Nelson Pizarro shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Nelson, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about our customers is how genuinely supportive they are of what we’re building. Their encouragement has been incredible. Before leaving our espresso and wine bar, we often hear them say, “I’ll be back—and I’m bringing friends or family.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nelson Pizarro, and I’m one of the co-owners of Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery. What makes our brand unique is our ability to blend tradition with innovation. While our roots are in Ramona—where we planted our first grapes in 2009 and opened our original tasting room in 2016—we recently expanded beyond the vineyard.
In January 2025, we opened a new espresso and wine tasting bar in the Carmel Valley/Torrey Highlands area, right off the merge of the 56 and Camino Del Sur. This location offers a curated experience where guests can enjoy our wines alongside specialty espresso and tea, creating a space for both coffee lovers and wine enthusiasts.
We’re proud to be among the few Ramona wineries to establish a presence in a more urban part of San Diego, and we’re excited to grow our new location while exploring opportunities for our next expansion.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe the biggest factor that breaks bonds between people is a lack of communication. Often, we have thoughts in our mind that we think we’ve expressed—but in reality, we haven’t. That gap creates misunderstandings, and misunderstandings can easily turn into conflict.
The best way to restore those bonds is to admit when you’re wrong and make a genuine effort to communicate more clearly about what you want and how you feel.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have definitely been times when I’ve felt like giving up. Starting a business means facing countless obstacles, and the journey can test you in ways you never imagined. One of the greatest keys to not giving in to failure is having a strong inner circle—people who will lift you up when you’re down and cheer you on, even during your lowest moments.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that the things that matter most to me are my family.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I believe people will tell about me when I’m gone is that I was never afraid to fail. I embraced doing unexpected things and lived more like a modern-day Renaissance man—curious, adventurous, and willing to explore many paths.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cpfwinery.com
- Instagram: @cpfmerge
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpfmerge
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/castelli-and-pizarro-wine-san-diego-3
Image Credits
Janet Bark, Caleb Joubert
