Best Wineries to Visit in Temecula

When people think of California wine regions, the rows of vineyards that most often come to mind are likely that of the Napa Valley Region. But let’s not discount Napa’s little sister in sunny Southern California, Temecula Valley which has more than two dozen wineries and over 3500 acres of producing vineyards. The region has been growing wine grapes since the late 1700s and is continuously expanding with new wineries opening their doors and popping their corks.

There are several wineries who have been in the region for many years, such as Callaway Vineyard and Winery, but the new kids on the block are out to make a name for themselves. From family wineries to giant estates, the vineyards along Rancho California Road in Temecula Valley are worth a trip during a visit to sunny Southern California. Here are some of the ones that I think are the best in the area!

Falkner Winery

40620 Calle Contento, Temecula | (951) 676-8231 | open daily 10am-5pm
The Scene: The award-winning winery has a variety of red and white wines served in a rustic tasting room.
The Wine: Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot.
The Taste: $10 for 4 tastes, $15 for 7 tastes plus souvenir glass plus $5 certificate for wine purchase that day $15.
The Food: Winemaker’s pasta from the vegan menu at The Pinnacle Restaurant with panoramic views of the vineyard.

Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard

35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula | (951) 699-9463 | open daily 10am-5pm
The Scene: 70 acres of picturesque vineyards at this winery famous for its Almond Champagne.  If you’ve had  too much bubbly, you can always stay at the winery’s neighboring B&B Wilson Creek Manor.
The Wine: Almond Champagne.
The Taste: $15 for 5 tastes weekdays; weekends you can choose between a tour and tasting or 5 tastes with a wine specialist for $20.
The Food: Pasta of the day at the winery’s Creekside Grille.

Monte De Oro Winery

35820 Rancho California Road, Temecula | (951) 491-6551 | open daily 10am-5pm
The Scene:  A huge, modern tasting room equipped with flat-screen TVs, giant windows looking out to the vineyard and a glass floor revealing the cellar barrel room below.
The Wine: Red, red wine. About 66% of Monte De Oro grape production is red grapes.
The Taste: $12 for 6 tastes; $14 for 6 tastes on the weekends.
The Food: Snack board from the MDO Bistro.

Baily Vineyard & Winery

33440 La Serena Way Temecula | (951) 676-9463 | open daily 11 am-5pm; Sat 10am to 5pm
The Scene: One of the oldest wineries in the regions with stone brick walls covered in wines and a tasting room with giant columns creating a chateaux-like ambiance.
The Wine: Bordeaux varietals.
The Taste: $10 for 6 tastes on weekdays, $15 on weekends and holidays.
The Food: Baby portobello mushroom bruschetta at Carol’s Restaurant.

Europa Village

33475 La Serena Way, Temecula | (888) 363-8767 | open daily from 10am to 5pm
The Scene: The name says it all. Europa village transports you to Europe with its Italian, Spanish and French wines. The estate has more than 30 acres of popular European-style varietal grapes.
The Wine: French wines from C’est La Vie, Spanish wine from Bolero Cellars or Italian wine from Vienza.
The Taste: $15 for 6 tastes
The Food: Panini from the cafe outside the tasting room.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

32720 Rancho California Road, Temecula | (951) 676-4001 | open daily from 10am – 5pm
The Scene: High-tech winery equipped with enomatic wine stations in the tasting room.
The Wine: Pinot Gris, Rose of Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Calliope Red.
The Taste: $15 for 6 tastes.
The Food: Ceviche ‘Mixto’ withTuna, Octopus, Clams, Wild Shrimp & Blue Crab at the winery’s Meritage Restaurant.

Miramonte Winery

33410 Rancho California Road, Temecula | (951) 506-5500 | open Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 6pm; Friday & Saturday 11am – 10pm
The Scene: With a casual contemporary-chic tasting room and jam packed music and events calendar, this winery is the place to get social with a glass of wine in hand.
The Wine: Rhone varietal wines and blends.
The Taste: $12 for 6 tastes.
The Food: Selection of three varieties of snack boards.

Ponte Family Estate Winery

35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula | (951) 694-8855 | open daily 10am-5pm
The Scene: Family run estate with the motto – “If you like it, it’s good wine.”
The Wine: Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Super Tuscan, Nebbiolo
The Taste: $12 for 6 tastes weekdays; $20 for 6 tastes weekends, both with logo glass
The Food: Locally grown produce, meats, fish, cheese and oils from The Restaurant at Ponte.

Briar Rose Winery

41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula | (951) 308-1098 | open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm by appointment only
The Scene: Snow White’s cottage turned winery with a reservation-only policy.
The Wine: Cabernet Sauvignons, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Viognier and Merlot.
The Taste: $15 for 6 standard tastes; $25 for 6 premium tastes.
The Food: Bourbon-infused smoked cream cheese, apricot brandy smoked salmon, and crackers are available for purchase.

When to Go

The wineries are open year-round.  However, the dormant seasons runs from around the beginning of December through March.  During this time, the grapesvines are pruned.  This doesn’t make for a very picturesque setting but if you want to avoid crowds, then this is the time to visit. During the spring and summer months, the wineries see more visitors, the tasting rooms very filled, and numerous tour buses driving up and down Rancho California Road. End of May is the annual Balloon and Wine Festival.

Getting There

By car: Temecula is located about an 45 minutes north of San Diego on Interstate 15. It is an hour south of San Bernardino on Interstate 15, and about an hour south of Riverside on Interstate 215.

By air: The closest airports are located in San Diego, 45 minutes south, and Ontario, 45 minutes north.  French Valley general aviation airport is located east of town. It is a popular location for small aircraft.

Tips & Tricks

The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association has a ton of coupons that can be used at various wineries – two for one tastings or discounts on lunch.  Don’t forget to print them to bring with you during your visit.