Some of the underrated wine locations on this planet, Temecula is a beautiful resort city nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego.
Not solely is it a dream vacation spot for wine tasting and lounging poolside, nevertheless it additionally so occurs to be the hometown of yours actually.
A foodie paradise, you’re spoiled for selection with the distinctive forms of native olive oil, honey, wine, and craft beers right here.
Whereas it won’t be in your radar, it’s a well-liked day-trip vacation spot for locals from throughout Southern California.
Removed from the typically too-posh world of Napa Valley, this can be a laidback spot to rock your favourite flip-flops whilst you gulp down the native vintages.
Whereas there are certainly some award-winning vinos right here, the native wineries don’t placed on any airs.
After far too lengthy of preserving this little treasure for myself, I’ve related with some previous buddies nonetheless residing on the town to share the most effective of the most effective in Temecula, California.
From wineries to motels to spas and past, right here is your native information to the best-kept secrets and techniques and hottest spots in Temecula, California.
The place to Keep in Temecula
Vaquero Resort
This personal resort winery was made for girlfriend getaways and romantic weekends. Pattern the spectacular wine choice, then spend your days poolside. With a 53’ water slide and swim-up bar, you’ll be residing in your swim gear.
Carter Estate Winery
Stay like a royal within the luxurious bungalows and suites of this picturesque vineyard. Overlook the plush vineyards from the balcony whilst you pattern their award-winning wines.
Ponte Vineyard Inn
With 300 acres of vineyards, this elegant inn will transport you to the Tuscan countryside.
The Vine House Bed & Breakfast
For a house away from dwelling, this mattress and breakfast will make you’re feeling proper at dwelling. Remember to plan time within the morning for the farm-fresh breakfast.
Planning Tip: Go for the scenic path to Temecula. Rainbow Valley Street or Pala Temecula Street (by way of Pala) are each excellent for sightseeing.
High Issues to Do in Temecula
Discover Outdated City
From fresh-cut lavender to locally-made beef jerky, Outdated City Temecula is filled with treasures. Plan no less than one afternoon of searching to your excellent memento.
Go Scorching Air Ballooning
One of many greatest attracts of Temecula Valley is the new air balloon rides. Stand up early for a dawn flight — I promise it’s value it!
Horseback Using
Seize your saddle and discover the gorgeous terrain of Temecula Valley Wine Nation. When you can swing it, go for a sundown tour.
Galway Downs
This standard occasion venue hosts every thing from sports activities occasions to weddings. Check the calendar before you go.
Peltzer Farms
When you’re fortunate sufficient to go to through the holidays, that is the place to be. Seize dinner from one of many native meals vans and take heed to dwell music. When you’re bringing little ones, get them a ticket for the Polar Categorical.
Outdated City Farmers Market
Get to Sixth and Entrance Road in Old Town Temecula on Saturday from 8 am to 12:30 pm.
Go Olive Oil Tasting
Prepared for a break from the vino? Pattern the expansive vary of domestically grown olive oils and extra vinegar than you knew even existed!
Get to the Temecula Olive Oil Company or Olive Plantation to pattern a few of the different native delicacies.
Have a Spa Day
On high of the wine, beer, and olive oil, Temecula is known for its spas.
Deal with your self to a day at Grapeseed Spa. From South Coast Vineyard, you possibly can go to the on-site spa for a spread of lush therapies. As soon as you might be completed, plan time for an extended stroll across the gardens.
Vail Headquarters
Since 1867, Vail Headquarters has been the spot the place locals congregate for eating places, purchasing, and native occasions. Lovingly restored to its glory, the Outdated West vibe is staying robust.
Alpaca Hacienda
Are alpacas the cutest animals to have ever lived?
Stand up shut and private with the locals and have alpacas consuming out of your hand. Feed these lovable little guys, study their lives and see what you suppose. They provide small personal excursions for round $100.
Remember to take a look at The Alpaca Shoppe for locally-made souvenirs.
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
On the southern finish of the Santa Ana Mountains, this can be a picture-perfect spot for horseback using, mountain biking, or climbing. This 9,000-acre ecological reserve is dwelling to tons of of chook specifies and practically 50 endangered species of crops and animals.
You’ll discover 17 totally different trails to select from, starting from underneath two miles to just about ten miles.
Why Temecula Ought to Be on Your Radar
As a lot as I really like exploring California’s upmarket wine vacation spot, the informal environment here’s a breath of contemporary air.
Some of the handy wine areas in Southern California, Temecula is lower than an hour from San Diego and just over an hour from Los Angeles.
While wine is a big player in Temecula, if you’re traveling with folks who aren’t super into wine, there are still plenty of things to do!
From hot air balloon rides to horseback riding to shopping, you’ll have a great time without popping a single cork.
Old Town Temecula has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. A world away from the modern landscape of most California towns, a stroll through beautifully preserved downtown is like taking a step back in time.
Ultimately, it’s a pretty easy and convenient location to get to in Southern California. They’ve got a great wine variety. Plus, the Old Town mixed with the casual vibes makes for a truly relaxing and cool getaway!
Having a car will allow you to explore the wider Temecula Valley and I’d highly recommend it.
Getting Around Temecula
You can hop on the I-15 freeway from San Diego and be to Southeast in an hour. Coming from Los Angeles? Head southeast and plan for about 90 minutes on the road.
Having a car will allow you to explore the wider Temecula Valley and I’d highly recommend it.
Public transport is limited, and some of the best spots are off the beaten path (plus CA was practically made for freeway fun so I’d highly recommend going on a California road trip).
That said, if you’re planning to stay in the heart of the city or taking full advantage of your resort, you can get by without wheels. Plan to fly into a nearby airport like San Diego, then take a Uber or taxi. The trip will set you back a pretty penny but it’s hassle-free.
Avoiding Drinking & Driving: You will find a few wineries within walking distance, but most of them are in the wider Temecula Valley region.
Whether you have a car or not, it is easy to take an Uber between the wineries.
You can also join a wine-tasting tour that will arrange all of the transportation with you. Decide what works best for you so you know if you will need to choose a designated driver or get a driver.
Best Time To Visit
Like much of SoCal, Temecula has mild weather year-round. Come for the winter sun or enjoy the summer heat. Both are quite comfortable.
If you can swing it, I would recommend visiting during the week.
This is a popular weekend getaway, so it can get crowded. As a perk, you can find deep discounts during the weekdays with a SIP Temecula Passport.
Finest Wineries + Ingesting
Temecula Ale Path: Forgot wine for one night time! The native breweries are giving the vineyards a run for his or her cash. Hop on the pub crawl path and resolve if you happen to’re on the aspect of Temecula beer or wine.
Bottaia Winery: Lay again on the daybeds by the pool and order a charcuterie board and wine pair (you possibly can thank me later!).
Bolero: Soak within the Outdated World attraction with the mix of Spanish, French, and Italian touches on this stunning spot. One of many latest wineries on the scene, the menu right here is bringing all of the foodies to the winery.
Leoness Cellars: This family-owned spot has a beautiful alfresco restaurant with panoramic views.
Wilson Creek: This heat and welcoming vineyard has almond champagne that you just’ll be dreaming about for days.
South Coast: Voted CA Vineyard of the 12 months 4 occasions over and licensed sustainable, that is the go-to spa decide. They’ve had a $99 therapeutic massage and lunch provide going and hopefully, it is going to be again quickly. Plan loads of time to linger on the spa deck.
Doffo Winery: Small batch pink wines with a pleasant (and random) aspect of classic bikes.
Maurice Car’rie Vineyard: Certain, the wine is nice however everybody is de facto right here for these brie bowls.
Thornton: Consideration, glowing wine lovers! After exploring vineyards across the globe, I can verify that the Café Champagne at Thornton Vineyard remains to be probably the greatest locations for glowing I’ve ever been.
Callaway Winery: Come to the favored restaurant terrace right here for a panoramic view of the sundown.
For Cocktails
Past craft beer and native wine, yow will discover some unbelievable cocktails round city.
Apparition Room: The ultra-skilled bartenders at Apparition Room will whip you up a one-of-a-kind cocktail.
Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co.: Love that Outdated West saloon vibe? This place is for you!
Excursions
Toasted Corks: The homeowners are a pair who re-did an old-fashioned and created a luxe tour van. This new wine tour firm affords a singular and funky strategy to get round and pattern the vintages.
Temecula Cable Car: Hope on this open-air cable automobile for wine tastings. It’s a cool one-of-a-kind strategy to get round. As a bonus, in addition they run haunted excursions on the cable automobile within the evenings.
Wine Country Bike Tours: A day of biking and sipping wine is my dream afternoon! This tour could have you on a leisurely experience by means of a few of California’s most stunning terrain.
Guided Jeep Wine Tour: Wish to simply put your toes up and watch the world go by? It is a chill but enjoyable strategy to get across the vineyards.
Finest Eating places
Chef Flavor at Vail Ranch HQ: This rustic-chic deli has the entire greatest native wines and craft beers. Attempt a BBQ sandwich with a aspect of that well-known potato salad.
Bushfire Kitchen Temecula: One other top-notch barbeque joint, go right here for a tri-tip sandwich, grass-fed beef choices, and a spread of bowl picks.
Small Barn in Old Town: Lounge within the out of doors eating patio, seize an Australian wagyu or a Barn Burger with a aspect of fries.
Goat and Vine: Attempt the carnitas pizza with a aspect of sangria and bread pudding.
Temecula Pizza Company: With a classic Western theme and distinctive pies, that is the place to seize a slice. They are saying the white tiger pizza is unbeatable — see for your self!
TOAST: For the most effective brunch spot on the town, get to Temecula Parkway.
Oak Grove Culinary Creations: Bought a candy tooth? For the most effective desserts round, head to Outdated City.
Rene’s Cowgirl Cantina: This quaint little spot in Outdated City has stellar margaritas and pozole.
Have you ever been to Temecula earlier than? What would you suggest?
