Temecula Valley
Makers & Mavericks
Temecula Valley isn’t just a scenic destination. It’s a living testament to what happens when passion meets opportunity. Here, people with a vision leave the noise of the big city behind and build something extraordinary from the ground up. Whether it’s a boutique winemaker crafting the perfect vintage, a chef reinventing farm-to-table dining, or a small business owner breathing new life into a historic storefront, Temecula is where dreams are not just welcomed—they’re realized. This is a region defined by its makers, and their stories are putting Temecula firmly on the map.
For years the Patel Family dreamed of owning a winery and even purchased a painting of a beautiful vineyard that they hung above their fireplace mantel to keep their dream alive and within eyesight. With Akash at the helm, their vision of a slice of wine country paradise in Temecula Valley began to take form as they prepared the land, carefully planted vines, and began building what is now Akash Winery & Vineyards. “The dream of my parents became my passion,” Akash Patel said. “When my parents named the property after me, they gave me a pathway for their legacy and dream to live on, and I am honored to do just that.” Akash credits his parent’s incredible tenacity and work ethic to the success and popularity of the winery. “My parents came to America with nothing in their pockets but a dream and I have witnessed all the hard work they have put into building a legacy, and they are my inspiration to continue to grow our winery.”
When retired Army Colonel Bill Steinkirchner was pondering things to do with his free time after serving in the military for 23 years, he decided to tap into his decades-long passion for craft beer. The result: Stone Church Brewing. “I seriously never envisioned myself doing this,” Steinkirchner said. “My family and friends literally pushed me into it.” After the success of his first brewery in Corona in 2016, Steinkirchner debuted a tasting room in Old Town Temecula in 2019. It was his time in the military that shaped his approach to operating a brewery and crafting beer. “Like my time serving in the military, I have surrounded myself with people better than I am,” he said. “I also have the ability to plan things out and anticipate any challenges that may arise before they occur.” Visitors to his microbreweries and tasting rooms can often find Steinkirchner pouring beer, laughing with guests, sharing details about the brewing process and offering tasting notes and suggestions.
Family and community are the common threads that weave throughout everything that represents the Wilson Family and Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards. In the middle of that family is Wilson Creek CEO Bill Wilson, who's adventurous and savvy parents purchased the land to build what is now one of the premier wineries in Temecula Valley Wine Country in the mid-90s. Although it’s one of the larger wineries in the region, Bill Wilson and the entire Wilson clan have maintained a comfortable, family-friendly vibe. With four generations of Wilsons living on the property, guests can be assured they will be treated to a true down-home wine country experience. Bill Wilson proved to be a wine industry innovator with the production of White Cabernet, which isn't typical, but the winery sells thousands of cases annually. Wilson Creek was also one of the first wineries to host weddings and events.
Ancient Persian traditions and a zest for life played a big role in Fazeli Cellars' owner BJ Fazeli’s decision to follow his dreams and open a world-class winery in the Temecula Valley. Always a maverick, Fazeli worked all over the globe creating a wide range of successful businesses including art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, but his desire to realize his dream to build a winery never waned and he dove into the world of wine in 2003. When he announced his winemaking plans, peers and friends were skeptical and many urged him not to take the leap.“I wanted a winery that honored the ancient traditions of my Persian heritage yet paid tribute to California’s contemporary character, and I knew Temecula Valley Wine Country was the perfect location.” Fazeli adds, “My story is an American dream come true."
Dan and Cathy Gibson are the husband-and-wife team behind Small Barn, a standout restaurant in Old Town Temecula that blends elevated dining with a strong sense of place. Longtime entrepreneurs in the region, the Gibsons opened Small Barn in 2020 with the goal of creating a warm, welcoming space that reflects Temecula’s agricultural roots and evolving culinary scene. Housed in a thoughtfully restored historic building, the restaurant offers seasonal, locally inspired dishes in a relaxed yet refined setting. In addition to Small Barn in Old Town, the Gibsons own and operate a successful micro-greenery greenhouse in Temecula Valley Wine Country. Dan and Cathy’s vision for Temecula celebrates and honors its past while embracing its future.
With a lineage of farming that dates back to 1913, it only made sense for Charlie and Carrie Peltzer to continue the family’s heritage. The couple started their own farm, Peltzer Pumpkin Farm, in the City of Orange in 1996. While looking to expand their successful farm, they happened upon an abandoned Christmas tree farm in Temecula Valley Wine Country and decided to relocate Peltzer Pumpkin Farm to the Calle Contento property in 2006. They began building and focusing their vision around ‘agri-tainment’ and families flocked to the farm to enjoy fun events. In 2016 they expanded even further and swung open the big, beautiful doors to Peltzer Winery which has become a go-to destination for wine lovers near and far. “We have families that have been coming to our farm for more than twenty years,” Charlie Peltzer said.
Samantha, Brigitte, and Damian Doffo inherited a deep love of farming and winemaking from their father, Marcelo, whose Italian ancestors settled in Argentina in the early 1900s. After growing up on the family farm, Marcelo developed a love of the land and the art of cultivation. He eventually moved to Temecula, developed his winemaking skills, and founded Doffo Winery in 1997. Now that he has stepped back from day-to-day operations, his children are continuing their father's legacy. “We love the challenge of establishing the credibility and quality of our wines to our wine peers in other regions and to our members and guests,” said Damian. The Doffo family also has a love of vintage motorcycles. They have merged their two passions with the MotoDoffo wine brand and have showcased their extensive MotoDoffo Vintage Motorcycle Collection at the winery. It consists of more than 200 motorcycles and scooters spanning eight decades from manufacturers including Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Gilera, Honda, CZ, Vespa, and more.
Daniel Stephenson is a revered figure in real estate, known for his entrepreneurial acumen, humanitarian endeavors, and visionary leadership. Since 1968, Stephenson has been a driving force in Temecula's real estate scene, forming over 350 partnerships and raising $800 million in investor capital. His Rancon Group has developed and sold 10,000+ acres of commercial and residential properties. Europa Village stands as a crowning achievement, reflecting Stephenson's passion for European charm in Temecula Valley Wine Country. Beyond business, Stephenson's philanthropy shines through his support for initiatives like the Temecula Valley Theater Foundation. Awards like Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year (1991), Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement honor (2019), Welty Award (2020-2021), and Xenia Ambassador Award (2023) attest to his impact. In essence, Daniel Stephenson's legacy is one of innovation, compassion, and community enrichment.
With a passion for history and an unwavering dedication to community and staying the course in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, the late Darell Farnbach and his wife, Rebecca, were instrumental in saving and restoring Temecula's beloved Vail Headquarters. The quaint location is a living historic park and a destination for specialty restaurants, boutique stores and a favorite spot for special events. The bustling area continues to be a place that brings the community together and introduces visitors to the valley’s local heritage. Like so many, the couple fell in love with the Temecula Valley when they arrived in the 1980s. Rebecca is a founding member, past president and current board member of the Vail Ranch Restoration Association and Temecula Valley Historical Society. “It is heartwarming to see families dining and at play in the setting of the historic buildings that my husband and I successfully advocated to save and guided the renovation for a rebirth,” she said.
Actor Dean Norris, best known for his role as Hank Schrader in the smash hit, Breaking Bad, moved to Temecula in 2001 after living in Los Angeles for nearly 10 years. “We wanted to come to a family-friendly place, and we discovered Temecula,” said Norris. “We’ve raised our five kids here and we love it.” Norris said that from day one, he always believed Old Town Temecula would be a smart investment. In 2022, Norris purchased the Swing Inn Cafe, an established eatery in Old Town Temecula that first opened in 1927, when railroad passengers walked over from the train depot for a meal. “I take about 20 photos a day with people and every day, at least one person is from another country, whether it be France, Italy, Japan, Canada, or England. I always thought Temecula would become an international destination, and it has.”
For Denni Barrett, owner and balloonist of Magical Adventure Balloon Rides, it was literally a magical hot air balloon ride that sealed his love of ballooning and inspired him to get his pilot’s license. Barrett has flown a wide variety of aircraft including airplanes, gliders, sea planes, helicopters and even the MetLife blimp. It was those unique flying experiences that rooted in his soul and led him to start his ballooning business over a decade ago. And although Barrett takes delighted passengers on flights throughout Southern California, Temecula Valley remains one of his favorite locales to take his colorful balloons aloft.“Everywhere else is pretty much seasonal, but we can fly year-round in Temecula,” Barrett said. “We have a lot of agriculture which keeps the area open for balloons to land and take off.” “The biggest double-wow is when passengers realize we’ve left the ground,” Barrett said. “Many people don’t realize we’ve left the ground.” Ballooning is the perfect mixture of adventure and romance, Barrett added.
Dirk and Michelle Uys are the husband-and-wife team behind UYS Garagiste Winery and Vineyard, now in its third year of operation in Temecula Valley Wine Country. As hands-on makers, they’ve built their boutique winery around a commitment to natural, small-batch wines that reflect the character of the land and their personal winemaking philosophy. Every bottle is produced on-site using organically farmed grapes—many grown within two miles of the winery—and without additives, fining agents, or filtration. Guests are welcomed for private, seated tastings with Dirk, who shares the story behind each wine and the vineyard it came from. Their flexible Garagiste Wine Club and popular Cycle and Sip e-bike experience offer unique ways to connect with both the wines and the region.
An eye for all things beautiful combined with a love of hosting events led Gina LaMora to found Grazing Theory Lavish Charcuterie, where artisanal cheeses and meats are the stars of the delicious show. Her creations are works of edible art in which clients are treated to awe-inspiring charcuterie boards with LaMora’s distinguished eye for scrumptious detail. She operates the thriving business out of Grazing Theory Wine & Cheese shop in Old Town Temecula. “I’ve always had a passion for entertaining guests,” LaMora said. “I love to see the ‘wows’ when they sit down at a beautiful tablescape.” LaMora’s strong work ethic and love for fresh ingredients were instilled in her during the time spent working alongside her siblings on her grandparent’s farm in South Africa during school holidays.
A nationally recognized leader in Regenerative Agriculture, Greg brings 40 years of diverse botanical and genetics research in botanical medicine and agricultural production to Wilson Creek Winery. Greg’s goal as Vineyard Manager and Professor of Viticulture at Mt. San Jacinto College is the continuous improvement of the Temecula Appellation. His life-supporting Regenerative Agricultural practices at Wilson Creek Winery include no herbicides, no synthetic fertilizers unless chelated in a bioreactor, composting, extensive use of multi-species cover crops, and integrated pest management increasing the density, diversity and resilience of the vineyard's ecosystems, resulting in wine expressing the world-class terroir of the Temecula Valley.
Growing up on the white sandy beaches in an Egyptian coastal town teeming with delectable fresh seafood and sun-drenched tourists laid the groundwork for Chef Hany Ali, the Executive Chef at Europa Village. At the young age of 14, Chef Hany embarked on his culinary adventure at a swanky hotel in Egypt apprenticing under a master chef. He quickly proved himself through his natural abilities in and around the kitchen along with his tenacious and curious spirit. “A chef is not a career path or job title, it is a way of life,” Chef Hany said. “It’s a never-ending dedication and extreme focus on both the food and workings of my kitchen. Yes, I do mean never-ending. Chefs eat, breathe and live for their craft.” Chef Hany can be seen foraging for fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices in the winery’s kitchen garden and often comes into the dining areas to meet diners and make sure they are enjoying their meals.
The Temecula Lavender Company was born out of Jan Schneider’s love for the herb Lavender; the herb of peace, purification, sleep and longevity. To incorporate this herb into her family’s daily life, she began creating ways in which they could enjoy its healthful and aromatic qualities. The result is a small lavender farm located in the Temecula Valley Wine Country that grows and produces a line of pure, natural and healthful lavender products for the bath, body and home. Products are always hand crafted in small batches, using pure ingredients without harmful petroleum products. Her shop is located on Front Street in Old Town Temecula.
In the early 80s, INTENSE CEO and Founder Jeff Steber chose the picturesque Temecula Valley as the location for his burgeoning mountain bike company. “The Temecula Valley offered the perfect location, with the weather making access to year-round action sports that I was involved in ideal,” Steber said. Steber’s journey into the world of mountain biking started when he began working on motocross bikes, building guitars, and customizing cars, always refining and aiming to make things better. He quickly realized he was onto something awesome, organic, and authentic. INTENSE bikes are now ridden all over the world, including the multitude of trails in the Temecula Valley area. The love of the sprawling location and all it has to offer inspired Steber to create the latest mountain bike design, the 951 Series, named after the region’s area code as homage to the birthplace of INTENSE. “Most of Temecula Valley is a bit on an oasis with its own unique climate and the proximity to the ocean,” said Steber.
The 63-acre South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is well known for its broken records in competitions over the years, but few are aware of its founder, Jim Carter. Born and raised in Ohio, by age 16 Carter began his career as a builder. Carter’s love for building brought him to California at the age of 18 and was named the “youngest carpenter journeyman to ever enter into the union.” Carter expanded his portfolio widely and successfully just before the savings and loan disaster of the 90s. For the next ten years, he aggressively sold his assets and reduced his workforce. In 1995 while watching the movie, “A Walk in the Clouds,” he experienced a life-changing epiphany, thinking of his own 400-acre parcel of land he hung onto throughout those troubling years. Carter determined the conditions on the land were ideal for growing outstanding varietals of grapes. With the assistance of his children, gardeners, and saved quarters he collected from his laundry facilities, Carter planted a vineyard.
John and Kim Kelliher launched Grapeline Wine Tours in 2002 after recognizing the potential of Temecula’s emerging wine country. What started as a local wine shuttle has grown into a top-rated tour company serving guests across multiple California wine regions. John has a background in business development and was Grapeline's first official driver! He currently serves on the board of Visit California, helping shape the state's tourism strategy.
Kim has served as Board Chairman of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and is often recognized for her leadership within the local business community. Together, the Kellihers remain hands-on in running Grapeline -- committed to hospitality from the heart, strong winery partnerships, and showcasing the best of wine country with every tour.
Tending to grapes, making wine and understanding how to foster incredible fruit is something that has been the backbone of Jon Mcpherson’s life since he was a young boy. McPherson’s father was a pioneer in the Texas wine industry and tasked 10-year-old McPherson with digging postholes for grape stakes and planting grapevines. At the age of 14, he began working in the cellar. McPherson graduated with a degree in Food and Technology, then set his sights on California. He accepted a position at Culbertson Winery in Temecula Valley before landing the winemaking role at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort in 2005. “I work with Mother Nature taking something from the soil and turning it into the modern version of an ancient beverage,” McPherson said. As he forges his path to his 45th harvest, it’s clear McPherson’s love and passion for winemaking remains legendary and is a vital component in Temecula Valley Wine Country.
Powerhouse couple Ken and Brandie Newman have upped the entertainment game in Old Town Temecula since purchasing the iconic country music haven The Stampede in 2020. “With our love of live music, our ultimate goal is to bring more national touring bands to the Stampede,” Brandie Newman said. Brandie grew up in a small farming town in Arkansas, but had her sights set on a different kind of business. She took a leap of faith and journeyed to Los Angeles where her talents were noticed, and she was signed by Sirius XM to host a nationally syndicated show. Her vast network of professional and personal relationships with people in the entertainment industry is now coming full circle. Her husband Ken is a business maverick who worked in the family business, Newman and Sons, Inc., at the beginning of his career. In 2007 he founded RAMCO which is the leading recycled aggregate producer in Southern California. Since opening The Stampede, they've also created a themed western experience, Old Town Ranch. Six wagons offer an authentic pioneer experience without sacrificing the comforts of home.
Entrepreneur Ken Smith has called Temecula home for more than 30 years and in that time he has grown his cornerstone business Southwest Traders into a wildly successful distribution company, in addition to helming other successful companies in the region. A steadfast and driven maverick, he began his enterprise with one van and a whole lot of gumption. Since founding Southwest Traders, Smith has made several business investments within Temecula Valley including the purchase of Galway Downs event and equestrian center, Native Falls Campground, Danza Del Sol Winery, Masia de la Vinya Winery, and he is a majority owner of the prestigious Cross Creek Golf Club. Ken is also the recipient of the distinguished Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and Welty Award (2024).“I’m inspired by facilitating people in celebrating life,” Smith said. “My experiences and involvement in the Temecula Valley make it clear that there is an amazing amount of positive energy in this gem we call home.”
Kurt Merrill, who likes to ride around Old Town Temecula on his Penny Farthing (high wheel) bicycle, is a man of many hats. In addition to owning and operating a busy landscaping service, he runs an 11-acre Macadamia Nut, Honey, and Christmas Tree Farm. Known as Gold Crown Farms, its Macadamia Nut Oil is locally made with 100 percent California sourced nuts. Each fall, Merrill supports fellow farmers by hosting Grower Field Day, a supportive and educational gathering of the California Macadamia Nut Society.
For Chef Leah Di Bernardo, it is her passion and desire to feed human beings food that is not only nourishing and delicious, but responsibly forged. Di Bernardo is not only a chef, but a restaurateur who founded the bustling E.A.T. Marketplace. “Through this journey, I became a revolutionary in our beautiful valley, took on food policy and created a pathway for edible education programs at Temecula area schools.” Such was Di Bernardo’s tenacity to create healthy and sustainable food practices, the Huffington Post referred to her as “The Alice Waters of Riverside County.” She then founded Cultivating Good out of her desire to support the many profound and talented artisans that work the soil, the fishing boats and the kitchens. Di Bernardo said she feels an obligation to what she puts on the plate for each guest. “I am driven to teach the next generations of cooks the many layers of impact it has on the soil, environment, and health/wellness of those we serve.”
Ever since she was a young girl Marika Matson’s life revolved around her love of horses. She began her equine career at 11 years old when she landed a job shoveling manure on a horse farm. “I made $3 per hour and I worked every day after school,” Matson said. “It was my dream job and the art of shoveling manure is now engrained in my very being.” Over the years while working on various farms she stayed up late looking after mares and their babies while learning from the best horsemen and women in the Temecula Valley. Matson eventually turned her passion into a thriving horse-centric business and founded Temecula Carriage Company in 2007. Temecula Carriage Company offers a variety of carriage rides from romantic private tours to group excursions featuring wine tours, and seasonal activities. “The best way for me to explain my passion is to describe it as my gift,” Matson said. “I think gifts are meant to be shared.”
Situated in the heart of Temecula’s Wine Country and nestled in the middle of a beautiful private 5-acre Chardonnay vineyard, Domaine Chardonnay Bed & Breakfast was designed and built by Laura Stearn, fashion and interior designer and fine artist, and her architect husband, Mike Wieters. Stearn wanted to create a magical wine country getaway reminiscent of a small village in the Loire Valley. Domaine Chardonnay boasts uber posh, modern décor with special touches throughout. It has blossomed into one of the most beautiful and top-rated boutique hotels in Temecula; this perfect blend of fine living complements the property’s sustainably farmed vineyard and small-batch winery.
For Nick and Cindy Palumbo, it's all about the wine. With Sicilian ancestry on one side and Illinois farming on the other, Nick believes he was genetically programmed and destined to be a vintner. After stints as a musician, surfer, and chef, Nick and Cindy founded Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery in 1998 and have raised their four children on the property. Over the years, they have continued creating small lot, handcrafted wines from varietials grown on the property. Their 13 acre, 2,500-case-per-year family run winery is often described as "Boutique" but they favor the term "Artisinal" to describe the involvement and passion that goes into daily operations. The vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Tannat, Syrah, Nero Davola, Grenache, Bourboulenc, and Sangiovese varietals. A block of Viognier and Syrah was planted on neighboring properties to round out the line of wines available.
Phil Baily is a pioneering figure in Temecula Valley’s wine story. In 1982, he and his wife Carol planted their first acre of grapes—on Mother’s Day, no less—laying the groundwork for what would become Baily Vineyard & Winery. As one of the original wineries in the region, Baily Winery helped shape the identity of Temecula as a serious wine destination. Over four decades later, Phil remains at the helm alongside his family, crafting wines exclusively from estate-grown grapes and specializing in Bordeaux varietals. His meticulous approach and pride in the winemaking process come through in every bottle, earning Baily Winery a respected place in the region’s evolution.
Rob and Lacey Britton stand out as a beacon of hospitality and warmth in the heart of Temecula Valley’s Southern California Wine Country, serving as innkeepers of The Vine House Bed & Breakfast. Located on the De Portola Wine Trail and set in an elegant cape cod style home with exquisitely designed rooms, it is known as one of the most romantic getaways in wine country. Lacey and Rob were married on the property and today, they are raising their three daughters in a home they built there. It was their dream to renovate the barn in which they were married and create a bed & breakfast for visitors to enjoy the property’s beautiful surroundings.
It makes perfect sense that Robert Renzoni, proprieter of Robert Renzoni Vineyards, would end up at the helm of a wildly successful winery. His family has been making wine since 1886 and he is a fourth generation winemaker who began learning the art of winemaking at the tender age of six. “As far as my inspiration, it’s in my blood,” Renzoni said. “I am following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather.” When Renzoni decided to take the next step and open a winery he scouted several California wine regions. “I seriously had a gut feeling about Temecula Valley having the most upside,” he said. “I also did my research and found our beautiful valley was more ideal for growing the Italian varietals I wanted to produce.” Robert Renzoni Vineyards has become a beacon on the De Portola Wine Trail with architecture reminiscent of a winery nestled on an Italian hillside with a vibrant tasting room, restaurant that is famous for traditional Italian fare, welcoming staff and gorgeous views. Renzoni's latest venture with partners Domenic Galleano and Olivia Bue, is Truffle Pig Winery. The property includes Domenico's Italian Chop House, a tasting room building, and 15 acres of planted vineyards.
Temecula winemaker Regan Schneider, who also happens to be the daughter of Jan Schneider from the Temecula Lavender Company, recently opened an upscale wine and tearoom in Old Town Temecula. Corbeaux Wine & Tea House offers unique wine and tea food pairings, low and high tea, and acts as a tasting room for her family’s winery, Matin Du Bois Vintners. A winemaker since the age of 22, Schneider describes herself as a lifelong foodie and wine lover who wanted to create an Old Town destination and tasting room for people like herself.
What started over 200 years ago has become a unique bucket-list item in Temecula, thanks in part to Rusty and Cherise Manning, who have been operating A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure for more than 30 years. While on the path to become an airline pilot, Rusty fell in love with ballooning. His first job as a commercial pilot saw the aviation buff flying the iconic Tony the Tiger shaped hot air balloon across the United States with Kellogg’s. Manning has logged over 10,000 hours in a hot air balloon and has flown in 26 states in the United States and six countries. “I get to see passengers experiencing one of the first methods of air transportation,” he said. “I also get to experience the feeling of floating, and there is nothing else like it.”
For Thom Curry, co-owner of Temecula Olive Oil Company, it was an olive tree he planted at the ripe young age of 6 that kick-started his lifelong love for all things olive. As an adult, grapes replaced olives for several years as he spent nearly two decades working in the wine industry until his focus shifted back to the world of olives in Southern California.“My background in winemaking has been a huge asset with developing our proprietary blends,” Curry said. “Not just with traditional olive oils, but also our co-milled oils, where we secure local produce from our farming community.”Curry leveraged his experience of sitting on the California Olive Oil Council for close to 20 years and designed and developed his own equipment. The new production equipment, which is a blend of Old World and New World technology, is considered cutting edge in the industry. He also developed the first mobile mill ever created and takes the mill to UC Davis to educate people from all over the world.