The Temecula Valley in Southern California is a wine area that is finding it’s own way. With 35,000 acres of rolling hills and vineyards it is a quick drive from San Diego and allows you to visit almost 40 wineries within a 20 minute drive.
If you enjoy live music, this is the wine country for you. Many of the wineries have music on the weekends. Really this area is a festival of wine and entertainment.
You can also find small family run wineries that might be a bit less fancy, but that are making wines from the heart, and some like Palumbo, with a style and grace that is truly exceptional.
The variety of wines here is pretty amazing. There are plenty of wineries that are sticking with the traditional Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc & Merlot, but more and more wineries are finding their own path with the varieties that they grow. Rhone varieties grow well here and you find some wonderful Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Viognier all over the valley. Italian varieties are finding their way into the Valley with Cougar bringing in more obscure Italian grapes, so you ready to explore some new wines this is the place to go. Several wineries offer Sangria on the weekends also.
There are also amazing restaurants at several of the wineries where you can enjoy gourmet lunches or dinners. Other wineries have small plates or lunch services on the weekends and many have delis where you can pick up a snack if you need to.
While you’re here take a morning hot air balloon ride over the vineyards or go horseback riding. They also have limo or horseback tours to the vineyards.
There are great places to stay also. The Europa Village Inn has an amazing view, beautiful rooms and a gourmet breakfast by Chef Dean that will knock your socks off! Ponte and South Coast have resort style rooms on their properties.
Then there is Old Town, with shopping, olive oil tasting, wine tasting rooms, plenty of dining and night life and lots of additional hotel rooms from national chains.
Really there is so much to do in the growing Temecula Wine Country, from a quiet romantic weekend escape to a busy weekend filled with great food wine and entertainment, Temecula has something to fit your every style and mood. Explore our site to find out more about Temecula Wine Country
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