What's an appropriate wine to serve at a San Diego Padres themed party? What wine would be a good gift for a hard core Padres fan?
Although they are an expansion team, the San Diego Padres have always emphasized their connection to California history. The team takes its name from the Pacific Coast League San Diego Padres, a minor league team that played from 1936 until 1968, one year before the Major League expansion that would include the new Padres took place.
California Heritage
The team's name evokes California's ties to the Spanish Franciscan missionaries who came with Father Junípero Serra to build a series of mission churches and bring Christianity to Mexico and the area that later became the state of California. The first mission Father Serra founded in present-day California was built in 1769 and dedicated to San Diego de Alcalá. The Franciscan priests who worked there, who were called "padres" in Spanish, taught the indigenous people about Christianity and built a mission compound, farm and cattle ranch. San Diego's original minor league team and, later, its major league team, took their names from these dedicated missionaries. The team's mascot, the "Swinging Friar," is dressed as a Franciscan and carries a baseball bat. Like the team members, who wear specially-authorized camouflage jerseys the Swinging Friar wears camouflage to Sunday home games to honor the service of the U. S. military, particularly those who serve in the San Diego area.
The Kroc Years
The Padres' first six years in Major League Baseball were disappointing, but in 1974 the team was sold to Ray Kroc, owner of McDonald's. Kroc purchased the team in order to keep the Padres in San Diego; a deal to move the team to Washington was in the works, but the baseball-loving burger magnate stepped in at the last minute and changed everything. Kroc was more than willing to invest in good players; during the years he owned the Padres, such stars as Dave Winfield, Tony Gwynn, Rollie Fingers, Ozzie Smith, Steve Garvey and Goose Gossage joined the Padres. Kroc's widow, Joan, took over as owner after his death in 1984. She sold the team in 1990; four years later, current owner John Moores bought the Padres.
Ups and Downs
The Padres have twice won the National League pennant, in 1984 and 1998, and have won five division titles, in 1984, 1996, 1998, 2005 and 2006. Although the team has yet to win a World Series, fans had high hopes in 2010; the Padres were in first place in the National League West, but hopes were dashed when San Francisco edged out San Diego to clinch a playoff spot. The 2011 season was another disappointment, with the Padres finishing last in their division. Still, attendance stayed relatively steady in spite of these setbacks, indicating that Padres fans remain loyal to their team.
Best Wines for San Diego Padres Fans
Given the Padres' California roots, what wine would you serve to a San Diego fan?
San Diego County is home to over 50 wineries. Because the Padres' name and mascot come straight from the earliest days of San Diego's recorded history, a truly local wine would be the logical choice for any San Diego fan. With so many wines and wineries to choose from, you can't go wrong.
San Pasqual Winery is San Diego's only downtown winery. Located in the Pacific Beach neighborhood, San Pasqual Winery buys grapes from San Diego County, Baja California and Lake County vineyards for use in its wines. San Pasqual Winery offers tastings daily in its La Mesa shop and tasting room and on Saturday afternoons at the Pacific Beach winery. Expect to pay about $20 for a bottle of Cabrillo 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon and $19 for a bottle of San Diego County 2010 Albariño. For a change of pace, try the Summer Vine Passion Fruit Wine ($15) – with or without habañero.
Bernardo Winery in upscale Rancho Bernardo is the oldest continuously-operating winery in southern California. Founded in 1889 by five partners from Sicily, Bernardo Winery lasted through Prohibition by producing sacramental wine. Owned by the Rizzo family since 1927, Bernardo Winery has gradually transformed itself into a wine lover's destination. Visitors will find artisan shops, a restaurant and bakery, wedding venue, jazz concerts on Sunday afternoons (December, January and February excepted) and more. Of course, you can still taste Bernardo Winery's wines when you visit. You'll pay $18 for a bottle of Bernardo Winery 2009 Sauvignon Blanc and $24 for a bottle of Bernardo Winery 2007 Merlot.
Orfila Vineyards and Winery in Escondido is owned by Ambassador Alejandro Orfila of Argentina, whose grandfather founded a winery in his native country. After retiring from diplomatic service, Ambassador Orfila purchased the former Thomas Jaeger Winery near the famed San Diego Wild Animal Park. Orfila Vineyards' wines have amassed an amazing number of awards – over 1,300 as of this writing. You can try Orfila wines at the Escondido and Julian tasting rooms. At the Escondido winery, you can enjoy concerts and tours as well. Expect to pay about $22 for a bottle of Orfila Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay and $25 for a bottle of Orfila Vineyards 2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Orfila Vineyards also makes rosé and sparkling wines.
Temecula's Falkner Winery, in northeastern San Diego County, produces award-winning wines. Falkner Winery 2009 Sauvignon Blanc won platinum at the Critics Challenge International Wine Competition in 2010, and the 2006 Syrah – Rock Creek Vineyard won platinum at that competition and "Best of Show – Red" at the 2012 Winemaker Challenge Competition. Falkner Winery's The Pinnacle Restaurant, an award-winning restaurant, offers visitors a very special dining experience. Visitors can also taste Falkner Winery wines and take wine appreciation classes and winery tours. Falkner Winery 2008 Syrah – Rock Creek Vineyard is now available for about $35 per bottle, and the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc costs about $19 per bottle.
