Nestled in the northern Escondido, California, hills, this special place is worth a stop. Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum combines a small family winery and tasting room with what’s often described as a world-class collection of convertible cars.
Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum is located near Old Highway 395 at 29013 Champagne Boulevard in Escondido. The venue is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday through Monday.
How it began
Robert Knapp started his winery in 1979. His collection of convertibles soon began to fill what is now contained within three very large buildings. Knapp was a real estate millionaire and loved to collect convertibles, antique radios, typewriters, kitchen appliances, televisions, neon signs, and more.
What you’ll see
Deer Park sits on roughly 15 acres of vineyards, orchards, and picnic lawns. The massive auto displays occupy three large buildings. They are best known for the collection of American convertibles from the mid-20th century.
More than 100 vehicles are displayed across multiple buildings. But that’s not all. You’ll also see kitschy collections from the past: neon signs, mid-century household items, and other memorabilia.
The winery produces small-batch estate wines and runs weekend tastings. It also has a marketplace where you can buy bottles, charcuterie-style snacks, and seasonal items.
What travelers mention
Visitors report that the car collection is genuinely impressive and often the highlight of a Southern California road trip. Opinions about the wine and maintenance of some displays vary.
If wine is your primary reason for your stop, consider calling ahead about current tastings. If cars and a pleasant picnic are your goal, you’re likely to be very pleased.
Practical tips
The museum posts current hours, admission, and tasting info on its official site. You can also call before arriving if you have questions (760-749-1666).
Typical public hours and ticket prices are available through the Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum site and local museum listings. Currently, general admission tickets are $14, and military and 60+ seniors are $12. Children 9 and under are free.
Tips for your visit
• Call the museum’s phone listed on their site to confirm RV parking or event closures (760-749-1666).
• The museum is easy to reach from I-15 and sits close to the Lawrence Welk Resort area of Escondido. If you’re touring north San Diego County, add the winery/museum to your itinerary.
• On-site parking exists for cars. If you’re driving a large motorhome or towing a long trailer, call ahead to confirm where to park.
• Allow 60–120 minutes to wander the cars, museum rooms, and patio.
• Bring a folding chair and a small cooler if you plan to picnic on the grounds. You may also want to bring a jacket if you plan to stay after sunset. The shady oak lawns are one of the nicest parts of the visit.
• If you’re mapping an afternoon, pair Deer Park with a tasting at neighboring vineyards or a stroll around old-town Escondido.
You should go!
For RVers who appreciate picturesque detours off the interstate, Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum is exactly the sort of quirky, photo-friendly stop to visit. Still need convincing? Check out the video below.
Have you visited Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum? Share your thoughts using the comments below.
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RVT1251
Thank you for the information, Gail! Perhaps one day we will take the RV to California, should DW strongly lobby for such a trip. I can think of a few alternate locations I’d rather pilot our RV and towed vehicle. Have a great day and safe travels!