Sixty Years of Farming in North County

Long before San Diego's wine scene took off, the Broomell family was farming in Valley Center. For more than 60 years, Triple B Ranches has grown seasonal crops in North County San Diego, starting with citrus and later adding hay and wine grapes. Today several generations of the family live and work on the land. For anyone looking to buy San Diego wine online straight from a working family farm, Triple B Ranches is the real deal.

From Hay Barn to Winery

In 2008, the Broomells put their dream into action, converting an old hay barn into a temperature-controlled wine barn. Since then, Triple B has made estate wines from its own vineyards in Valley Center and Pauma Valley. Visitors enjoy tasting outdoors under the oak trees next to the vines, an experience one guest described as a country park and a winery rolled into one.

Grapes for a Mediterranean Climate

San Diego's warm days, cool nights and coastal influence resemble southern France and Spain, so Triple B grows grapes that love those conditions: Marsanne, Viognier, Vermentino, Chenin Blanc, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre, along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Triple B also supplies fruit to other respected local producers, and its mission is clear: promote local agriculture, support local businesses and keep farming alive in San Diego.

The Marsanne

Marsanne is a classic white grape of France's northern Rhône Valley, known for texture and richness rather than loud aromatics. Grown in Valley Center's sunshine, Triple B's Marsanne shows pear, honeydew, citrus peel, almond and honeysuckle with a rounded, mouth-filling texture. Marsanne is famous for evolving with bottle age, picking up deeper notes of honey, nuts and beeswax, and this vintage offers a fascinating look at how San Diego white wine develops over time.

Why Triple B Ranches Matters Today

Family farms like Triple B are the foundation of San Diego's food and wine culture. For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, this Marsanne is a chance to taste local, estate-grown wine from neighbors who have farmed the same land for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Where is Triple B Ranches?

In Valley Center, in North County San Diego.

2. Who owns Triple B Ranches?

The Broomell family, who have farmed in North County for more than 60 years.

3. When did they start making wine?

In 2008, after converting a hay barn into a wine barn.

4. What grapes do they grow?

Marsanne, Viognier, Vermentino, Chenin Blanc, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

5. What is Marsanne?

A white grape from France's northern Rhône Valley, known for rich texture and notes of pear, almond and honeysuckle.

6. What does Triple B Marsanne taste like?

Pear, honeydew, citrus peel, almond and honeysuckle, with the honeyed, nutty depth Marsanne gains as it ages.

7. Can Marsanne age?

Yes. Marsanne is known for aging well, developing honey, nut and beeswax notes over time.

8. Is San Diego a good place for Rhône grapes?

Yes. Its warm, Mediterranean climate suits Rhône varieties like Marsanne, Viognier, Grenache and Syrah.

9. Can I visit Triple B Ranches?

Yes. The winery offers outdoor tastings among the oaks next to the vineyard. Check their hours before visiting.

10. What food pairs with Marsanne?

• Seafood: Halibut, scallops, lobster with butter
  
• Poultry: Roast chicken, turkey
  
• Vegetables: Squash, roasted root vegetables, risotto
  
• Cheese: Gruyère, aged Gouda
  

11. Should I chill it?

Serve lightly chilled, around 50 to 55°F, so its texture and aromas show.

12. Does Triple B sell grapes to other wineries?

Yes. Triple B supplies fruit to other local producers in San Diego County.

13. Why buy local San Diego wine?

It supports family farms and lets you taste the unique character of our own region.

14. Where can I buy Triple B Ranches wine online?

You can buy it at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, champions of local, farm-grown and small-production wine, with shipping to California and select states.