Temecula Winery Guide

The Key to Successful Exploration

Over many years of exploring and researching, we’ve painstakingly gathered and edited all the unusual side trips, best wineries, most scenic routes and juiciest tidbits and put them all right here, just for you. Take a look and discover why Temecula is one of the best places to live and play in all of Southern California.

And, if you need one more motive to hit the wineries then think this one over: have you ever toyed with the idea of hosting your very own wine tasting party at home? It’s a great way to turn a simple get-together into a party to remember – if you’d like a few tips and tricks to making it a success, take a look at the video below.

To start the video below press the play button on the player controls to the bottom left of the video. To stop the video press the play button again.

When you first enter the valley and encounter it’s majestic beauty and sweeping views, you may feel just a tad intimidated. Will I find all the hidden gems that make this valley great? Will I find myself running around in circles trying to find that one special winery I’d been told about? Where can I go for a nice picnic? Is there a lake or anything like that? Don’t worry, the valley is a breeze to navigate and you won’t miss a thing if you bring your handy dandy winery map with you! “A winery map!” you say excitedly. Yes, it exists and you can get yours right here.
Click here to get your map.

Your adventures begin at the corner of Rancho California Road and Butterfield Stage Road, where an interesting stone monument marks the entrance to the wine trail.

As you embark on your wine adventure, keep your eyes peeled for small stone monuments scattered along the road, they confirm that you’re going the right way as these common fixtures mark the route along the winery trail.

The first stop is right at the entrance to wine country – and it’s definitely worth stopping off! No, it’s not a winery, it’s a fruit stand where you will find the most delicious, sweet, juicy strawberries you could hope to bring along your wine country expedition to pair up with the day’s best vintages.

While it’s just a small structure off to the side of the road – you’ll be glad you took the time to stop in. You have your choice of buying strawberries at the stand, picking your own or, at certain times of the year, taking home one or more of the locally grown pumpkins that make their much-anticipated appearance in the fall. And yes, you and the kids can pick your own pumpkins too.

Strawberries aren’t the only fruit on offer, you can also find outrageously yummy oranges and various anti-oxidant packed berries offered throughout the spring and summer, with some extending into the autumn season.

Not only is the fresh produce worth stopping in for, but the infectious good cheer and friendly ways of the owner and servers will bring a smile to your face and put you in the right state of mind for the day.

Is this our very own European hideaway right here in Temecula? Many world travelers that have had the pleasure of traipsing through Europe’s most breathtaking areas find themselves mentally comparing the charm of Provence, France or the stunning Piedmontese hillsides of Italy’s most famed wine making region to the gently rolling hills of Temecula.

In fact, Temecula has gained quite the reputation as one of the better spots to vacation in Southern California! The clear blue skies spread endlessly overhead, while the laid-back atmosphere complements the perfect surroundings, creating just the right recipe for relaxation, fun and excitement.

Don’t forget the romantic strolls through sun-kissed vineyards, where rolling oak-dotted hills construct a warm, bucolic scene backed by stunning mountains that just cry out for long walks, hikes, horseback riding adventures and, naturally, plenty of gourmet picnics (maybe featuring a Temecula deli packed basket).

Not one Temecula winery is the same, they each have their own unique flair and history. Part of the fun in visiting the wineries is striking up a conversation with the owner or winemaker to find out the unique story of the vineyard. You’re bound to learn something new and interesting – and they can often tell you fascinating stories not only of the winery itself and the family running it, but of the Temecula Valley in general and the people who settled the area.

For example, in the early 1800s, Franciscan missionaries came and planted the first grapevines in the region, cattle then roamed the land from 1904 to 1964 and it wasn’t until 1968 that the first winery opened its doors to the public – the Bella Vista winery. The first wines of Temecula made their appearance in 1971.

To learn more about each Temecula winery -  check out the Wineries page.

Weather also plays an important role in the enjoyment of your Temecula wine country expedition, you can count on quite a bit of heat in the summer months with August usually being the hottest. Temecula is actually one of the coolest cities in Riverside County because the Temecula valley draws cool coastal breezes into itself – courtesy of the ‘Rainbow Gap’ which creates a somewhat Mediterranean climate. These breezes keep the foothills refreshingly cool and comfortable in the summertime which makes for comfortable touring of the wine country.

The weather up and down the beautiful Temecula winery area is usually rather pleasant. No need to worry about humid, sticky summer days as Temecula enjoys a light, dry heat – in fact, if the heat starts getting to you it’s usually enough just to park yourself in the shade – preferably under a tree – for a bit, the dry air doesn’t hold onto the heat the way humid air does and you’ll cool off in no time.

Summers last a good long time in the Valley, but winter does come to town as well and you can bet on a bit of rain here and there (no rain, no wine!), while spring and autumn are usually wonderfully comfortable times of year. No doubt about it – Temecula is one of the best places you can go to enjoy a pleasant stretch of weather, this is also one of the reasons Temecula lends itself so well to outdoor sports, festivals and events.

Traveling around the valley with friends or just the two of you is great fun in your own car, but to check out each Temecula winery in style you might want to consider hiring a tour company. They know the area, they know all the best places to stop for wine, food or just an amazing view – and it’s always nice to kick back, relax and let someone else do the driving, especially when they are driving you around in a luxurious limousine! There are more than one or two ways to discover wine country, but one of the best wine tours and transportation options has got to be getting the full treatment in a luxury limo excursion. Even if you have visited the area many times, you’re sure to get a whole new kick out of it on this fantastic tour!

Simply click here to receive more details about getting to know Wine County by way of a luxury limousine.