Food and Wine Made a Happy Pair at Uncorked Wine Festival at the Embarcadero Marina
Written By: Allie Moreno San Diego Gets Uncorked
On Saturday, April 2, San Diego’s coastline became home to some major wining and dining. Walking into the Uncorked Wine Festival at the Embarcadero Marina, guests were immediately greeted by a welcome wagon of food trucks. Local culinary favorites were present at Uncorked, including Cousins Maine Lobster and Devilicious, but we also saw some new faces like the Currywurst Truck and Marcel’s. The smell of hot dogs at the Doggos Gus stand wafted so high into the air, we almost forgot why we were here in the first place—Oh yeah, wine.
Once guests passed the gauntlet of food, tables lining the sidewalk reach as far as the eye can see—each one a different winery, ready to pour a generous sample. With tables spanning every 10 feet, guests were strategizing ways to pace themselves as they strolled along. There are pinots, chardonnays, moscatos—usually a couple options from each vendor. By 2 p.m., the lines are building up and most tables have a little bit of a wait.
Some of the wineries at Uncorked are local like Bernardo Winery featuring their signature Rosso di Bernardo, but many others feature imported wines from Spain and France. One of the perks of tasting at a wine festival is that there are some specialty, restaurant-only wines available like the selection from Virginia Dare, while others like Chateau St. Michelle or Beringer are widely distributed. There are options that appeal to everyone, whether a connoisseur or casual drinker.
In attendance, there are people of all ages (over 21, of course) and the atmosphere stayed fun and casual. People brought chairs and blankets to relax in the sun. Some of the vendors provided corn hole and other games while DJs spun popular tunes—it was all kind of like one big picnic. We ran into a daughter treating her mom for her birthday; Justine and Merrilyn were big fans of the rosés they had been trying, exclaiming, “Rosé all day!” Another wine festival goer, Nate, said the event is appealing because of the opportunity to try new things while also enjoying the perfect setting and weather that San Diego provides.
Among some of the other vendors are more than just wine distributors—Rekorderlig features a variety of ciders out of Sweden (their passion fruit cider was amazing). Deep Eddy Vodka mixed up some flavored cocktails. And for some non-alcoholic options, guests tasted Naked Pressed Juices and Diabolo French Sodas—mint lemonade being one of their biggest sellers.
Non-beverage retailers were happy to take part in the festival as well, many of whom were festival veterans. Samples of Choctal, single origin ice cream were a bit drippy from the heat but still delicious. Bad Pickle Tees, also present at the event, are popular for their food pun t-shirts, “Quinoa getta what what?” And “I’m all that and dim sum, ” to name a couple. If you’re down to support a cause, Malia Designs offers handmade bags and wallets made from recycled materials that support the fight against human trafficking.
Through the afternoon there’s a steady hum of corks popping, laughter and music. The backdrop of the Coronado Bridge and sail boats floating by isn’t one to complain about. It was an afternoon of merriment and clinking souvenir glasses—ending with what were most likely some much needed Uber and Lyft rides home.
For more information on Uncorked Wine Festivals, visit www.uncorkedwinefestivals.com
