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Here are 5 lesser-known California wine regions worth exploring

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 12:00 PM

Callaway Winery, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country

From the Temecula Valley to the Santa Cruz Mountains, these wine regions deliver more of the tailored experience you seek and less of the crowds.

Temecula Valley

Southern California visitors looking for wine tasting options can take advantage of their proximity to the Temecula Valley wine region, located just inland between Los Angeles and San Diego. While you might expect this region to be hot year-round, mornings and nights in the Temecula Valley can be downright chilly, allowing grapes to retain freshness while still developing flavor during the ripening process. 

This dynamic wine region is known for its ingenuity and willingness to experiment, and you can even blend your own bottle at Bottaia Winery's blending lab. Many of the wineries in Temecula produce only a small amount of each vintage, so you'll need to visit to try them yourself. Enjoy the 90-point 2023 Viognier at Wilson Creek Winery, or go for their almond sparkling wine, a refreshing summer favorite. The best way to take in the area's beauty is on a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vineyards.

Full article here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/best-wine-regions-napa-california-alternatives