the winery
We’re an urban winery in San Diego producing natural and craft wine,
mostly sparkling, from local vineyards.
We’re small, independent, innovative, and care about everything we make.
urban
We’re a fully functioning winery – just located in the city instead of the country.
natural
We make a lot of wines using only natural, native yeast, and as little processing as possible to preserve the wine’s natural character, without any chemical “corrections”. Farming methods range from low input to certified organic.
craft
In addition to our natural wines, we make a lot of experimental creations – like vermouths, sangrias, sours, and “cocktails” – along with hybrid collaborations with local beer, cider, sake, and mead producers.
sparkling
We love making sparkling wines that are delicious and unlike traditional Champagne or Prosecco.
local
We source from vineyards in San Diego County – the oldest and newest wine region in California. We love making wine from the area in which we live.
the people
Yes, there are a Charlie and an Echo.
charlie
Charlie has traveled the world.
Bargained in exotic bazaars.
Been inked by an octopus.
Stared down machine gun yielding militias.
Eaten boa constrictor.
She's the most interesting woman in the world.
Clara Van Drunen
Funny part is, that's all true.
echo
Echo is a physics grad school drop out.
He used to study charmonium.
He used to be smart.
Now he makes wine.
Eric Van Drunen
Again, that's all true. Just not nearly as interesting.
the environment
Hey, we all live here.
We’re happy to be a member of 1% for the Planet, and give 1% of our sales back to the environment — whether or not we are profitable.
Every bottle and can of wine we produce, before it is ever sold, is climate neutral.
Every monthly purchase of one bottle or four-pack of cans has the same positive impact on our climate as a mature tree.
How?
We start by minimizing the carbon footprint of our winery, through the use of lighter weight glass bottles and cans, along with other efforts. For what footprint remains, we donate to the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) for the purchase of U.S. Carbon Offsets, so that all of our wine is carbon neutral before it is ever sold.
Then with every sale of wine, we donate an additional amount to BEF for Forest Management Carbon Offsets, creating a net positive impact on our climate. The amount equals the carbon sequestering effect of a mature tree for every monthly purchase of one bottle or four pack of cans.
In addition to our global environmental efforts, we’ve partnered with I Love A Clean San Diego because, well, we love a clean San Diego – but they also do a lot more.
Check them out.
the social media
Links to our social media to keep up on the latest are below. We love reviews, but prefer getting reviews on Google if you’re going to pick one.
the news
Some media coverage of our efforts.
West Coaster
Twenty to Watch in 2020 More...
The Grapevine
Winemakers & Brewers Collaborate on Hopped Up Wines and Sour Beer More...
San Diego Reader
The character driven wines of Charlie & Echo More...
Forbes
5 Sparkling Red American Wines Ideal For Tonight’s Dinner More...
Dallas Wine Chick
San Diego’s Wine Region: Overcoming My Own Misperceptions More...
About Town
RIPE FOR HARVEST. Wine down, urban style. More...
SD Voyager
Meet Eric Van Drunen of Charlie & Echo in Miramar More...
Edible San Diego
Charlie & Echo More...
Grape-Nutz
Southern California Wine Tour More...
Pacific Magazine
Miralani Makers District is all about the craft More...
the assets
Images below are intended for use solely by the media, retailers and partners in connection with Charlie & Echo. All content is the property of Charlie & Echo and copyright 2017-2020. Any use must credit Charlie & Echo. High resolution versions may be downloaded from each image.
