A New Wine Bar in San Diego

A Winemaker & Sommelier Join Forces to Open a Wine Bar

THIS IS HOW IT ALL STARTED.

In early 2021, Josh Neimeyer, a local San Diego small wine business owner, Sommelier and wine educator produced a private wine tasting event for Mike Varga. Mike is a winemaker who owns a vineyard in Yamhill, Oregon. Mike grows Pinot Noir and sells 99% of his grapes to other Pinot Noir houses in Oregon but keeps one percent of his crop to make wine for his own label Varga Vineyards. After Josh put together a wine tasting and education session for Mike and his friends, Mike told Josh about his plans to open a wine bar in The Headquarters at Seaport Village. After a few conversations between Mike and Josh, they became business partners. From there, the concept for Vinicola Varga Tasting Room & Wine Bar was born. Fast forward to May 2022, and Vinicola Varga is just weeks from opening day.

Vinicola Varga Tasting Room & Wine Bar is focused on shining a spotlight on small family, boutique and garagiste wine producers from California, Baja California, France and Italy. Mike and Josh have an affinity for the small producers and feel they are making some of the best wine in their perspective regions. Small wine producers go to great lengths and costs to create unique, high-quality wines that express the place the grapes are grown. Mike and Josh want to convey to their customers the passion that these small family producers put into the bottle. Barring a few exceptions, you won't find any mass-produced labels at Vinicola Varga. If you like a wine or are only familiar with the names and reputations of larger producers, Mike and Josh will be able to show you several high-quality options that are sure to please.

Vinicola Varga will be an unpretentious and welcoming atmosphere with rustic Baja California flare and modern touches. All levels of wine knowledge are welcome at Vinicola Varga. Mike and Josh believe in taking the pretense out of wine by leading customers to a wine that will create memories, give them a moment to slow down and enjoy the people they are with.

Follow Vinicola Varga Tasting Room & Wine Bar on Instagram: @vinicola_varga_wine_bar for details on the Grand Opening.

Vinicola Varga Tasting Room & Wine Bar is in The Headquarters at Seaport Village - 789 W. Harbor Drive #122 San Diego, California 92101