After nine years of making wine on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach, urban winery Gianni Buonomo Vintners is pulling up stakes on July 31.

It’s a bittersweet move for owner/winemaker and OB resident Keith Rolle (above). “It took a couple of years for people to realize that world-class wine could be made in our little neighborhood. Since then, the Peninsula community has embraced us as their own. We’re eternally grateful for their tremendous support and are sad to leave OB.”

Over the years the winery has become more of a social hub than just a place to enjoy a great glass of wine. It has played host to special events for the Point Loma Music Boosters, Ocean Beach Woman’s Club, Naval Submarine League, and Point Loma Optimists as well as numerous private parties and fundraisers.

“It’s a major loss for our OB community,” said Heide Macbeth, a longtime Ocean Beach resident and wine club member. “Having this great winery here really helped to bring the whole community together.”

Rolle cites simple economics as the reason for the move. “The landlord is raising rent a whopping 20%. Paying that kind of money to stay on Newport Avenue just doesn’t pencil out for a small, community winery like ours. We love OB, but we have to move on.”

Fortunately, they are not moving far. The winery is relocating just three miles away in the shadow of the San Diego Sports Arena. Located at the corner of Hancock and Pickett streets, the new winery will feature a 40-foot tasting bar, a lounge area, a warehouse for case goods and barrel storage, and a large parking lot for 18 vehicles. Access from both Interstate 8 and 5 makes travel to the new winery easier than to their beach location.

The grand opening party for the new Gianni Buonomo Vintners is slated for Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3492 Pickett St.

Voted Best San Diego Winery for seven consecutive years, Gianni Buonomo Vintners sources grapes from the Sierra Foothills in California and from Washington state. The award-winning wines are produced and served onsite in Ocean Beach.