San Juan Capistrano, the Next Napa?

A new wine-tasting room is coming to town, after a vineyard set up a remote mini-vineyard and tasting room of its own recently.

With new demonstration vines planned as part of the  at the city-owned next to , perhaps San Juan Capistrano will become as well known as for wine as it is for swallows, cowboys and historical buildings.

According to Ron Tamez, owner of Hamilton Oaks Vineyard and Winery – which is in the process of moving into the – the state's very first wine was made by the Spanish missionaries who founded Mission San Juan Capsitrano.

That makes San Juan Capistrano the birthplace of the California wine industry.

Both he and the city are planting mission grapes for their demonstration vineyards.

Now comes Five Vines Wine Bar, which is opening in the former outlet  across from the , which proposes to offer wine tasting, appetizers and sales of wine and beer.

Owners Suzy Fairchild and Randy Fairchild are hoping to open by Oct. 22, their anniversary.

The proposal will come before the Planning Commission on Tuesday. Staff is recommending approval.