In 2008, a group of wine enthusiasts in La Jolla came together with a simple idea: make wine among friends. What began as a casual hobby soon evolved into something far more meaningful. Guided by their longtime leader, Rob Hixson, the group—made up of professionals, neighbors, and friends from diverse backgrounds—formed a cooperative winery built on shared work, learning, and camaraderie.

In 2013, the cooperative took a major step forward by leasing a secluded vineyard in North San Diego County. Planted with Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Petite Sirah grapes, the vineyard became the heart of the project and the foundation of the wines they would produce together.

What set La Jolla Winery apart was its hands-on approach. Members participated in every stage of the vineyard’s lifecycle, from pruning and fertilizing to harvest. Vineyard workdays often ended beneath a pepper tree, where members gathered for potluck lunches and shared bottles from previous vintages. The wine carried a deeper meaning because everyone had contributed to its creation.

After harvest, the grapes were brought to Bernardo Winery, one of California’s oldest continuously operating wineries. There, owner Ross Rizzo helped guide the cooperative through fermentation, aging, and bottling, transforming their hard work into finished wines.

Over the years, the winery developed a portfolio that included Nautilus, Sangiovese, Castellana, Petite Sirah, and Rosé. Though never produced for commercial sale, the wines earned impressive recognition at competitions including the California State Fair, San Diego County Fair, and Orange County Fair. Highlights included Double Gold awards, Best Rosé in San Diego, and, in 2016, the prestigious title of Best Wine in the Fair.

Despite the accolades, the cooperative remained focused on what mattered most: friendship, participation, and the shared satisfaction of creating something together. For its members, each bottle represents not only wine, but years of memories, dedication, and community.