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With studios, museums, restaurants, sporting events and countless concerts it’s no surprise that Los Angeles gets a lot of love. There is no doubt that I was keen to see L.A. but I was also keen to check out California’s famous Temecula Valley Wine Country region. My trip was a mix of urban celebrity madness and country charm.
DAY ONE – SEEING STARS IN LOS ANGELES
3 pm: Hollywood Walk of Fame
After landing and getting settled our first stop was the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a permanent monument to 2,600 of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry including Chevy Chase, Sammy Davis Jr., Tommy Lee Jones, Bugs Bunny and Morgan Freeman. Canadians include Bryan Adams, Mike Myers, Ryan Reynolds, Michael J. Fox, Kiefer Sutherland and William Shatner.
DAY TWO: A VISIT TO THE DOCTOR
8 am: Dr. Phil Show
860 North Gower Street
I made arrangements to see a live taping of the Dr. Phil Show before I left Toronto. Dr. Phil tapes before a studio audience at Paramount Pictures Studios Stage 29 twice in the morning on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Godfather II, Star Trek First Contact and the Arsenio Hall Show were all filmed on this stage.
It was an interesting experience to see how a show is put together and watch Dr. Phil work his magic in person. The tickets are free. The show often deals with difficult topics designed to provide information and help people – in fact during my visit Dr. Phil was trying to help a woman with alcoholism. So I can’t say it was a fun experience but it was worthwhile, illuminating and entertaining. Some advice – eat a good breakfast before you go because the show only provides light snacks during the break. I would go again.
There were things I would change. No phones or cameras were allowed so there were no opportunities for pictures, even in the outside waiting area. The studio is cold – perhaps it’s to protect the equipment or control sweating – but even with a sweater it was chilly. Dr. Phil was present for two shows but never interacted with the audience. Lastly, because visitors have no control over seating I found myself in the last row for both shows.
2 pm: On the road to Temecula Valley Wine Country
After Dr. Phil it was off to Temecula Valley. Located in southwestern Riverside County, Temecula Valley Wine Country is a three hour drive from Los Angeles International Airport, give or take. I was in no hurry – Los Angeles is known for congestion and I was determined to take my time and enjoy the lovely journey.
The city of Temecula is a relaxed, sunny getaway with outstanding restaurants, shopping and history away from the big city. Temecula Valley Wine Country also features historic Old Town Temecula and the Pechanga Resort and Casino. If travelling in spring make a point to see the super bloom of poppies, California’s official flower on Interstate 15 just outside Temecula Valley. You will probably see cars lined along the road as people stop to look.
4 pm: Check into Temecula Creek Inn
44501 Rainbow Canyon Rd
Temecula Creek Inn is a pet-friendly gem in what feels like the middle of nowhere, a lovely location to kick back on your balcony, go for a walk or enjoy a round of golf after a long drive. I enjoy dinner at Cork Fire Kitchen Grille & Tap, a relaxing restaurant with views of the sprawling golf course. I enjoy a cast iron New York Steak with green peppercorn demi and crispy russet potatoes ($39) and Pan Seared Scallops with red curry, charred cauliflower smear and crisp carrots ($36). The next morning I enjoyed breakfast at Cork Fire Kitchen before heading off for our wine tour.
DAY THREE – WINE, ANYONE?
10 am Grapeline Wine Tours
A great way to get out and discover Temecula Valley’s famous wine country, featuring more than 40 wineries, is with Grapeline Wine Tours. The experts at Grapeline know the region so don’t be afraid to ask questions as most people who joined our tour were wine amateurs. Spanning more than 33,000 acres – the largest viticultural area in Southern California – Temecula Valley Wine Country is particularly well-suited to growing Italian, Spanish and French grapes such as Sangiovese, Syrah, Montepulciano, Viognier, and Zinfandel and Tempranillo.
Temecula Valley Wine Country wines are made possible by a unique microclimate that is often compared to the Mediterranean with dry summers, cool winters, and relatively little rainfall. These factors, combined with soils that consist primarily of decomposing granitic material, are beneficial for grapevine roots that excel in Temecula Valley Wine Country. More than two dozen grape varieties thrive in the region, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Riesling and Chardonnay.
Our stops included Avensole Winery, Fazeli Cellars (a brilliant building, Persian influence design), Danza Del Sol and Cougar Vineyard. A half-day wine adventure will cost you $95 per person, the Grapehopper Tour is $79 per person.
7:30 pm Dinner at The Gambling Cowboy
Located in the heart of Old Town Temecula, The Gambling Cowboy looks like it belongs on a ranch. This classic steak and seafood restaurant offers an impressive assortment of steaks and a wine list featuring vintages from many local wineries that I had visited earlier in the day.
DAY THREE – WINE, ANYONE?
10 am Grapeline Wine Tours
A great way to get out and discover Temecula Valley’s famous wine country, featuring more than 40 wineries, is with Grapeline Wine Tours. The experts at Grapeline know the region so don’t be afraid to ask questions as most people who joined our tour were wine amateurs. Spanning more than 33,000 acres – the largest viticultural area in Southern California – Temecula Valley Wine Country is particularly well-suited to growing Italian, Spanish and French grapes such as Sangiovese, Syrah, Montepulciano, Viognier, and Zinfandel and Tempranillo.
Temecula Valley Wine Country wines are made possible by a unique microclimate that is often compared to the Mediterranean with dry summers, cool winters, and relatively little rainfall. These factors, combined with soils that consist primarily of decomposing granitic material, are beneficial for grapevine roots that excel in Temecula Valley Wine Country. More than two dozen grape varieties thrive in the region, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Riesling and Chardonnay.
Our stops included Avensole Winery, Fazeli Cellars (a brilliant building, Persian influence design), Danza Del Sol and Cougar Vineyard. A half-day wine adventure will cost you $95 per person, the Grapehopper Tour is $79 per person.
7:30 pm Dinner at The Gambling Cowboy
Located in the heart of Old Town Temecula, The Gambling Cowboy looks like it belongs on a ranch. This classic steak and seafood restaurant offers an impressive assortment of steaks and a wine list featuring vintages from many local wineries that I had visited earlier in the day.
After a morning of window shopping in the sunshine I stopped at Crush & Brew for lunch. An artisan restaurant located in the center of Old Town Temecula, Crush & Brew has a fabulous wine and cocktail menu and selection of local craft beers. Several delicious items on the menu – especially if you like burgers – but what I enjoyed most were the selection of fries. Flavors include Creole, Salt & Pepper, Pork Belly and Pastrami Cheddar ranging from $7- $12.
MORE ABOUT TEMECULA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY
Website: www.visittemeculavalley.com
Phone: 1-888-363-2852
Website: info@visittemeculavalley.com
Upcoming Events
Temecula Valley Wine Country 50th Year Celebration – 2018
Temecula Valley Month of Romance – February 1st – 28th
Temecula Rod Run – March 2nd – 3rd
Pechanga Chocolate Decadence and Wine Festival – March 9th – 10th
http://www.vacaynetwork.com/temecula-valley-wine-country-road-trip-is-a-california-dream/
