A Homegrown San Diego Story

Long before natural wine was trendy, Eric Van Drunen was making it in San Diego County. He founded Vinavanti Urban Winery in San Marcos in 2007, moved to Sorrento Valley and then Hillcrest, and in 2017 rebranded with his wife Clara as Charlie & Echo, a nod to their own nicknames. Their winery and tasting room now sit in the Miralani Makers' District just north of MCAS Miramar, surrounded by craft brewers, distillers and a sake brewery. For anyone who wants to buy San Diego wine with a genuine local story, this is one of the best places to start.

Local, Organically Grown Grapes

Charlie & Echo builds its wines from San Diego County grapes grown organically, celebrating a winemaking region that is often overlooked in favor of Napa or the Central Coast. Southern California's sun, coastal breezes and inland hills give fruit with ripeness and energy, and working locally keeps every bottle connected to the community it comes from.

Natural Wine, Done Simply

The winery's approach is classic natural winemaking: native fermentations, unoaked vinification with minimal processing, and no filtering. Much of the production is sparkling, especially pét-nat, but the lineup also includes reds, whites, rosés and dessert wines. Their experimental "Project X" series has explored everything from hopped wines to spritzers, proof that this is a winery with a sense of humor and curiosity.

"Two Tons": A Very San Diego Red

Two Tons brings together Nebbiolo, Syrah, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from San Diego County. Made unfiltered and with a light touch, it is fresh and juicy rather than heavy, with dark berries, bright red fruit and a lift of acidity that makes it easy to pair with dinner. It is the kind of red you can chill slightly on a warm evening.

Why Charlie & Echo Matters Today

Supporting small, local producers keeps San Diego's farms and creative food-and-drink scene alive. For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, Charlie & Echo is a chance to drink artisanal, natural wine made just up the road, by people who care about every step of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is Charlie & Echo known for?

Charlie & Echo is known for natural wines, especially sparkling pét-nats, made from San Diego County grapes at its urban winery in Miramar.

2. Who owns Charlie & Echo?

Husband-and-wife team Clara "Charlie" and Eric "Echo" Van Drunen.

3. Where is Charlie & Echo located?

In the Miralani Makers' District in San Diego's Miramar neighborhood.

4. Was Charlie & Echo always called that?

No. Eric founded the winery as Vinavanti Urban Winery in 2007 and rebranded it as Charlie & Echo in 2017.

5. What grapes are in "Two Tons"?

A blend of Nebbiolo, Syrah, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from San Diego County. Proportions can vary by vintage.

6. Is Charlie & Echo wine natural?

Yes. The winery focuses on natural fermentation, minimal processing and unfiltered wines from organically grown local grapes.

7. Should I chill "Two Tons"?

A light chill, around 55 to 60°F, brings out its freshness, especially in warm weather.

8. What food pairs with "Two Tons"?

• Casual: Pizza, tacos al pastor, burgers
  
• Grilled: Carne asada, sausages, grilled vegetables
  
• Pasta: Ragù, mushroom pasta
  
• Cheese: Aged cheddar, manchego
  

9. Is San Diego a real wine region?

Yes. San Diego County has a long wine history and a growing community of small producers working with local vineyards across the county.

10. What is pét-nat?

Pétillant naturel is a sparkling wine bottled before its first fermentation finishes, so the bubbles form naturally in the bottle. It is a specialty at Charlie & Echo.

11. Is "Two Tons" heavy?

No. It is a fresh, mid-weight red with bright acidity, closer to a juicy table wine than a big, oaky blend.

12. What is the Miralani Makers' District?

A cluster of small craft breweries, distilleries, a sake brewery and Charlie & Echo's winery in San Diego's Miramar area, popular for weekend tasting.

13. Are Charlie & Echo wines vegan?

Their wines are unfined and unfiltered, which typically means no animal-derived fining agents are used. Check each label for details.

14. Where can I buy Charlie & Echo wine online?

You can buy Charlie & Echo at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, which champions local, natural and small-production wine and ships to California and select states.