California’s Other Wine Country – Temecula Wineries
Temecula’s wine country is just over an hour away from both Los Angeles and San Diego. To reach the wineries, travel through the growing suburban city of Temecula on Rancho California Road. The strip malls give way to residential neighborhoods, a golf course and a strawberry patch. With the transformation from suburban to rural happening in a matter of blocks, so begins Temecula’s beautiful wine country.
The valley is set in rolling, vine covered, hills surrounded by mountains. Stunning 360 degree views enhance the wine tasting and picnicking experience. The “Rainbow Gap”, a gap in the coastal mountains, allows cooler coastal winds to reach the area, creating a climate similar to the Mediterranean. Temecula’s air is clear and crisp unlike the smoggier regions north of the city. Afternoon breezes keep the foothills refreshing, even in the heat of summer.
Temecula is home to over twenty wineries ranging from the well known such as Callaway to the smaller, more intimate wineries. Each offers its own unique atmosphere, from the formal to the laidback, complete with golden retrievers on the front porch and horses in the corral. From the commercial to the handcrafted, this region produces numerous gold medal and award winning wines.
The Cilurzo family planted the region’s first vineyard in 1968 and Temecula’s wine country was born. Eli Callaway, now known for his golf clubs, opened his winery next. Temecula currently has over twenty wineries with more in various stages of development.
Wine tasting is offered at most wineries and ranges in price from free to $15 at the more upscale tasting rooms. In general, expect to pay about $6 for five tastes along with a free logo wine glass at most wineries. Two for one tasting coupons (good weekdays only) can be found on the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association webpage.
Hot air ballooning is popular year round over Temecula’s sprawling wine country. Balloons launch early in the morning and soar over the vineyards. In fact, the blend of ballooning and wine is celebrated each year during Temecula’s annual Balloon and Wine Festival. The three day festival is held at nearby Lake Skinner each June and features nightly balloon glows, morning launches, tethered balloon rides, wine tasting and continuous entertainment on multiple stages.
Touring companies offer limo and bus tours complete with gourmet picnic lunches and discounted tasting packages. From a simple shuttle bus to a stretched out Hummer, these services offer something for every taste.
To round off the visit, visitors can stay at posh resorts and charming bed and breakfasts located in the heart of the wine country. Or in the interest of saving a few dollars, they can choose from several hotels in nearby Temecula.
Touring Temecula’s wine country makes a nice getaway for local southern Californians and out-of-towners alike. It’s slightly off the beaten path yet still in the backyard of LA and San Diego.
