Temecula is an over 160 years old winery region located just 40 miles north of San Diego. The first wine grape was planted by Spanish missionary Padres in Temecula in 1820. Fast forward to today and there are nearly 50 wineries in the region.
Temecula is also known for its championship golf courses, and stunning scenic hot-air ballooning. With its short drive from San Diego, Temecula can make for a fun quick day trip getaway.
Here are a few highlights of this inviting and fun wine area.
Old Town Temecula
If you are visiting this area, a stop in Old Town Temecula is a must, originally established in 1869, it is one of the most historic communities in Southern California. It is an easy, friendly walking town with approximately six blocks and around two miles in length.
The historic buildings in this town have been repurposed as restaurants, hotels, museums, and retail shops.
Old Town also has a weekly farmer’s market. The California-Certified Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning in Old Town, Tuesday morning at Vail Ranch Headquarters, and Wednesday morning at Promenade Temecula.
And if you have a good taste for olive oil you can’t miss visiting Temecula Olive Oil Company for an olive oil tasting and purchasing some of their best olive oils either for you or as a gift for friends and family when you go back home.
Temecula Valley Wine Country
Temecula Valley Wine Country is a beautiful and fun area to visit surrounded by rolling hills covered with vineyards, open and expansive views of high mountains, ocean breezes, and world-class wines.
Many events to attend with families and friends for different likes and times of the year.
But let’s talk about the main reason that takes you to be here, exactly… wineries!!
Our favorite wineries are Callaway Vineyard & Winery and Wilson Creek Winery.
Callaway Vineyard & Winery was the first winery to open its door in the Temecula Valley, founded in 1974 and offers beautifully crafted award-winning wines that include red and white wines, sweet, rosé, and sparkling wines.
They also host some events and live music on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm and if you are visiting for lunch or dinner time, you can be amazed by the relaxing farm-to-table restaurant, Meritage.
Callaway Vineyard & Winery hours are 7 days a week from 11am to 6pm.
Wilson Creek Winery is one of the best wineries in Temecula with prestigious awards. Family-owned, they offer tours and include 5 tastings, a complimentary wine glass, and a special discount on any purchase you made the day of the tour! You can’t miss it.
Well known for its quality of wines and kind hospitality they offer very unique flavors, the most remarkable: Almond Sparkling Wine also Coconut Nui Sparkling is a very tasty flavor.
Between their red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines, it is impossible to go wrong with any of their choices.
If you would like to buy some bottles of wine for a special occasion, or as a gift, you can customize the wine labels.
And when you are ready for a delicious meal you will have many different options to pick at Creekside Grill, one of the best Restaurants in Temecula.
Wilson Creek Winery also hosts different events during the year, that include, wine tasting and live music.
Their hours are Monday to Thursday from 10am – 5pm. Friday 10am – 8pm and Saturday & Sunday: 10am-6pm.
Other good and popular wineries options to visit are Vindemia Estate Winery, Miramonte Winery, Leoness Cellars, Doffo Winery, Peltzer Winery and Ponte Winery.
But if you are unsure about which Wineries to visit or you want to cover as much as possible and you don’t have a designated driver, here are some Guided Tour with Transportation options via shuttle, bus, limousine or jeep.
Grapeline Wine Tours: Temecula’s top-rated activity for more than a decade, they offer private wine tours, shared tours and group transportation services.
They have a listing of 40 wineries to choose from and prices vary from $129 to $425 per person, depending on the option.
Pick up locations include San Diego.
Cable Car Wine Tour: This is a super fun ride in a historic cable car from 1914, originally from San Francisco.
They offer wine shared and private tours from $135 per person, with different options.
If you are in the mood for something more modern you can choose a very unique and open air Arimoto Tour, 100% electric from $225 for about 2:30hs.
Destination Temecula: They have a unique Sunset Culinary Experience, partnered with independent restaurants, vintners and local chefs to provide an optimal dinner experience and a tour at two wineries.
They also have private tours and special occasions tours.
Other options for different tours and needs are Executive VIP Transportation, FAA Limousines & Tours, VIP Ride 4U Limousine, Temecula Private Limo Wine Tours with Aall In Limo, Party Bus and more!
And if it was too much wine for now and is time to eat, let’s talk about some suggestions for dinner time.
Some good options are The Goot & Vine if you are looking for something casual like pizza, salad and sandwiches. If you are in the mood for Mexican, Be Good Restaurant & Experience is a perfect alternative, for Italian food lovers, Trattoria Toscana and Gourmet Italian are not going to disappoint you.
If is a special occasion or fine dining is what you are looking for make sure you made a reservation at Great Oak Steakhouse at Pechanga Casino, or Kabob House.
Spending one night in Temecula and needing to have breakfast? Try Toast, Penfold’s Café, Mo’s Egg House, Swing Inn Cafe, or 1909.
Even though Temecula is all about wine, grapes and food is much more to do if you want to spend 2 or 3 days in this inviting town.
Other activities to have fun can be golfing, bicycling, hiking, hot air ballooning is something that you can try if you have the time and the desire to be in the air, equestrian, different seasonal events, live music and if is too much and is time to relax a spa treatment is what you need.
We hope that gives you a good sensation about this charming wine town! Did we miss anything? Leave us a comment below!
