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$20.99 (as of November 20, 2024 15:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)In 2024, forget about the popular wine regions like Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara. Instead, turn your attention to the underrated wine region of Temecula. While it may not have the same prestige or luxurious reputation as its counterparts, Temecula offers a rustic and casual wine tasting experience that is not to be missed. With almost 50 wineries to explore, this Southern California gem is the perfect day trip or weekend getaway for wine enthusiasts. Nestled in the Temecula Valley, this officially recognized American Viticultural Area boasts the ideal growing conditions for a variety of grapes, particularly Mediterranean varieties. So, grab a glass and get ready to discover the best wineries in Temecula.
Wiens Cellars
Wiens Cellars is a must-visit winery in the Temecula Valley. Established in 1996, it has grown immensely over the past 27 years and now boasts 150 acres with 27 grape varietals. The tasting spaces at Wiens Cellars are expansive and offer different experiences. From the classic mahogany-decked tasting room to the cellar lined with tanks and barrels, to the large outdoor lawn and patio, there is something for everyone. One unique aspect of Wiens Cellars is their regular hosting of local artists on a stage set up at the edge of the lawn. This adds an extra layer of entertainment to your wine tasting experience. Wiens Cellars has gained a great reputation for their big red wines like syrah and tempranillo, but don’t overlook their well-built chardonnay and fiano.
Bottaia Winery
For an Italian-inspired wine tasting experience, look no further than Bottaia Winery. This destination vineyard offers four luxurious wine tasting options and is one of the newer wineries in the region. The Ponte family, who have been farming in Temecula since 1985, operate Bottaia Winery and have focused on unique Italian varietals. You can enjoy their wines in various settings, including the covered deck, living room lounge, seated tasting with charcuterie, barrel room for tasting wines from the barrel, or even the wine blending lab where you can become a winemaker for the day. Bottaia Winery also offers a pool, making it a great spot for the whole family to enjoy.
Oak Mountain Winery
Oak Mountain Winery is known for its temperate Mediterranean varietals, as well as its bubbly wines. One standout wine is Bentley’s Bubbles, a pale pink Grenache rosé that is bursting with fruit and berries, with a lovely floral nose. The winery itself offers a unique experience with a tour of SoCal’s only mined subterranean wine cave. Descend 104 feet underground to a 10,000-square-foot cave where you can learn more about the winery and enjoy a pairing of cheese and charcuterie with their estate wines. Oak Mountain Winery also houses The Cave Distillery, a speakeasy-style distillery and lounge where you can try their own spirits, including bourbon, single-malt whiskey, vodkas, gin, rum, and agave spirits.
Somerset Vineyard & Winery
Located at the head of De Portola Road, Somerset Vineyard & Winery specializes in Spanish varietals and Rhône grapes. What sets this winery apart is its extended hours, with Friday and Saturday visits possible until 9 pm, accompanied by live music. Somerset Vineyard & Winery also offers a unique “Behind the Scenes View” experience where you can learn about the wine-making process and see their amphorae aging vessels. This experience includes six tastings, including a barrel sample, and is held three times a day on Saturday and Sunday. While there is no on-site restaurant, the tasting room offers a nice selection of cheeses, charcuterie, and pre-packaged salads.
Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery
Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery is a Certified Sustainable Vineyard & Winery, showcasing its commitment to environmentally friendly practices. From using composted grape pomace for fertilization to employing natural predators like owls and hawks, Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery takes sustainability seriously. Even the tasting bar is made of recycled wood from scraps found at a local guitar factory. The winery produces signature full-bodied reds using estate-grown grapes or grapes sourced from nearby properties. You can choose a standard tasting or reserve a tour for a deeper dive into the winemaking process. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the property.
Callaway Vineyard and Winery
Callaway Vineyard and Winery has a rich history in the Temecula Valley. Established in 1969 by Ely Reeves Callaway Jr., long before his prominence in the golf industry, this estate winery offers spectacular views and 100% estate-grown wines. Their wines range from cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, and syrah fermented with wild yeasts to dessert and sparkling wines. To complement the wine experience, Callaway Vineyard and Winery also features Meritage, a farm-to-table restaurant where you can enjoy their wines with a full meal. This makes for a complete dining and wine adventure in a stunning setting.
Cougar Vineyard and Winery
Cougar Vineyard and Winery is a hidden gem in the Temecula Valley. Owned by Rick and Jennifer Buffington, who were home winemakers in Texas and eastern Washington before venturing into the Temecula region, this winery specializes in Italian varietals. From the familiar sangiovese, barbera, and pinot grigio to lesser-known grapes like arneis and vermentino, Cougar Vineyard and Winery offers a unique wine tasting experience. To complete the visit, Sangio’s Deli is on hand serving up delightful pizzas, charcuterie, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. This combination of great wines and delicious food ensures a memorable visit.
Briar Rose Winery
Step into a fairytale at Briar Rose Winery. Originally built in the 1970s by a former Disney artisan as a gift for his wife, this micro-winery is a whimsical destination. The Linkogle family now owns and operates Briar Rose Winery, producing around 3,500 cases of wine annually. Their wine selection ranges from cabernet sauvignon and merlot to rosé fumé and muscat canelli, with an unusual bubbly called Talking Frog, a blend of viognier and lager. Please note that Briar Rose Winery has limited hours and is only open Friday-Sunday from 12-5 pm. Visitors should also be aware that animals are not permitted, and only those 21 and over are allowed on the estate.
Leoness Cellars
Leoness Cellars offers a stunning wine tasting experience in Temecula Valley. With over fifty years of farming experience in the region, the founders of Leoness Cellars have established a winery known for its tall brick tower and signature cabernet sauvignons. In addition to offering tastings, the winery focuses on education, providing specialty tours with a deep dive into the winemaking process. The Perfect Wine Experience tour, led by one of the estate’s sommeliers, takes visitors on a red wine journey through the Rolling Hills Estate Vineyard. Leoness Cellars also features a restaurant on-site, offering a more upscale dining experience to complement your wine adventure.
Akash Winery
Akash Winery is a newer addition to the Temecula winery scene, having opened its tasting room in 2019. However, the Patel family’s dream of owning their own vineyard goes back more than two decades. Akash Winery produces two different wine lines, showcasing both estate-grown grapes and varietals not currently grown on the Akash estate. The winery itself does not offer food, but regular food vendors are hosted on-site, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious bites alongside their tastings. Whether you’re seeking a unique wine experience or a relaxing atmosphere, Akash Winery has you covered.
With this comprehensive list of the best wineries in Temecula, you can plan your ultimate wine tasting getaway. The Temecula Valley may be an underrated wine region, but it offers an incredible variety of wineries and experiences. From rustic charm to luxurious settings, there is a winery to suit every taste. So skip the crowds of Napa and Sonoma, and discover the hidden gem of Temecula wine country in 2024.
