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A First-Timer's Guide: 18 Cool Things To Do in Temecula Valley 

By Michelle Halpern, Live like it's the weekend!

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I recently visited Temecula for the second time around during a road trip through some of the best wine regions in California, and I can confirm that if you’re a vino lover like myself, Temecula needs to be on your list. If you’ve been on the fence about Temecula, I’m going to show you why you should really consider paying a visit to Southern California’s wine country, and I’ll also share some of the fun things to do in Temecula.

I feel like Temecula has been a bit of a red headed stepchild of wine regions in California in the past (I mean, I get it–it’s hard to compete with Napa and Sonoma). However, while it may not have the most accolades for award winning wine in the state, there is still a lot that is appealing about Temecula.

First and foremost, my favorite thing about Temecula is its laidback atmosphere. It’s the opposite of snobby wine country. Here, you can rock up to wineries without reservations, wearing whatever the hell you want and not feel judged. While many visitors to Temecula are of course serious about wine, the underlying vibe is that people here just want to have fun. And I can fully get behind that.

For first-time visitors, there are some incredible curated activities including wine tours and epic hot air balloon experiences. Keep reading for a quick guide to visiting Temecula wine country and for my full list of the best things to do in the area.


Why You Should Visit Temecula

  • The vibe is laidback and casual, unlike some other wine destinations in California–perfect for last-minute trips when you don’t want to worry about what you’re wearing or making reservations ahead of time.

  • It’s one of the most convenient wine regions to get to from Southern California.

  • There are a lot of incredible experiences and things to do in Temecula that AREN’T wineries, so it’s ideal if your group wants to partake in more than just wine tasting.

  • Temecula is one of the most varied wine regions in the state as far as the number of wine varietals it produces. If you’re traveling with a mix of people that like different styles of wine, you’ll find it all here.

  • Old Town Temecula is one of the most historic communities in Southern California and many of the buildings have been preserved from the 1800s. A stroll through downtown is like taking a step back in time!

 

What You Need to Know Before Your Trip 


Best Things to do in Temecula

#1 SEE TEMECULA FROM ABOVE IN A HOT AIR BALLOON 

Taking a hot air balloon ride is one of the most fun things to do in Temecula and if you go for a sunrise ride (which you have to, because they only depart at that time), the views are pretty magical.

I personally had never been in a hot air balloon until this trip and it turned out to be way less terrifying than I imagined. Take off can be a little bumpy, but once you’re in the air it feels really peaceful gliding gently above all of the vineyards.

Another bonus I didn’t realize I was going to get out of this experience? Spying on all of the epic Temecula real estate. Let me tell you, there are some INSANE homes in the area and even a private aircraft runway we got to scope out.

I recommend going with Magical Adventure Balloons who made the experience feel safe and entertaining. 

If you’re scared of heights, no worries. You can still experience Temecula’s iconic landscape dotted with balloons, you’ll just have to suffer an early wakeup call! It’s still really cool to see the balloons launch in the air even if you’re not up in one and you can get epic backdrops for your photos this way. We had great views of the balloons in flight over the vineyard from our hotel room at Carter Estate.

BOOK A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE HERE

#2 GO WINE TASTING

OK yes, this might be an obvious one, but you can’t go to Temecula without experiencing some of the best wine tasting in the area. If you’ve ever been wine tasting in Sonoma or Napa, you’ll notice that Temecula is nothing like that. It’s way more casual and laidback, which can be a nice change of pace.

Many of the wineries are spread out, so it’s a good idea to have a car or join a tour that will provide transportation between wineries. If you’d rather do a day of wine tasting by foot only, there are three wineries that are within walking distance of each other: South Coast, Ponte and Wiens Family Cellars.  

#3 WIENS FAMILY CELLARS 

Famous for their “Big Reds,” Wiens is the winery to visit for those looking for the best handcrafted red wines in Temecula. 

Tastings start at $20, but for a more elevated experience, I’d recommend doing their private patio seated tasting of Reserve wines starting at $40, which were some of our favorite wines we tasted in the area. This tasting comes accompanied with cheese and charcuterie as well.

EXPLORE WIENS FAMILY CELLARS

#4 CARTER ESTATE WINERY 

If you’re a sparkling wine enthusiast, you can’t miss Carter Estate Winery where they specialize in the bubbly stuff. Pro-tip: Try to get a table on their gorgeous back patio where you’ll feel instantly transported to the Tuscan countryside.

EXPLORE WINE TASTING AT CARTER ESTATE

#5 AKASH WINERY 

Perfect for a more modern wine tasting experience with food trucks, live music and hip vibes, Akash Winery is definitely a different change of pace from the typical Temecula wineries that seem set on recreating the Tuscan villa experience.

Akash is a family-owned winery that is newer to the Temecula scene, however the young winemaker is super invested in making Temecula a world class wine destination–and the enthusiasm shows. The winery already does a lot of fun events like Taco Tuesdays and yoga + wine offerings (if you’re part of their wine club), but they also have plans to expand with bubble domes and a 49-room resort in the future.

Go for a tasting, or book a private wine tour starting at $35 for a more personalized experience.

EXPLORE AKASH WINERY

#6 SUNSET AT CALLAWAY WINERY 

During our stay in Temecula, we kept hearing the same tip over and over again: You have to go to Callaway Winery for sunset. Turns out they were on the money. While the wine wasn’t my personal favorite, the ambiance and valley views are still worth a visit to watch the sun go down over wine country. If you’re looking for the best sunset spot in Temecula, this is it.

#7 EXPLORE OLD TOWN TEMECULA 

Stepping into Old Town Temecula is a bit like being on the set of an old country western film. It’s fun to just casually stroll down the main drag for a couple hours or make a day of it. Either way, there are definitely some fun things to do in Old Town Temecula and it’s a must on any trip to the valley.

Originally founded by the Temecula Indians, the area is one of the most historic in Southern California. The heritage and charm have been beautifully preserved in the Old Town with rustic buildings mixed in alongside quirky storefronts. Much of the architecture dates back to the 1800s and it’s the perfect place to experience a bit of California history firsthand.

Along the main strip you’ll find a mix of artisan boutiques, restaurants and antique shops. It’s the ideal place to come and pick up one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family. 

#8 SMALL BARN

A place where beautiful design meets delicious food, Small Barn is definitely the best new restaurant in Temecula. The menu is led by Top Chef alum Angelo Sosa, and my friend and I literally drooled over every dish that came out to our table. Don’t miss the ahi tuna and spiced pumpkin flan for dessert–it will all melt in your mouth.

#9 GOAT & VINE

While we didn’t get to make it here during our visit, Goat & Vine was specifically recommended to us by the owner of Akash Winery, so I’m adding it to the list. He was very in-the-know on what is new in Temecula, so I 100% trust his opinion!

The restaurant serves freshly baked stone-hearth pizza with interesting combinations like the Thailand (oven roasted chicken, cilantro, green onions, grape tomatoes, bean sprouts, roasted peanuts, jalapenos, cucumbers, and house made sweet Thai chili sauce), alongside amazing wine. This is the place to be for a hearty meal that will soak up all that wine you’ve been sipping.

#10 1909 TEMECULA

Located in the heart of the Old Town Temecula, 1909 is an industrial indoor/outdoor eatery that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a great spot that fuses cuisines from all over the world and even offers a menu for visitors’ four-legged friends.

Try the veggie wontons and crab and shrimp empanadas. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

#11 OLIVE OIL TASTING 

When you’re sick of taste testing every varietal of wine, head to the Temecula Olive Oil Company or Olive Plantation for a different kind of tasting experience.

At Temecula Olive Oil Company located right in Old Town, you’ll find a wide variety of olive oils to try, while the selection at the Olive Plantation is a bit more limited and short-lived. However, I loved the intimate family-owned feel of the Olive Plantation and the property is straight out of a movie.

#12 TEMECULA HAUNTED BAR TOUR

This is personally something I would never do because I’m the biggest scaredy cat on Earth, but if you’re one of those insane people who enjoys being spooked, this is the tour for you.

On this guided walking tour, you’ll get an inside look at some of the history of Temecula by way of its most haunted bars. Prices start at $26.50 per person. 

Book the Haunted Bar Tour

#13 TAKE A SPA DAY AT GRAPESEED SPA 

Sometimes all that wine drinking can tire you out, which is why a spa day at South Coast Winery is the perfect reset. Pop over to the hotel’s GrapeSeed Spa for a selection of treatments–which of course come with a glass of wine–and then stroll the nearby “Serenity Path” for a dose of Vitamin D.

#14 EXPLORE THE SANTA ROSA PLATEAU ECOLOGICAL RESERVE

A gem that many visitors to Temecula Valley miss, the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is a 9,000 acre nature conservation consisting of over 200 species of birds and 49 endangered animals and plant species.

There are 17 trails in total (9 of them on the easy side) ranging from 1.8 to 9.7 km., so you can pick a route that works best for your skill level while taking in some of the fresh Southern California air.

#15 SHOPPING AT OLD TOWN SPICE & TEA MERCHANTS

For my readers who love to cook, a visit to the Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants is going to be your playground–trust me. With wall-to-wall handcrafted spice mixtures on offer, this hidden shop is the perfect place to stop by to take a taste of Temecula home with you.

I’m still making my way through all of the mixes I bought: a cajun blend, a smoky cheddar popcorn seasoning, and a coffee BBQ spice mix. Are you drooling yet?

#16 HORSEBACK RIDING THROUGH THE VINEYARDS 

Take a scenic horseback ride through the valley with Wine Country Trails. The horses are all rescued and the owner of the ranch has worked really hard to rehabilitate over 50 horses. This tour is 90 minutes long and prices start at $95 on weekdays and $105 on weekends. 

#17 GO ON A SELF-LED BREWERY TOUR 

Wine isn’t the only style of beverage that Temecula has on offer. Discover some of the best breweries in the area for yourself and lead your own tour to Stone Church Brewing, Relentless and Garage Brewing and 8 Bit, all just minutes drive of each other.

#18 LINE DANCING AT THE TEMECULA STAMPEDE

If you’re looking to partake in the western culture, you’ll want to hit up the Temecula Stampede, the west coast’s largest country western music venue.