# Volcan Mountain Winery Is My Special Relaxation Retreat *By James Hills — Updated September 2020* By now, most of us have been hiding inside and stress is building up. While some of us are simply "done with" COVID, others are still being cautious. Heather and I fall into that later group but I've found a secret place about 90 minutes outside of downtown San Diego that is exactly what we needed for our mental health. We discovered Volcan Mountain last fall, before all this happened - but now, the winery has an even more special place in our hearts. While some of you might have suburban yards and neighborhoods where it is safe to walk around, Heather and I don't. In different times, our urban loft with the ability to walk to dozens of restaurants as well as breweries, wineries, distilleries, and even the ballpark was a dream. Today though it is literally a prison. Walking around on the sidewalks downtown simply isn't safe unless you want to throw caution to the wind. The same holds true for simply walking around our building since people refused to wear masks or respect other people's space. Going to most parks or the beaches in San Diego, likewise presents the same challenges. ### What First-Timers Get Wrong About Booking a Boutique Hotel in Tel Aviv First-timer guide to booking a boutique hotel in Tel Aviv for a guys trip - how to spot real boutique properties, pick the right neighborhood, and avoid the beachfront premium trap. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/8DFpYaoVxhfxMhrL_JduQA.2154) ### Guys Weekend Guide To Visiting Santa Maria California Here's what you should do on a guys wine weekend getaway in Santa Maria, California. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/8DFpYaoVxhfxMhrL_JduQA.1481) ### 7 Days Trip Discover Northern Thailand A 7 day guided journey through northern Thailand covering Chiangmai, Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son, Pai, Thaton and Chiangrai, ideal for culture lovers. 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You can enjoy sitting in their chairs and tables that they have set up --- or you can bring your own and just relax for a few hours. Other wineries that we've asked do not allow this and so we'd be limited to sitting where pre-designated space was available and generally speaking most picnic tables and outdoor chairs simply aren't great for relaxing in. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. 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I knew that the staff here included some of the nicest, most conscientious people you will ever meet ... but what about the guests. I've been here twice in the past three weeks and it felt almost like a private club. People were friendly, all guests were wearing masks in line and respecting others' space, and everyone was friendly.  Volcan Mountain Winery's staff was also diligent about cleaning tables and chairs as well as recovering used glasses and empty wine bottles from the return area. While the bright Southern California sun does a great job at killing anything exposed to direct sunlight, it was extremely impressive how busy the person was as she walked around and making sure that any vacant seat or table was sanitized almost immediately. So, I encourage you to check them out as well. I have not had a [glass of wine](https://www.volcanmountainwinery.com/our-wines) here that I didn't like and the same can be said for their sister property - [Hart Winery](https://vinhart.com/) in Temecula, California. However, my favorite here for enjoying out under the sun is hands down their Grenache Rose. It is absolutely the perfect wine to enjoy in the hot sun and they even provide a chilling cuff to place around it so it stays cool while you enjoy it. Following that is their lightly oaked Chardonnay, followed by Dolcezza their Estate Grown Apple Wine. Their reds are also very good too and I enjoy them at home ... but can be a bit heavy when enjoying outdoors. It truly can't be overstated how important it is right now for you to find a place like this. Mental health will ultimately what helps keep us strong through this journey. Finding a place that you can go and relax, take your mask off without fear of who might walk by, and being able to enjoy some wine with someone special is our secret to staying mentally stable right now. If you'd like to join me, please do --- but stay at least six feet away! Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/JVzzDN1DfAnKSdV4tgyM2w.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Published: 13 July 2020 Last Updated: 15 September 2020 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? 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