5 Reasons to Pair Business With Pleasure Southern California Wine Country

Temecula Valley offers so many experiences that they may not fit into every itinerary. By extending a business trip, attendees can relax, unwind and explore beyond the boardroom.

Here’s a look at how your attendees can add on a few days of sipping, savoring and sightseeing to connect, refresh and enjoy all that Temecula Valley has to offer for the ultimate Southern California getaway.

1) Explore the Outdoors

Located on the southern side of the Santa Ana Mountains, the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is home to 9,000 acres protecting ecological systems and serving as home to 200 species of native birds and 49 endangered, threatened or rare animal and plant species. It’s the perfect setting to immerse in nature and explore the popular hiking, biking and horseback riding trails among the lands.

Experience Temecula Valley from high above the ground with a hot-air balloon ride across the valley. You can take to the skies year-round at sunrise and spend an hour or more soaking in the panoramic views of Temecula Valley. Take flight with the team at A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure and enjoy views of the wineries, lakes and groves; each trip can be customized. Enjoy a personal tour from the pilot, then indulge on mimosas and breakfast after your flight. 

If there’s no time for golf during the business part of your trip, stay a little longer and visit one of Temecula Valley’s four premier golf courses. Southern California’s year-round sunshine, rolling greens and more make every season a good time to hit the links. At the Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course, golfers can test their skills among the 27 holes that earned the course a four-star “Places to Play” rating from Golf Digest. The award-winning Journey at Pechanga features 72 holes of pristine golf conditions. Designed by golf architects Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest, this course welcomes groups and individual players looking for a challenge.

2) Be Entertained

Plan your business trip accordingly and take advantage of the many annual festivals showcasing the best of Southern California.

Experience the magic of the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival with wine tasting events, sunrise hot air balloon flights overlooking Lake Skinner, or tethered balloon rides. The festival takes places every June. It will have nationally named entertainment, arts and crafts, and premium wines from Temecula Valley and Southern California.

Other annual events include Temecula Valley’s Craft Brew Month celebrating the local breweries at the Rooted in Nature Craft Brew Festival each May. The annual Temecula Rod Run roars into town each March with vintage cars from across the state cruising through Old Town. You’ll see car fans lining the streets to cheer them on.

Temecula Valley Summer Nights takes place throughout the summer featuring extended winery hours, culinary experiences and live entertainment at both the Old Town Temecula Community Theater and Pechanga Resort Casino. This season-long celebration allows your attendees to celebrate the beauty of summer in Southern California.

3) Discover Old Town

In Temecula Valley’s 1880’s-era Old Town, history and new trends come together forming a unique blend of accommodations, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and more. Make your way over to some of Old Town’s dining hot spots like Espadin serving Mexican cuisine or choose one of the 18 burgers at Mad Madeline’s Grill. Afterward, shop for artisan goods at Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants (be sure to pick up an iced tea to go!).

For a night out on the town, visit Old Town Blues Club and enjoy live music while you get to know the locals. For live music under the stars, check out Baily’s Old Town Temecula where you can also dance the night away at Baily’s nightclub featuring two DJs and two separate dance floors.

4) Let it Roll at Pechanga Resort Casino

As the largest casino in the western United States, the Pechanga Resort Casino is home to 1,090 luxurious rooms and suites and 24-hour gaming. From high-limit rooms in intimate settings to gaming rooms, try your luck at poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and slots. Aside from housing some of the Valley’s best meeting and breakout facilities, Pechanga is a destination unto itself—a full-service resort with 13 restaurants.

Set aside time before or after your business trip to relax at Spa Pechanga, the resort’s on-site, 25,000-square foot sanctuary of luxury, wellness and serenity for the body and soul. Enjoy the steam rooms and spas or relax outside on the spa’s outdoor patios for a bit of California sunshine to reward yourself for your hard work.

Bring the family along and experience The Cove, the resort’s 4.5 acres of tropical oasis with three pools, a swim-up bar, a family pool along with two waterslides and a splash pad for the kids. The Cove also sells day passes for guests not staying at the property.

5) Savor a Little Longer in Wine Country

Temecula Valley was named a Top-10 Wine Travel Destination in 2019! Schedule some time before or after your meeting for award-winning wine and unique experiences. The destination is home to over 40 wineries, thanks to the combination of the climate and granite-based soil, perfect for growing grapes. Visitors could easily spend days here tasting wines and experiencing the unique offerings of wine blending and culinary programs.

Dine among the cabernet vines and enjoy live music on the weekends at Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Vineyard and Winery. The winery serves Baily’s wines by the glass and the bottles, along with other regional wines, and wine tastings are available in the visitor center.

Explore one of Temecula Valley’s three, self-guided wine trails to discover zinfandels and sauvignon blancs. Take an Italian-inspired tour with Cougar Vineyard & Winery, or wine and dine your way through the area with your pup at the dog and horse-friendly Danza del Sol Winery.

If you’d rather let someone else do the planning, take advantage of one of Temecula Valley’s many tour and transportation options. Destination Temecula Wine Tours & Experiences take guests to numerous wineries. The day will include lunch and the opportunity to meet winemakers at each winery to learn more about the vineyards.

For a luxurious getaway, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa welcomes guests to feel at home among its 38 acres of rolling vineyards. Treat yourself to a GrapeSeed Spa treatment and then indulge in wine country cuisine and samples of South Coast Wine at the on-site Vineyard Rose Restaurant.