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Temecula Valley Wine Country boasts a variety of unique wineries, from boutique to resort, with a surplus of amenities including gift shops, restaurants, spas, patios, bocce ball, and live entertainment. Visitors to the region can take advantage of three unique wine trails to help plan their wine-tasting experience, each offering a unique set of vineyards and wineries for discovery and tastings. From the time-tested traditions and ease-of-access of the Rancho California Wine Trail to Calle Cotento Wine Trail’s “Off-the-beaten-path” experience to De Portola Wine Trail, that meanders through Temecula Valley’s equestrian area while showcasing wines styles from around the world, there is a wine trail for every Temecula Valley visitor.
Rancho California Wine Trail
Some of the region’s oldest and most well-known wineries can be found on the Rancho California Wine Trail, dotted with the wineries that most visitors first encounter upon exiting the freeway for a Temecula Valley wine-tasting experience. Located on the west side of the trail sits Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Thornton Winery, Hart Winery, Baily Vineyard & Winery, Mount Palomar Winery, Europa Village, Inn at Churon Winery, Miramonte 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 Resort & Spa, Wiens Family Cellars, Ponte Winery, Monte De Oro Winery, Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard, 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 sell out jazz concerts, wine tours, and magnificent sparkling wine in their French-style chateau; Hart Winery, a family-run, long-time local favorite with a full lineup of varietals; Baily Vineyard & Winery, specializing in the Bordeaux varieties; and Mount Palomar Winery, a Temecula Valley classic since 1969.
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. Must-see wineries along this trail include Falkner Winery, specializing in award-winning Super Tuscan and Meritage blends (and the Pinnacle Restaurant with 360 degree vineyard view!); family-owned and operated Akash Winery (opening summer 2018); Peltzer Family Cellars, featuring the new The Crush House tasting room where guests can sample unique wines in rustic, hip style; the family-run Lumiere Winery, serving up estate-grown Bordeauxs, Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, and Sauvignon Blancs; and Vindemia Vineyard & Estate Winery, another family-owned Temecula Valley winery serving up European style wines in a laid-back, California setting. Limited-production Briar Rose Winery is located on the south side of the road, often sought after for its charming, fairytale setting.
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. 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, and Vitagliano Winery tasting room showcasing their Super Tuscan varietals in a serene, picturesque environment.
For more details and descriptions of Temecula Valley wine trails and wineries, explore VisitTemeculaValley.com.
About Visit Temecula Valley
With natural gifts of climate and geography Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is recognized for scenic vineyards, award-winning wines, and 40+ wineries. The popular, boutique destination includes the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area) as well as Historic Downtown Old Town Temecula, Pechanga Resort & Casino, and Temecula Wine Country Golf Trail.
Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and an online resource for visitors at VisitTemeculaValley.com. Temecula Valley Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula (Third Street and Mercedes). For visitor information and assistance, call (888) 363-2852 or (951) 491-6085.
