CALIFORNIA GROWN
In the sun-drenched landscapes of San Diego, Blue Door Winery stands as a testament to the passion and perseverance of its founders, Mark Hashagen and his family. What began as a hobby between friends has blossomed into a thriving family business, deeply rooted in the community and dedicated to crafting exceptional French and Italian red wines.
"My best friend and I started the company. Now my wife and I run it," Mark shares, highlighting the winery's evolution from a shared dream into a family-owned labor of love. This journey from humble beginnings, fueled by a desire for a fulfilling hobby to a full-fledged winery, really captures the spirit of Blue Door Winery.
“I can show you over by the bar, but our label and name is my mum’s painting. We had it hanging at home, and she’d call me, she lives in South Texas, and she’d say, Mark, honey, the wine you’re making out there in California, can you send me a couple bottles with that Blue Door painting as the label? And we were like, bingo, done. So Blue Door Winery, it’s my mum’s painting, it’s of a door in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and in New Mexico is where I met my wife.” Mark shared with us.
At Blue Door Winery, the focus is on quality over quantity, with a specialization in red wines that Mark and his team love to drink themselves. "We focus on French and Italian reds. No white wine, no rosés," Mark states, emphasizing their choice to produce wines that reflect their personal tastes and the traditions of winemaking they admire and are drawn to.
Mark Hashagen's journey into winemaking began in 2006 with a simple goal: to find a fulfilling hobby. This quest led him to discover the joys of winemaking, from the early mornings in vineyards to the chemistry and craft involved in turning grapes into wine. "Everything that is coming out of these barrels is what I fermented, punched down, added nutrients to, pressed, crushed, and often picked the grapes myself," Mark proudly explains, underlining the hands-on approach that defines Blue Door Winery's winemaking philosophy.
Blue Door Winery offers two distinct experiences: the urban winery in San Diego and the charming satellite tasting room in Julian. Each location provides a unique backdrop for exploring Blue Door Winery's wines, from the industrial chic feel of their San Diego location to the rustic warmth of the tasting room in Julian.
“People come to Julian for the day, see the snow, get some pie, stay in a cabin, go out to the lake, all that sort of stuff. We have a satellite tasting room up in Julian where there's no production, so you won't see the barrels, you won’t see any of the stainless steel tanks, but you can certainly try our wines and drink Sangria." Mark says, inviting visitors to explore both facets of Blue Door Winery's world.
Visiting Blue Door Winery is not just about tasting wine; it's about experiencing the passion and dedication behind every bottle. Mark encourages visitors to engage with the winemaking process, from touring the barrel room to participating in barrel-tasting events. "For us, because we are small, I'm always available and always there. You can ask me anything, and I think customers love that," Mark emphasizes, highlighting the personal connection visitors can make with the winemaking process.
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