As March begins and Daylight Savings Time approaches LCOC is encouraging members,, family and friends to hit the road for some special winery events serving different parts of our Western Region.
On Saturday March 29 the San Diego Automotive Museum will sponsor the museum’s 2025 Shifting Gears Rally benefitting the museum and the IGNITE Academy. This is a win-win activity—having fun and ensuring continuation of our wonderful collector car hobby. Whether you drive your classic or a daily driver, rev up your engines LCOC!
Then on Saturday April 5 starting at 11:30 a.m. our own Scott Balanda has arranged a stellar wine tasting event and lunch at the beautiful Mystic Hills Vineyard, 79550 Watkins Lane, San Miguel, CA. Mystic Hills is located in the scenic Paso Robles wine producing region of central California. This small family-owned winery offers white and blush wines and is renowned for its red wine varietals and blends. Their wine quality, hospitality and friendliness have been cited in numerous 5 star tasting reviews and LCOC will expect no less.
After the host’s wonderful introduction to the property, tasting will take place outside on the patio overlooking the vineyard. Mystic HIlls has been named Monterey County Winery of the Year and San Luis Obispo County Winery of the Year.
This tasting also will include a pre-arranged box lunch featuring a delicious vegan, deli or gluten free sandwich, side dish choice of broccoli, coleslaw, fruit cup, macaroni, pasta salad, potato salad, quinoa or side green, plus potato chip bag, and a gourmet dessert cookie, water and soft drinks.
In a nostalgic throwback to the free tastings of earlier days of California’s nascent wine industry, the entire event including lunch will be just $30 per person paid directly to Scott. Contact him by March 15 at scott.balanda@gmail.com to reserve your space and lunch selection. We are limited to the first 30 visitors to sign up so you won’t want to delay your reservation. There is ample parking if you choose to arrive in your classic Lincoln; however, all makes, models and years of vehicles are welcome.
The Mystic HIlls outing is planned as a day trip, but should you wish to arrive early or spend the weekend in the area, Atascadero offers the most reasonable accommodations.
Shifting Gears Rally
The Shifting Gears Rally is a scenic drive and poker run through beautiful San Diego wine country, starting at IGNITE Academy, 8630 Argent St., Santee, and ending about 38 miles later with a car show at Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum, 29013 Champagne Blvd, Escondido, CA 92026. Along the way, you’ll participate in a fun-filled poker run, where the best hand wins an exciting prize. The adventure culminates at Deer Park, featuring a vibrant car show, delicious food, and vendors.
Can’t join for the entire day? Come to the Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum at 11 am for the afternoon festivities.
The auto museum at the winery will be open and wine tasting options available. Attendees’ cars will be judged at their own mini car show.
Proceeds from the Rally directly support the Museum and its programming, including IGNITE Academy, an innovative education program that equips underserved San Diego youth with technical skills, mentoring, and pathways to career success in the automotive industry and beyond.
Cick here to register for the 2025 Shifting Gears Rally – Presented by Wilsey Asset Management! Registration: $75 per car (includes 1 driver and 1 passenger)
Event Highlights:
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 7:30 am – 3 pm
Starting Location: IGNITE Academy – Santee Campus
Ending Location: Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum
Activities: Scenic rally, poker run, car show, raffle, food vendors
You must be logged in to post a comment.