego Humane Society. Also 50% of Rescue Dog Wines profits support animal rescue organizations. Cost is $85 per person + tax/tip. RSVP at 858-538-5884.
• Summer is here. Evans Hotels has a full slate of events lined up at the Bahia Resort, Catamaran Resort and The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Highlights include the ever-popular Sunset Luaus on the Bay (featuring a Hawaiian feast and electrifying Polynesian show), the new Summer Chef Cookouts on the beach at the Bahia, their legendary Fourth of July fireworks cruise, 4th of July Beach BBQ, and more.
• Breakfast Republic has released its next seasonal special in honor of summer! Indulge in the Berry Crumble French Toast comprised of brioche French toast stuffed with mixed berry compote and topped with brown sugar crumble and vanilla ice cream, served with a warm berry sauce. This dish is reminiscent of all your favorite summer desserts and offers a sweet way to kick off your day. There are nine locations throughout San Diego, including Encinitas.
Rico Cassoni is executive producer for Taste of Wine and Food. He and founder/advisor Frank Mangio, a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator, are two of the leading reviewers on the web. Reach them at [email protected].
