The Journal
From the Hill Top.
Argentine fire-cooking, North County San Diego wine country, live music at sunset, and vineyard weddings. Written by our editors, for people who love good wine, good food, and good company.
Latest stories
Chardonnay Without the Baggage: A Fresh Look
Chardonnay can be polarizing, but its diverse styles offer something for everyone. Discover what makes it special.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min read
Viognier and Pinot Gris: Two Whites Worth Knowing
Explore Viognier and Pinot Gris at Hill Top Winery, two aromatic white wine varietals crafted locally, and discover their perfect food pairings.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
What Makes a Red Blend Work: The Art Behind Hill Top Winery's Ranch House Red
Discover the art of red blend wines and how Hill Top Winery's Ranch House Red embodies balance and complexity in every sip.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
Tempranillo and Sangiovese: The Underrated Reds Worth Trying
Dive into the world of Tempranillo and Sangiovese, two underrated red wines made in Valley Center, and discover the unique qualities that make them stand out.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
Ribeye or Skirt Steak: Which to Order and Why
Deciding between ribeye and skirt steak at Hill Top Winery's Argentine asado is about flavor, texture, and how each cut complements the art of live-fire cooking.
By Marisol Vega · 6 min
Rosé After Summer: Why It Is a Year-Round Wine
Rosé isn't just for summer—learn why this versatile wine thrives in every season.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
Chimichurri vs Salsa Criolla: What Goes on What
Discover the differences between chimichurri and salsa criolla, two Argentine sauces that bring unique flavors to the table. Learn how each complements the live-fire dishes at Hill Top Winery's asado.
By Marisol Vega · 6 min
Birthday Dinner Ideas in North County San Diego
Discover the perfect setting for a birthday dinner in North County San Diego at Hill Top Winery, where Argentine cuisine and live music create an unforgettable celebration.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Empanada Fillings Explained: How to Order Like You Know
Discover the delicious world of Argentine empanadas at Hill Top Winery. Learn about the unique fillings like chorizo, veggie, salteña, and mendocina to order like a pro.
By Marisol Vega · 6 min
Planning the Perfect Group Outing in San Diego Wine Country
Discover how to plan a memorable group outing in San Diego wine country, with dining, tours, and live music at Hill Top Winery.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Celebrate Your Bachelorette Party in San Diego Wine Country
From wine tastings to live music, discover how to create an unforgettable bachelorette party in San Diego's wine country.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Corporate Retreat Ideas in North County San Diego
Discover why Hill Top Winery in North County San Diego is an ideal venue for your next corporate retreat or team offsite.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
What to Ask on a Winery Tour to Actually Learn Something
Discover five essential questions to ask on a winery tour to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the winemaking process.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
What a Winemaker Actually Does All Year at Hill Top Winery
Dive into the life of a winemaker with Steve Michaliszyn at Hill Top Winery, where the art of winemaking is a year-round pursuit.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
Bottle a Month or Quarterly Case: Choosing a Wine Club Tier
Explore Hill Top Winery's wine club tiers to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and wine preferences.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
What Changed at Hill Top Winery This Year
Discover what's new at Hill Top Winery: meet Chef Pablo Ranea, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy expanded live music.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
What Actually Happens on a Winery Tour
Explore what to expect on a winery tour, from vineyard insights to wine tasting tips, at Hill Top Winery in Valley Center.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
From Barrel to Glass: How a Small Winery Really Works
Discover the winemaking process at Hill Top Winery, where guests can see how wine goes from grape to glass.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
How to Store Wine in a Warm Climate Without a Cellar
Learn how to store wine without a cellar in warm climates, ensuring your bottles maintain their quality and flavor.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
Top Questions to Ask Before Booking a Private Event Venue
Plan your next event smoothly by knowing what questions to ask when booking a private event venue. Get insider tips for a seamless experience.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
How Live Music Enhances Dining at Hill Top Winery
Explore how Hill Top Winery elevates dinner with live music. Experience Argentine cuisine and award-winning wines in the heart of North County San Diego.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Vegetarian at an Asado: What to Eat When the Menu Is Built on Fire
Explore the vibrant vegetarian options at Hill Top Winery's Argentine asado. From provoleta to charred vegetables, enjoy a meatless culinary experience.
By Marisol Vega · 6 min
Is Argentine Food Spicy? And Other Questions People Actually Ask
Discover the subtle flavors of Argentine cuisine. Is Argentine food spicy? Get answers to this and other common questions about this rich culinary tradition.
By Marisol Vega · 6 min
Wine and Altitude: How Hilltop Vineyards Shape Flavor
Learn how the unique features of Hill Top Winery's hillside vineyard in Valley Center influence the flavors of their award-winning wines.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
How to Read a Wine Award: What Double Gold Actually Means
Explore the world of wine awards and discover what a Double Gold medal signifies for wines at Hill Top Winery.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
How Much Wine Should You Buy at a Winery? A Practical Guide for Visitors
Discover how much wine to buy during your winery visit, with practical tips on storage and drinking windows.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
What to Order at an Argentine Restaurant if You Have Never Been
New to Argentine cuisine? Learn which dishes to order at an Argentine restaurant, from savory empanadas to sweet dulce de leche.
By Marisol Vega · 6 min
Ring in the New Year with a Relaxing Escape to San Diego Wine Country
Escape the bustling city and celebrate New Year's Eve in San Diego's tranquil wine country. Explore Hill Top Winery for a serene alternative.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Christmas in San Diego: Winter Plans That Do Not Need Snow
Explore how to enjoy a snow-free Christmas in San Diego with vibrant holiday events, wine tastings, and local attractions.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
A Holiday Table Built Around Fire and Red Wine
Explore holiday dinner ideas inspired by Argentine asado and Valley Center wines for a festive and flavorful celebration.
By Marisol Vega · 6 min
Wine Gifts for People Who Actually Like Wine
Explore wine gifts that go beyond the ordinary and truly impress the wine enthusiasts in your life.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
Where to Host a Holiday Party in North County San Diego
For a memorable holiday party venue in North County San Diego, Hill Top Winery offers a unique setting with its vineyard views, Argentine cuisine, and award-winning wines.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Company Holiday Party Ideas That Are Not a Hotel Ballroom
Discover unique company holiday party ideas that go beyond hotel ballrooms, including Hill Top Winery in North County San Diego.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
How to Buy Wine for a Crowd Without Overthinking It
Learn how much wine to buy for a party, which styles suit a mixed crowd, and how to simplify your wine choices.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
Argentine Sides That Will Steal Your Thanksgiving Table
Add Argentine flair to your Thanksgiving feast with vibrant chimichurri and zesty salsa criolla, perfect as standout side dishes.
By Marisol Vega · 6 min
Celebrate Friendsgiving in San Diego Wine Country
Celebrate Friendsgiving in style at Hill Top Winery in North County San Diego, offering private events and group dining with a view.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
What Wine to Serve at Thanksgiving: A No Stress Guide
Navigate your Thanksgiving wine pairings with ease using our guide, featuring versatile California and Argentine wines from Hill Top Winery.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
Thanksgiving in San Diego: Non-Traditional Feasts in North County
Skip the home cooking and explore unique Thanksgiving dining options in San Diego's North County, featuring Hill Top Winery's Argentine-inspired feast.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Can You Grow Good Wine Grapes in San Diego County? The Honest Answer
Explore why San Diego County's climate and terrain are perfect for growing wine grapes, and which varietals thrive here.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
Rainy Day Plans in San Diego That Are Actually Good
Rainy days in San Diego can be a surprise, but they don't have to ruin your plans. Explore indoor activities, from museums to winery visits, that make the most of a rare rainy day.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Where to Watch the Sunset in North County San Diego
While the coast draws sunset seekers, Hill Top Winery offers a unique inland experience with stunning valley views.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
A Weekend Itinerary for San Diego Wine Country
Discover a perfect two-day itinerary in San Diego wine country with vineyard tours, live music, and Argentine cuisine at Hill Top Winery.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Where to Take Out of Town Guests in San Diego: A Memorable Wine Country Experience
Discover Hill Top Winery in North County San Diego for a unique, memorable experience when showing guests around.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
San Diego Wine Country vs Temecula: How to Choose Your Day Out
Explore the unique charm of San Diego wine country and Temecula to decide your ideal vineyard day out, from drive times to atmosphere.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
Top Things to Do in North County San Diego This Weekend
Discover a range of activities in North County San Diego this weekend. Explore vineyards, enjoy live music, and more.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
12 Things to Do in San Diego That Are Not the Beach
Discover 12 non-beach activities in San Diego, including wine tasting, hiking, and live music, to explore the region beyond its famous shores.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Valley Center: A Perfect Day Trip from San Diego
Explore Valley Center, a serene day trip from San Diego, offering vineyards, live music, and breathtaking views in just under an hour's drive.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
How to Plan a Group Trip to Wine Country Without the Chaos
Discover essential tips for planning a smooth group wine tasting trip to North County San Diego, including transportation, reservations, and more.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Golf and Wine: Building a Full Day in North County San Diego
Discover how to spend an ideal day in North County San Diego by pairing a round of golf with an evening at Hill Top Winery.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Visiting a Winery for the First Time: What Actually Happens
Discover what to expect on your first winery visit, from what to order to how long to stay. Make the most of Hill Top Winery in Valley Center.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Acoustic Sets at Sunset: The Case for Small Live Music Venues
Experience the magic of acoustic music in San Diego at Hill Top Winery, where intimate live performances create unforgettable moments.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Planning a Friday Night Out in North County San Diego
Discover how to make the most of your Friday night in North County San Diego, from dining at Hill Top Winery to exploring nearby attractions.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Accessibility at Hill Top Winery: A Guide for Visitors
Hill Top Winery provides wheelchair accessibility across its parking, entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Friday Night Live Music in San Diego Wine Country: A New Way to Start the Weekend
Experience the perfect weekend kickoff with live music at Hill Top Winery in San Diego’s wine country. Enjoy stunning views, award-winning wines, and Argentine cuisine.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Where to Hear Live Music Outdoors in San Diego County
Discover San Diego County's vibrant outdoor live music scene, including vineyard patios and seaside stages for unforgettable performances.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Wine and Live Music: Why the Two Belong Together
Discover why wine and live music create the perfect duo at Hill Top Winery, where acoustic tunes enhance the tasting experience.
By Sofia Marenco · 6 min
Hiking Near Valley Center: Trails, Then a Table
Discover the best hiking trails near Valley Center, then savor Argentine cuisine and award-winning wines at Hill Top Winery.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
Discovering Valley Center: An Inland Day Trip for Families Staying in Carlsbad
Venture inland from Carlsbad to explore Valley Center's attractions, including a family-friendly visit to Hill Top Winery's scenic vineyard.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
A Day Trip to Palomar Mountain, and Where to Eat on the Way Down
Explore the beauty of Palomar Mountain and enjoy a meal at Hill Top Winery on your way back. Discover how to make the most of your day trip.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
How to Plan a Slow Sunday in San Diego Wine Country
Plan a slow Sunday in San Diego wine country with brunch at Hill Top Winery, a stroll through the vineyards, and a glass of award-winning wine.
By Theo Hart · 6 min
In the News
“Their wedding at Hilltop Winery was small and lovely, but full of so many good things and moments.”
Lisa & Jeremy's Hilltop Winery Wedding, Valley Center · Taryn Holland →Valley Center Roadrunner“We are letting the land and the grapes speak for itself.”
Hilltop Winery celebrates opening of tasting room · Valley Center Roadrunner →Valley Center Roadrunner“Our barrels come from a family in France that has been making barrels from trees grown on their property for five generations.”
Hill Top Winery celebrates 10 years · Lauren Mahan →Valley Center Roadrunner“Hill Top Winery planted its first grapes in 2006.”
Mike Schimpf of Hill Top Ranch · Lauren Mahan →Award and competition results as reported by the Valley Center Roadrunner.