A rising star of San Diego’s restaurant scene has announced an abrupt closure. Cellar Hand, located in Hillcrest, will close its doors on July 19. Pali Wine Co.’s tasting room will relocate to the former Cellar Hand space following the closure.
Cellar Hand, a Hillcrest Icon, Bids Farewell
Founded by the Perr family, Cellar Hand earned recognition from critics during its two-year run. The restaurant was recognized by Wine Enthusiast as one of the Top 50 New Restaurants in 2025. The wine-focused restaurant showcases California ingredients while celebrating San Diego’s food, wine, and local community.
The restaurant’s menu focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients from more than 20 local farms. Recommended menu items include grilled pork chop, whipped tahini, and oysters.
The restaurant owners shared the closure news on social media and confirmed that July 19 will mark the end of its two years of service.
Reflecting on the restaurant’s motto, they said, “Cellar Hand began with a simple belief: that San Diego County’s farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and producers deserved to be at the center of the table.”
Cellar Hand will host Pride Brunch and an all-day pizza party on July 18 before its final day. The restaurant team thanked the community for its support and invited them to visit and enjoy one last meal.
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Pali Wine Co. to Move Into the Former Location
According to a San Diego Magazine report, Pali Wine Co. will relocate its Little Italy tasting room to Cellar Hand’s former space.
“The Perr family, who owns both Cellar Hand and Pali Wine Co., announced they will relocate Pali’s tasting room from Little Italy to take over the vacated Cellar Hand space,” stated the report.
Pali Wine was founded by Tim and Judy Perr in 2005. The brand focuses on small-lot wines sourced from California’s Central Coast. The owners planted the Pali Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and manage it from sourcing to cellar.
Although Cellar Hand operated for just two years, it became known for highlighting locally sourced ingredients from San Diego-area farms and producers. The Pali Wine shift in the space also marks a new beginning for the brand.
