Nestled in the hills of the San Pasqual Valley in Escondido, you’ll find the Cordiano Winery, a family-owned and operated vineyard that takes pride in the craftsmanship of good wine and of the labor practiced for ages in the old country. The winery is a lifelong dream realized; a reflection of the love and passion of its proprietors, Gerardo and Rosa Cordiano.
Gerardo & Rosa moved their family to San Diego in 1991 and opened their first Italian restaurant, Leonardo’s in Rancho Bernardo. With family recipes making up the menu and gracious hospitality, the business flourished, and several more restaurants opened in the San Diego area, including Bell’ Agio in Tierrasanta and Trattoria Paradiso in Poway.
All the while, Gerardo never forgot his first love, winemaking. As a youth in southern Italy, he spent time working the vineyards promising himself that one day, he would return to that tranquility and make his own wine to enjoy with family and friends.
In 2002, Gerardo fulfilled that promise and produced his first wines. He dedicated the wine to his wife Rosa, calling it Primo Amore, which means ‘first love’ in Italian. The name also signifies his life-long passion for winemaking.
The Cordiano family continues to embody this passion and dedication in operating the winery today. Their children, Frank, Joe and Jennifer, are actively involved in the business and plan to keep it in the family for generations to come.
While the winery offers spectacular views, impressive wines, and incredible hospitality, the memories that are created here are the most treasured.
The Cordiano Winery is about enjoying life to its fullest and sharing that experience with friends, both new and old.
