Temecula Valley's 3 Unique Wine Trails

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, wines, and views for discovery and tasting. 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.

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.

• Located on the west side of the trail sits Halter Ranch, Callaway, Thornton, Europa Village, Baily Vineyard, Miramonte, Mount Palomar, Inn at Churon Winery, and Bel Vino Winery.
• Further east, visitors can explore Maurice Car’rie, Avensole, Carter Estate, South Coast, Ponte Family Estate Winery, Wiens Family Cellars, BOTTAIA Winery, Monte De Oro Winery, Wilson Creek Winery, Doffo Winery, Chapin Family Vineyards, and Raul Ramirez Bodegas Y Vinedos.

Standouts along this densely concentrated trail include Callaway Vineyard, the first commercial winery; Thornton Winery, known for their sell-out jazz concerts and sparkling wine in their French-style chateau; Baily Vineyard, one of the oldest, specializes in the Bordeaux varieties; Mount Palomar, a classic since 1969, features Solera Cream Sherry that is traditionally made and aged; Europa Village with its three Spanish, Italian and French wineries; and Doffo Winery not only has a stellar reputation for its reds, they have a vintage motorcycle collection that can’t be missed.

Calle Contento Wine Trail

For an “off the beaten path” wine-tasting experience, visitors won’t want to miss the Calle Contento 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; Akash Winery is popular for its social atmosphere, view, and Estate Parlez Vous Rosés; Peltzer Winery features a farm atmosphere and an industrial-chic winery with great wine, including wine cocktails; and the family-run Lumiere serves estate-grown Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, and Sauvignon Blancs. Limited-production Briar Rose Winery is located on the south side of the road, often sought after for its charming, fairytale setting; and Uys Winery can be found on the same end just off the trail, natural wines with minimal intervention techniques are their specialty.

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 as well as the more contemporary Altisima Winery, while Cougar Vineyard features 100% Estate, Vitagliano Vineyards featuring their Super Tuscan varietals, Frangipani Estate Winery with its Reserve Style wine, award-winning Robert Renzoni Vineyards, and Danza del Sol boasting its Tempranillo, 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. Other De Portola Wine Trail favorites include Leoness Cellars, with its lush grounds and critically acclaimed wine list, Gershon Bachus where a wine education program takes tasters on an adventure through red wines, and Somerset where the winemaker brings ancient winemaking techniques back into fashion.

Transportation companies are available to take individuals, couples, and groups wine tasting. Most will pick you up from your hotel and take you to about three wineries with a picnic lunch included before returning to your hotel. This is a great way to see the landscape, learn about wine country’s history and wine varietals, and maybe even get a tour. View the wine map online.