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About Meritage Wine Market - Encinitas in Encinitas, CA 92024

Our Store

Finding the right wine can be confusing or even intimidating – especially with so many choices available. After many years as enthusiasts, we saw a real need in the market for more than just another wine retailer. In 2002 Meritage Wine Market opened its doors and has since created a place where we could share our love and knowledge of wine, while turning people onto the right bottle for their taste, budget or occasion.

At Meritage Wine Market, we offer the best personal wine experience in San Diego County with the core belief that making great wine is a complex process, but choosing one shouldn’t be. We manage our customer’s needs with wine selections specifically chosen for their individual purpose and fulfilling the highest quality wine within budget.

Our intimacy in customer service ensures the right wine for each customer every time.


Dustin Cano - Co-Owner and President

Dustin, a proud San Diegan, moved from Texas at the age of two. He arrived at Meritage in 2012 as the GM and co-purchased the store in 2018. Previously, he worked in Food & Beverage for several hotels globally. Dustin acquired a Diploma in Hospitality from Spain’s Les Roches Int’l School of Hotel Management. He also achieved a BS in Hospitality & Tourism and an MBA from Endicott College in Massachusetts. Dustin loves travel, sports and of course wine! He is our resident Vermouth and Bourbon aficionado. Dustin resides in Rancho Bernardo with his wife Katie, daughters Ainslee and Kacie, and dog named Ry!


Dave Wiegel - Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer

Originally from Chicago, Dave is a veteran of some 26 years in the wine industry. After almost nine years working for one of the country's largest wine retailers, Dave moved to San Diego and spent five years at Meritage as wine buyer before jumping over to the wholesale distribution side of the industry. He was thrilled to fulfill a longtime dream by returning to Meritage in 2016 to join forces with his business partner Dustin to purchase Meritage Wine Market and start the next chapter.  He lives in Carlsbad with his wonderful fiancée Robin and two kitties named Gus and Toby. 


Lyndsey Haubrich - Back Office Dungeon Master

Originally from PA, Lyndsey began at Meritage in the fall of 2016. Dave & Dustin took a chance on the saucy military spouse, quickly realizing her aptitude for organizational tasks. She currently oversees the back office, maintaining the books while jamming out to Margaritaville Radio. While her palate has been compared to that of a yak, her tastes have broadened vastly since her early days. A lover of wiener dogs, flamingos, and all things Jimmy Buffett, Lyndsey has become an integral part of Meritage. She currently resides in Tampa Bay with husband, Nick, and rescue dog, Ries (Riesling).


Lawrence Bagayan - Store Manager-Sales and Marketing

Born and raised in San Diego, Lawrence joins Meritage after working several years as a Cellar Master, making wines for 5 different wineries. He received his Certificate in Winemaking from UC Davis in 2017. He has also earned his Advanced Certification in Wine from WSET and is a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators. Outside of fermented grapes, his other passions include travelling internationally and rooting for his SDSU Aztecs and San Diego Padres. Lawrence resides in Sorrento Mesa with his wife Salomé, son Bastian, daughter Breeze, and rescue pup Fiji.


Kurt Cano - Operations Manager

More on Kurt Cano soon!


Cristina DeRisi - Wine Buyer

More on Cristina DeRisi soon!

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