By Annette Brown, Special to the Van Nuys News Press
TEMECULA VALLEY, CA — Celebrate California Wine Month this September Temecula Valley style by staying in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country sipping wine, watching a beautiful sunset, dining al fresco, and absorbing the breathtaking scenery. Temecula Valley Wine Month is a great reason to wander local and relax among expansive landscapes with breathtaking views, award-winning wines, and in the comfort of clean, safe accommodations.
Wine Trails
Visitors to the region can take advantage of three unique wine trails to help plan their wine-tasting experience. It’s easy to spend a day on each trail, taking in the variety of wines and unique experiences they have to offer.
Rancho California Wine Trail – Some of the region’s oldest and most well known wineries can be found here. Most visitors first encounter this trail upon exiting the freeway. Located on the west side of the trail sits Hart Winery, Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Thornton Winery, Baily Vineyard & Winery, Bolero Winery, Europa Village, Mount Palomar Winery, Miramonte Winery, Churon Winery, and Bel Vino Winery. Further east, visitors can explore Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery, Avensole Vineyard & Winery, Carter Estate Winery & Vineyard, South Coast Winery, Wiens Family Cellars, Ponte Winery, BOTTIA Winery, Monte De Oro, Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard, Chapin Family Vineyards, and Doffo Vineyard & Winery. Standouts along this densely concentrated trail include Callaway Vineyard & Winery, the first commercial winery in Temecula Valley; Thornton Winery, known for their sparklings; and Baily Vineyard & Winery, specializing in the Bordeaux varieties.
Calle Cotento Wine Trail – For an “off the beaten path” wine tasting experience, visitors won’t want to miss the Calle Cotento Wine Trail. Located just off Rancho California Road, this wine trail boasts sweeping views of vineyards throughout the trail’s meandering path. This area is home to Akash Winery, Peltzer Family Cellars, Lumiere Winery, and Vindemia. Don’t miss The Crush House tasting room at Peltzer where guests can sample unique wines in rustic, hip style.
De Portola Wine Trail – Just south of Rancho California Road, the De Portola Wine Trail wanders through an equestrian region, nestled against the foothills of Temecula Valley. The Spanish influence in both architecture and wine is strong at Masia de la Vinya, while Cougar Vineyard & Winery (which features 100% Estate, award-winning Italian varietals including Primitivo, Pinot Grigio, and Pulciano), Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery, and Danza del Sol Winery all evoke the idyllic Italian wine scene, and nearby Foot Path Winery is the only certified user of organic grapes in the valley. Wine tasters won’t want to miss the grape Shiraz at Fazeli Cellars or the stunning, hilltop views at Oak Mountain Winery. Other De Portola Wine Trail favorites include Leoness Cellars, with its lush grounds and critically-acclaimed wine list, and Gershon Bachus Vitners, where a wine education program takes tasters on an adventure through red wines.
Romantic Moments
The romance of wine county can be captured through memorable experiences high above the vineyards, on horseback over the rolling hills, outdoors dining with panoramic views, or overlooking the valley under colorful skies.
Hot Air Ballooning – Couples can watch the sunrise together in a hot air balloon floating over the vineyards. This is popular for marriage proposals, celebrations, and special occasions. California Dreamin’, Magical Adventure, and A Grape Escape all offer a “Will You Marry Me?” package.
Horse Drawn Carriage Ride – There is something magically romantic about a horse and carriage ride through the vineyards. Temecula Carriage Company offers private horse drawn carriage rides for couples, complete with an intimate vineyard picnic and a bottle of sparkling wine.
Sunset Viewing – Temecula Valley is known for its stunning sunsets. Professional photographers flock to wine country’s hilltops in hopes of capturing some of the most spectacular landscape images rich with blended colors of scarlet, crimson, saffron, dusty orange, gray-pink, and eggplant in the vast open skies above.
The best spots cozy up and relax with a glass of wine while watching a breathtaking sunset together are Avensole Winery, Bel Vino Winery, Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Danza Del Sol Winery, Lorimar Vineyards & Winery, and Palumbo Vineyards & Winery.
Al Fresco Dining with a View – With 19 dining options to choose from in wine country, this is one of Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country’s unique amenities. Al fresco dining is a favorite with visitors who want to take in the panoramic views. Celebrated chefs use local, natural resources to create innovative dishes that pair beautifully with their wines.
Winery restaurants with sweeping views include Bel Vino Bistro at Bel Vino Winery, Baba Joon’s Kitchen at Fazeli Cellars, Flower Hill Bistro at Miramonte Winery, Mama Rosa’s Trattoria at Robert Renzoni Winery, Meritage at Callaway Winery, Pinnacle at Falkner Winery, and The Pool Café at BOTTAIA Winery.
Where To Stay
Visitors can enhance the wine country experience by staying in Temecula Valley Wine Country at Bolero Winery at Europa Village, Carter Estate Winery & Resort, Inn at Churon Winery, Inn at Europa Village, or South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Other nearby options open only minutes away include Best Western Country Inn, Best Western Plus, Extended Stay America, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Home2 Suites, Hotel Temecula, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Motel 6, Pechanga Resort Casino, Quality Inn, Rancho California Inn, Rodeway Inn, Signature Temecula, and SpringHill Mariott.
Temecula Valley is conveniently located just a short drive from most Southern California cities. It’s an immersive escape some have called “closer to far away.” It’s Southern California’s wine country destination; a convenient, accessible place to escape, relax, and wander.
Start planning a getaway and book a room at VisitTemeculaValley.com.
ABOUT TEMECULA VALLEY AND VISIT TEMECULA VALLEY
Temecula Valley is prepared to welcome visitors to a safe and clean environment. The businesses have strict cleaning and safety protocols to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. They have met and often succeeded county and state requirements because visitors and their employees’ health are top priority.
Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is a year-round vacation destination, located 60 minutes from San Diego, Orange County, Palm Springs, and 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
Temecula Valley Wine Country is widely recognized for its scenic vineyards, award-winning wines, and experiential wineries. The popular boutique destination includes the Temecula Valley Wine Country as well as historic Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino. It also was named as a 2019 Wine Enthusiast 10 Best Wine Travel Destination.
Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors. For visitor information and assistance, please call (888) 363-2852 or go to VisitTemeculaValley.com.