VINOPOP Brings Brecon Estate to San Diego for an Unforgettable Tasting Experience
Review by Katherine Ely
For those who love wine but don’t always have the time to visit California’s renowned vineyards, VINOPOP is redefining the wine-tasting experience. Founded by Naushad Huda, VINOPOP brings the tasting room experience directly to you—curating intimate, engaging events that make wine tasting both approachable and enjoyable. This week I had the pleasure of attending their first event of 2025 in collaboration with Brecon Estate. The tasting was held at the Lionfish inside the Pendry Hotel in Downtown San Diego.
From the moment I arrived, the event felt both intimate and inviting. While I am someone who enjoys a glass of Pinot Grigio after a long day, I wouldn’t call myself a wine expert. However, that did not necessarily matter once I was greeted at the door with a welcoming smile from Huda, whose enthusiasm for wine making is refreshing and genuine. His goal is clear: to break the barriers of wine culture and create a space where learning and enjoyment go hand in hand.
What made this event particularly memorable was the presence of Brecon Estate’s winemaker, Alex Kemp, and tasting room manager, Frank Virga. I loved hearing the stories behind each wine directly from the people who crafted them.
Brecon Estate’s Intimate Tasting Menu Selection:
The tasting menu featured five carefully selected wines from Brecon Estate, beginning with a crisp and refreshing Albariño that paired wonderfully with the Pendry’s seafood menu. Next, we tasted the 2023 Rosé, which debuted a beautifully designed new bottle to elegantly complement the wine. Following the Rosé was the 2022 Forty-Two, a Red Rhône Blend that stole the show. It also happens to be Brecon Estate owner Damien Grindley’s favorite wine off the tasting menu, who considers it to be the future of Brecon.
The last two wines off the tasting menu have not been released to the public yet, and those at the event were some of the first to try it. The first was the 2022 Tannat, a bold and aromatic experience with hints of blueberry and black currant. The last wine poured was the 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which may have been my favorite of the night. This dry, full-bodied wine has subtle earthy notes and would pair nicely with a steak dinner, mashed potatoes, and sautéed mushrooms.
Each wine offered its own unique personality, and learning about their journey from grape to glass made each sip all the more meaningful. It wasn’t just about tasting the wine—it was about experiencing it.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of VINOPOP is its ability to recreate the vineyard experience in a setting that feels both elevated and welcoming. Huda’s mission—to "bring the tasting room out of the tasting room"—was fully realized in this event. Huda’s philosophy is simple yet profound: wine tasting should be both an experience and an education.
Following the event on Thursday, Brecon Estate plans to continue their tour around Southern California, stopping in Encinitas on Friday and Newport Beach on Saturday. VINOPOP is proving that you don’t have to travel to Napa or Paso Robles to enjoy an authentic and immersive wine experience. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or someone beginning to explore the world of wine, this truly is an experience worth raising a glass to.
I highly recommend seeking out VINOPOP’s next collaboration if you are looking for an evening of great company, unforgettable conversations, and, of course, exquisite wine.
To contact the writer for future opportunities please email Katherine Ely.
Disclosure: This review is based upon a hosted experience. No specific point of view was requested, and all statements are the authors.
