At the heart of Southern California’s Wine Country, Temecula Valley is home to over 35 wineries that can be explored either independently or as part of an organised tour.
(Photo: Doffo Winery)
Each of the area’s wineries is a delight to visit, with most featuring tasting rooms where you can sample some of the home produce and even sit down to specialty wine and food pairings. There’s also a chance to see the facilities at close quarters and gain a more in-depth understanding of the wine-making process, as well as to meet the makers themselves and ask any questions. Here are some of the best wineries and wine tours in Temecula currently available.
Doffo Winery
Situated on 15 acres of hand-planted vineyards, Doffo Winery is a micro-boutique winery that specializes in small lots of red wines. Classical music is pumped out to the vineyards to soothe the plants, which are planted and cultivated by the Doffo family. Wines are produced in an old-world tradition, tracing back to the family’s roots in Argentina and Italy. Their most popular varietals include Malbec, Zinfandel and Syrah. Enhance your visit to Doffo with a ride on the Malbec Express, an eco-friendly tour bus that will whisk you around the vineyard. Don’t forget to explore MotoDoffo, the family’s classic motorcycle collection.
36083 Summitville Street
Danza del Sol Winery
(Photo: Danza del Sol Winery)
Located on the De Portola Wine Trail, Danza del Sol Winery produces approachable, high-quality wines with robust flavors. The winery staff has created an authentic and casual tasting room experience for wine lovers. Kick back and relax with a tasting of their Gewurztraminer, which is produced from some of Temecula Valley’s oldest vines. Other favorites include their Pinot Grigio, which is bright and refreshing, and Meritage, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. They also have educational tours of their vineyard and production sites as part of their Ambassador Tour and Tasting, which is offered daily.
39050 De Portola Road
Peltzer Family Cellars
While Peltzer Family Cellars is a newer addition to the Temecula Valley, the Peltzers have been farming in Southern California for over 90 years. Since opening the winery in late 2016, these 5th generation farmers are now producing 3,500 cases of wine. They have combined their passions for farming and interior design to open “The Crush House,” a unique tasting room in a chic barn. Here you can sample their Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Syrah, paired with bread from Great Harvest Bread Co. Check out their seasonal merchandise for a fun souvenir!
40275 Calle Contento
Vindemia Winery
(Photo: Vindemia Winery)
Nestled in the Temecula Valley hills, Vindemia Winery is a boutique vineyard known for its award-winning, age-worthy and cleverly named Red wines. Sample a glass of More Cowbell or Loneliness at their outdoor tasting room. Tastings are accompanied by bread and olive oil (estate-grown olive oil when available). Vindemia is committed to sustainable farming methods – tasting room guests can learn more about the vineyard’s passions and philosophies directly from the wine staff. Make your visit even more memorable by booking a sunrise hot air balloon flight with California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures, Vindemia’s sister company.
33133 Vista Del Monte Rd
Wilson Creek Winery
Stop by Wilson Creek Winery for quality wines served with warm hospitality. This family-owned vineyard produces a variety of whites and reds, but is most known for its Almond Sparkling Wine. The winery has a tasting room and on-site restaurant, as well as picnic grounds, for guests to enjoy every day. You can learn about the winemaking process and sample reserve wines by booking a spot on the Wine Tours or in the Upper Room, an elevated wine-tasting experience. Check the events calendar to coincide your visit with live music or a bubble brunch at the Creekside Grille.
35960 Rancho California Road
Carter Estate Winery & Resort
At Carter Estate Winery & Resort, you can sip and sleep in the vineyard! Their tasting room is open daily and offers samples of their award-winning red and white wines, which are aged in European oak barrels. If you’re looking for something more intimate and educational, reserve a spot in the private Food & Wine Pairing. Each tasting is limited to eight people so guests can pick the brain of their tour guide, while enjoying specially selected wines and artisan foods. Carter Estate’s Mediterranean-inspired bungalows are an ideal place to end your day. Rooms feature private decks and balconies overlooking the acres of tranquil vineyards.
34450 Rancho California Rd.
Europa Village and Inn
(Photo: Europa Village)
Europa Village and Inn will transport you across the Atlantic Ocean without a passport! Situated on 45 acres in Temecula Valley, Europa’s Old World theme will make you feel as though you’re in France, Italy and Spain as you sample their wines. They offer a wide range of exquisite red, white and sparkling wines that you can enjoy in the courtyard setting. For a relaxing stay, book a night at The Inn at Europa Village. Rooms at this highly-rated bed and breakfast are named after wine varietals and are tastefully decorated. Some include whirlpool tubs and balconies with vineyard views.
33350 La Serena Way
WINE TOURS
All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
(Photo: GetYourGuide)
This immersive half-day tour will see you visit a total of 4 renowned local wineries, complete with a wine-tasting session at each. After leaving Temecula in the morning by bus with your group of up to 30 fellow tour guests, you’ll traverse the area’s rural reaches, enjoying the scenery as you go. At each winery stop, you’ll get to explore their inner workings as well as the surrounding vineyards, all accompanied by an expert guide. During the afternoon, you’ll also get to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in one of the winery’s barrel rooms. The tour price includes pick-up and drop-off from most Temecula hotels. From $169 per person.
Classic VW Bus Wine Tour with Tasting
(Photo: GetYourGuide)
Add some retro style to your Temecula wine adventure by travelling aboard a classic VW Bus. Over the course of 2.5 hours, you’ll visit two local wineries in the company of up to six other guests, with wine tastings included at each location. Between stops, you’ll cruise through the picture-postcard rolling hills of Temecula in your classic transportation, with onboard music lending a further dash of vintage fun to the experience. This tour also includes the option to visit a third winery independently, where live music and food is also available. From $128 per person.