San Diego is known for the amazing year round weather, beautiful beaches, Balboa Park, and its world-class Zoo, but did you know about their emerging craft beverage scene? I moved to San Diego about a year ago and discovered that just north of Downtown San Diego is a unique craft beverage hotspot.

The "cool streets" of Hillcrest and North Park have amazing microbreweries and have built quite the reputation. Fruitcraft is one of the newest additions to this hipster neighborhood and it is not your average tasting room. I have had my share of beer flights and wine tastings, but this was the first time I was having a fruit wine flight. Most breweries ferment grains and most wineries ferment grapes, but FruitCraft decided to do something different and ferment every other fruit! 

I was pretty excited to see what the menu entailed and my fruit wine flight did not disappoint. The tasting came with seven different flavors: Pineapple, Pomegranate, Pineapple + Mango Blend, Pomegranate + Cherry Blend, Cranberry, Mango, and Pumpkin Spice. I enjoyed all the flavors, but my favorites were the Pineapple and Pomegranate. The Pomegranate was very refreshing and I simply love the aroma of the Pineapple.

This is the current menu, but it will continue to evolve and expand. FruitCraft will be working on a small batch system where they will use their local farmer's markets leftover fruits, so there will always be something new and exciting to try every week. 

The fun doesn't stop there. FruitCraft also serves up delicious craft cocktails. I tried the Mango Strawberry Mojito and Cranberry Cosmo. The presentation was so summery and the flavors were addicting. I had to keep reminding myself that there is alcohol in these drinks and to take my time.

If you are hungry, FruitCraft offers some tasty bites to go along with your drinks. I ordered the Patatas Bravas and the Rustico Flat Bread. Both dishes were packed with flavor and the portions were just right. If you want something a little bit lighter and healthier, they offer some delightful salad options as well.

So who are the creative minds and entrepreneurs behind this new and exciting tasting room? FruitCraft was launched by twin brothers, Alan and Brian Haghighi, who started their passion in crafting beverages back in 2009.

This all started about eight years ago from their glorified workshop right in their father's backyard. They didn't have a whole lot of money, but that didn't stop them. People who have a passion will always find a way to keep pursuing their goals and that is exactly what they have done. From a farmer's market, to a small space in Vista, to Carlsbad and now a stunning space in Hillcrest.  

FruitCraft is having their Grand Opening Celebration on the weekend of June 23rd and you don't want to miss it! Join them in their celebration by RSVP'ing here and get 10% off during the festivities.

FRUITCRAFTADDRESS: 1477 UNIVERSITY AVE., SAN DIEGO, CA 92103HOURS: WED & THUR 3PM-10PM | FRI 3PM-11PM | SAT NOON-11PM | SUN 11AM-7PM

https://www.thetravelpockets.com/new-blog/fruitcraft-sandiego