J. Brix Wines J. Brix Wines opens at North City in San Marcos One of the premier names in local wine has established its first tasting room in San Marcos. Founded 15 years ago by co-winemakers Emily Towe and Jody Brix Towe, who started the company in their garage and grew into a facility in Escondido, J. Brix Wines is now part of North City, sharing the development with other local names like Buona Forchetta, Draft Republic, Maya’s Cookies, and Wynston’s Ice Cream. Known for its low-intervention wines, including the popular Cobolorum Riesling Pét-Nat, J. Brix sources its varieties from vineyards in California, including Santa Barbara and San Diego County. The tasting room will feature a selection of its wine on tap, from Skin-Contact Pinot Gris to Carbonic Merlot available by the glass or carafe, as well as wine flights and bottles of wine that can be purchased to-go or sipped on-site for a $15 corkage. Other beverages include cold brew coffee from Carlsbad’s Steady State Coffee and non-alcoholic options like a Prosecco-style sparkling wine. J. Brix Wines The tasting bar. Operating Tuesday through Sunday in the 890-square-foot space last held by Newtopia Cyder, the winery is allowing guests to bring in food from any of their North City neighbors but also stocks a selection of wine-friendly snacks, from tinned seafood and organic sourdough crackers to garlic-stuffed olives, and Marcona almonds, with plans to offer packaged cheese and charcuterie in the future. J. Brix will also be hosting regular art and wine workshops, with tickets including a glass of wine and all class supplies. J. Brix Wines The winery tells Eater that it’s currently moving its headquarters into a new space in the Carlsbad Gateway Center. The facility will be focused on wine production for now but may be used for special events down the line.