The San Diego Wine & Culinary Center is dedicated to promoting the food and wine bounty of San Diego County. We work with local winemakers, growers, chefs, restaurateurs and quality food purveyors to bring you the finest locally-produced products. Wine tastings, chef demonstrations, product sampling, classes, seminars, banquets, weddings, tours and excursions take place on a regular basis at the Center. We also bring you great wines and foods from around the globe, inviting talented international chefs and winemakers to our facility for classes and events.
Proprietor John Alongé, known as The San Diego Wine Heretic, personally presents a variety of classes, tastings and seminars, demystifying the sometimes arcane world of wine and entertaining groups of all sizes. He is a much sought after speaker for corporate and private groups all over the country.
Our passion for great food and great wine has led us to bring a center for culinary learning and exploration to San Diego. We hope to see you here soon!
Q - What first turned you onto wine?
A - I spent a good portion of my youth in the Loire Valley in France, working in the vineyards and learning to love the craft of quality winemaking.
Q - What was the idea behind the SD Wine & Culinary Center?
A - When I moved to San Diego, I quickly realized that there was not a true center dedicated to food and wine events and education!
Q - How do you feel about the emerging food and wine scene in SD?
A - I think San Diego County is on of the most interesting and unique wine regions in the USA. We’re also one of the top agricultural areas in the country. We’re now starting to see a lot of talented chefs coming here to work.
Q - Tell us about your first experience with German wine?
A - As a teenager, my parents took me on a trip to the Mosel. Magical!
Q- Why do you believe German wines are so misunderstood in the US?
A - Cryptic labels, complicated appellations and terminology, even the label fonts are difficult to read at times. Additionally, now many Americans speak German?
Q- Tell us about working with TFW Imports?
A - I love both the selection as well as the pleasure of working with small business entrepreneurs that share my passion for wine!
