San Juan Capistrano’s historic downtown will be buzzing — and slightly buzzed — with new energy this fall as it introduces the Vintage Wine Walk, a culinary stroll designed to get people to check out the area’s restaurant scene.
The inaugural event will kick off at Rancho Capistrano Winery on Saturday, Oct. 4. Guests will receive a souvenir glass, a map and tasting tickets, setting the state for a self-guided journey through the town.
The idea for the event came from Benjamin Medina, San Juan Capistrano’s director of events, who was inspired by a similar wine walk in Big Bear. Medina saw an opportunity to create a fresh experience while bringing back the spirit of Vintage Food & Wine Festival, which used to be held at the Mission until it ceased during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is kind of my way to segue back into the tradition of the Vintage,” explained Medina. “Restaurants have been looking for a way to showcase their food and we have a lot of new talent that’s come to town” in recent years.
The walk encourages a “choose your own adventure” approach, allowing guests to explore at their own pace and discover both established favorites and new culinary spots.
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Participating eateries include Tavern at the Mission, El Adobe, Capo Leisure House, Rancho Capistrano Winery, Finca, Sundried Tomato, the Station, Rosewood Social, Hennessey Tavern, the Inn at the Mission/Ysidora, Blanca’s Latin Kitchen, Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria and more to come.
After sampling wines galore and small bites at sundry locations, the walk will conclude with live entertainment at River Street Marketplace. The hope, according to Medina, is that by then, attendees will be famished and ready to stay for dinner, providing a boost to the local dining scene.
For organizers, the event also serves a larger purpose. Kyle Franson, San Juan Capistrano’s chair of the board and co-owner of Rancho Capistrano Winery, believes the walk is a choice way to “celebrate and recognize” the city’s (debated) history as the birthplace of California wine.
Franson also hopes the event will continue in other parts of the city. “I would love to find a way to expand the event to other parts of San Juan, in addition to the downtown district,” he said. “We have businesses on the other side of the freeway that I think could also use some love.”
Also of note: Vintage Wine Walk happens steps from the San Juan Capistrano train station platform, should you want to imbibe with abandon.
Cost: $50 per person; $20 for food-only experience
When: 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4
Find it: Check-in at Rancho Capistrano Winery, 26755 Verdugo St, San Juan Capistrano