Welcome to Southern California’s wine country, the Temecula Valley wineries. If you thought Sonoma and Napa Valley was all California had to offer in terms of wineries and vineyards, I’m pleased to inform you, they’re not. At the Temecula Valley wineries you can expect award-winning wines, tasty restaurants, and cozy bed and breakfast inns. I’ve put together everything you need to know for an enjoyable visit. 🙂

 

The Ultimate Guide to the Temecula Valley Wineries

 

 

Location

The Temecula Valley wineries are located off I-15, not far from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego County. If you live in Southern California, it’s the perfect weekend getaway! Rancho California Road is the main drag where you’ll find all the wineries.

 

 

The Temecula Valley Wineries

Temecula Valley hosts almost 40 wineries, many located off Rancho California Road. However, I’d recommend diving into side streets for some hidden gems.

 

Winery Hours: The hours may vary, but most wineries are open daily for visitors from 10am – 5pm.

 

Here are some of my personal favorites:

• Vindemia Vineyard & Winery  – Vindemia Winery is quite the unique find! Located off the main road (Rancho California Road), this vineyard has some of the best wines in the valley. And since it is located up on a hill, there is also a lovely sitting area with gorgeous views over Temecula Valley.

 

Read more: Wine Tasting at Vindemia Vineyard & Winery

 

 

 

• Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards – Wilson Creek is a charming vineyard with a nice grassy area near the creek to have a picnic and enjoy your wine. My favorite are the sparkling wines with fun flavors like as Tahitian Vanilla and Coconut Nui.

 

 

 

• Wiens Family Cellar – If you like red wine, then Wiens is the place to go! For a more exclusive experience, have a seated tasting in the cellar room with their reserve and limited edition red wines.

 

 

 

Where to Stay in Temecula Valley

Spending a weekend away in Temecula Valley is one of my favorite things to do! You can really find some elegant and charming inns that are so magical, you will never want to leave. 

 

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Here are some of my favorites!

• Ponte Vineyard Inn – I try not to have favorites, but this inn is truly top notch. The property  has a central courtyard with fountains, fire pits, and a lovely garden, that opens up to look out over the vineyard. 
• Carter Estate Winery and Resort – If you want to feel like you’ve escaped to Tuscany, then come here. The rooms are spectacular and the views are amazing!
• South Coast Winery Resort and Spa – Absolutely stunning resort with views overlooking the pool and the gorgeous property strung with string lights to make it even more magical. 
• Temecula Creek Inn – This inn is really beautiful and those views of the property…gorgeous!

 

Take a Temecula Valley Winery Tour

Think outside the box! Instead of doing a typical wine tasting, why not take a tour? There are so many unique ways to see the Temecula Valley wineries. 🙂

 

• Grapehopper Wine Tasting Tour – Available Saturdays and Sundays, this tour offers hotel pickup and drop off and lets you customize letting you choose from multiple wineries to visit. 
• Guided Temecula Valley Tour – This tour offers hotel pickup and drop off and guides you to three craft wineries with a fully narrated tour. 
• Guided Temecula Valley Tour (from San Diego) – This tour is similar to the one above, however they are able to pick you up (and drop you off) from your hotel in San Diego. 
• Horse-Drawn Trolley Tour – Sit back and relax as you’re driven in a horse-drawn trolley to 4 wineries in Temecula Valley. 
• Wine Tasting by Hummer (from Palm Springs) – This is a 7-hour wine tasting tour tasting the best of Temecula Valley. It also includes a full lunch and a guide. 

Explore Old Town Temecula

Old Town Temecula has a rustic-country charm that’s a great place to go for antiques, museums, and bars and restaurants. Be sure to explore the one-of-a-kind shops such as Temecula’s Lavender Co.!

 

 

 

Take a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

What is more magical than watching the sun rise while in a hot air balloon ride over Temecula Valley? If you decide to go I would highly recommend going with this tour for a wonderful experience. You will be in the air for approximately one hour, then when back on the ground you'll be brought back for a light breakfast and complimentary champagne. Before you go remember to bundle up, those sunrise tours can be chilly!

 

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Going to Southern California? Check out these popular posts:

• 20 Things to Tick Off Your San Diego Bucket List
• The Ultimate Guide to Venice Beach
• How to Hike Behind the Hollywood Sign (via Brush Canyon Trail)

 

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Have you been to the Temecula Valley wineries? I would love to know below!