For many, traveling is all about experiencing another culture. It’s about immersing yourself in a new and interesting locale and experiencing all that it has to offer. Not only should your senses of sites and sounds be stimulated on an adventure, but your taste buds should too!
Those that love food are always looking for interesting takes on classic dishes or to try new flavors. Being a foodie adventurer means that every trip is a chance for a new culinary experience.
Wine lovers are often looking for their next new favorite. Tasting and trying new wines expands your palette and opens you to new varietals. Traveling as a wine enthusiast allows you to check out wines from all over the world.
No matter if you’re into delicious vino or trying new or exotic dishes are your thing, the Temecula Valley has no shortage of things to do. The area is full of great places to eat, drink, and try new flavors. There are some truly amazing spots to have fun experiences and treat your taste buds!
A Unique Way to Tour the Temecula Valley, With Wine
Temecula Cable Car Wine Tour
Obviously, you have to do a wine tour. You’re in the Temecula Valley after all. But if you think outside of the box when planning your excursion, you can have an unforgettable experience.
There are plenty of pre-planned itineraries to take in the best wineries in the valley. However, these have you driving yourself from winery to winery, forcing someone to be the designated driver. It’s also not the most relaxing way to enjoy the stunning scenery.
An open-air cable car is a fantastic way to enjoy the amazing Southern California climate as you enjoy the area’s most acclaimed wineries. This adorable historic vehicle will safely shuttle you around to various vineyards where you’ll sample some of the area’s best vino.
Your experienced and knowledgeable tour guide will pick you up at 10:00 am for your five-hour adventure. You’ll stop at three carefully selected wineries where you’ll meet expert winemakers. Your group will enjoy tastings and each other’s company along the way.
Your guide will teach you about the area and educate you about the wine all along your journey. You’ll also get to enjoy a pre-packaged lunch with fresh sandwich and salad options. Your relaxing day will result in lots of memories and great photos.
Do you have a beer lover in your group? Maybe someone that’s infatuated with the paranormal? The same cable car takes to the night to offer a haunted ghost tour!
Take to the streets of Old Town in the open air. You’ll hear stories of the history and tragedies that occurred here during the Wild West times. Wander the haunted streets and take photos in some of the area’s most infamous spots. But make sure to step carefully. You never know what you may see or hear!
Full of the Temecula’s Fresh Produce, For Foodies
The Old Town Farmer’s Market
California is home to some of the country’s best farmers and growers. The rich soil and sunny days give crops the chance to grow and thrive. One of the best ways to check this bountiful produce is fresh from the source.
Weekly, these farmers gather to sell their fruits and veggies to the public. The Old Town Farmer’s Market is a great way to enjoy the weather and get your hands on some locally-grown freshness.
The market is set up every Saturday morning along the charming streets of The Old Town area. They also have a market each Wednesday morning at the Promenade Mall. So no matter what the weather and your plans, you can experience all that the market has to offer!
Depending on what is in season during your visit, you’ll get to try a diverse selection of tastes. Spring is the perfect time to snag satisfying potatoes and nourishing microgreens. Summer brings famous California oranges and vibrant berries. Or you might get lucky with the menu of apple options during fall market mornings.
Produce isn’t the only great fresh product at the market! Check out the delicious fresh eggs and wild-caught seafood. The local honey is also a great find. You can even buy yourself some beef jerky or herbal tea to enjoy.
The market also hosts a diverse list of vendors alongside the farmers. Grab some cold-pressed juice or a delicious popsicle. The floral blooms sold at the market create stunning and unique bouquets. Check out the premade graze boxes, perfect for a healthy lunch. You can even buy yourself a succulent to take home as a souvenir or your trip from the market’s nursery stand.
Enjoy A Glass of Vino Poolside While in The Temcula Valley
The Pool at BOTTIA
Looking for a truly amazing setting where you can enjoy some incredible wine? The Pool a BOTTIA just might be the best spot in the area to kick back and relax. The stunning scenery and refreshing water is the perfect pairing for their delicious vino.
Make a reservation to spend the day poolside sipping wine. You can also rent a cabin that includes a shower, bathroom, and space to get ready. The pool even offers a monthly membership so you can return to relaxation again and again.
The pool itself is spacious and crystal clear. With views of the nearby mountains, you can relax in both the water or your reserved chaise lounge on the sprawling pool deck. There’s even a splash pad so you can bring the kiddos along.
Next to the pool is the adorable cafe and cocktail bar. The menus have a ton of choices for both food and drinks. So whether you’re a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or both, you’ll be thrilled with the selections.
The fresh food menu allows you to stick to your healthy diet. It also has choices so you can indulge poolside. Will you opt for a light lunch of the Chicken Avocado Wrap? Or will you fuel up with the satisfying Prosciutto and Pesto Panini or the All Natural Angus Beef burger?
The onsite winery provides pool-goers with an incredible wine list. The crisp and fruit-forward Blush is the perfect option to sip poolside. The big and bold Barbera is a great pairing for the cafes Traditional Buffalo Wings. Or maybe you want something sweeter like a bubbly Prosecco or Sangria crafted from the winery’s white wine. Here, there’s a wine for every palette.
Create Your Own Blend of Wine
BOTTIA Wine Blending Lab in the Temecula Valley
BOTTIA plays host to more than just an amazing pool experience. They are a full-service winery with a ton to do. One of the most innovative options is the blending lab.
Make a reservation to visit this lab for a one of a kind experience. Arrive early and get your tastebuds ready with a glass of wine on the adults-only outdoor terrace. This sprawling patio has stunning views of the rows of grapevines.
Then, you can head to the barrel room where you can taste six of the estate’s expertly crafted wines. You can also opt to reserve a seated tasting where you’ll be guided through five of the wineries very best. You’ll learn as you sip and nibble at an included charcuterie board of your choosing.
Once you’ve been inspired, head over to the Wine Blending Lab. Here, you get to see what it’s like to be a winemaker during your reservation. You’ll carefully create your very own blend from four of the winery’s fresh red varietals.
Sip and adjust as you create three unique recipes. Then, kick back and relax with a glass of your favorite blend. The rest will be bottled and corked for you to take home and age. In a year, when it’s ready to be opened, you can proudly share it with friends as you tell them about the amazing time you had making it.
Check Out Farm Fresh Goodies
Local Area Farms Have Some of the Best Temecula Produce
Fresh and local produce is a foodie’s dream come true. It doesn’t get much fresher than picking it yourself. Depending on the time of year that you visit the valley, you might be able to harvest your very own fruit.
Spring brings sun and the perfect growing climate for delicious berries. Strawberries and blueberries are super versatile and can be eaten fresh and used in a huge variety of recipes. To get the freshest and sweetest berries, you can visit two local farms and carefully select your own fruit.
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is a great place to harvest your own sweet crimson berries. With rows and rows of strawberry plants, you’ll be able to fill your bucket with the juiciest berries around. The property even has a farm kitchen where you can try delicious snacks and drinks created from their bountiful strawberry harvest.
Maybe blueberries are more your thing. Head over to Temecula Berry Company and pick your own for a delicious treat. For a flat fee, you can fill a container to the brim with fresh, sweet blueberries. This family-run farm welcomes visitors for picking the whole harvest season. Don’t forget to stop in the shop for a jar of blueberry jam or chutney!
If the cooler fall weather brings you to the valley, you can still have a foodie farm experience! Head over to Peltzer Pumpkin Farm to check out their selection of vibrant orange gourds. The family-friendly spot has plenty to enjoy.
However, there’s an added bonus for the wine enthusiast! The farm added an on-site winery in 2006! Peltzer Family Cellars is an awesome addition to the property and the rustic tasting room doesn’t disappoint.
You can take a tour of the winery with an experienced wine educator. They will guide you through the growing and winemaking process as you take in the scenic views. Taste a variety of seven wines as you nibble on a charcuterie board. Then, relax in The Crush House tasting room and enjoy a glass of your new favorite vino!
Be Wowed By The Largest Temecula Vineyard
Ponte Vineyard
When it comes to vineyards, quality is usually desired over quantity. However, Ponte Vineyards combines both. They have a huge number of acres to check as well as churning out some of the best wine in the valley. It’s a must-see for any wine enthusiast in the area.
Make a reservation for a sampling of their amazing wines in the tasting room. No matter your palette, they are sure to have a varietal that you love. The big and bold Cabernet Sauvignon and Super T blend are sure to please those that veer towards dry reds. Their Pinot Gris and Angry Wife white blend are awesome choices for those that prefer more refreshing flavors.
Taking the tour of these expansive grounds is a must! The Vineyard Estate Tour shuttles you around the property on a comfortable electric bus. You’ll learn about how the grapes are expertly grown and harvested to make the very best wine. Then, you’ll get to check out the winemaking facility and try fresh wine right from the tank!
If you’re looking to splurge on a full-blown experience, The Premium Tour and Tasting is an awesome way to check out all the winery has to offer. It’s well worth the money as you’ll make great memories as you’re treated like royalty by the winery’s friendly staff.
This upscale tour will kick off with a glass of bubbly before you head out into the vineyard. The bus will take you around the vineyard and winemaking facilities as you learn about the wine crafting process. You’ll then enjoy a semi-private tasting of carefully selected wines as well as delicious cheese pairings.
You’ll likely work up an appetite after all of this touring and tasting. Luckily, Ponte has a stellar restaurant, right on site! Their sunlit patio is the perfect spot to enjoy their beet-topped Autumn Salad or flavorful Salmon Sandwich. Their delicious pizzas make a great lunch, expertly cooked in their wood-fired oven. And their chocolate souffle is the perfect way to end your visit.
Enjoy Authentic Brick Oven Pizza
Mama Rosa’s Trattoria
Few things go with wine better than the richness and freshness of classic Italian recipes. This is true in both Italy and the Temecula Valley. Luckily, the area has a treasure that creates authentic recipes right in town.
Mama Rosa’s Trattoria brings the taste of Italy right to Southern California. The recipes, crafted over generations, are a delicious treat. The menu boasts any Italian classic that you would desire.
From rich Gnocci to Pancetta Mac and Cheese, there’s a perfect pasta dish for everyone. Big Fred’s Ceaser Salad and the Italian Cobb are great for those looking for lighter fare. There’s even Gluten-Free Roasted Vegetable Ravioli and Roman Artichokes for those that need to avoid wheat.
However, the highlight is the restaurant’s delicious selection of pizzas. What makes these pies amazing is that they are baked in the area’s only brick oven. The options are also diverse, guaranteeing you’ll find a pie that you love.
The R & R pizza is all about rich flavor with truffle cream sauce and portobello mushrooms. Julia’s Favorite is an Italian classic with fresh tomatoes and basil. Veering a little from the typical cuisine, the Chicken BBQ Pizza brings the heat with jalapenos and red onions. You can even create your own with the great selection of toppings on your choice of crust, including a gluten-free option.
The food’s not the only thing to delight your palate at Mama Rosa’s. The restaurant is located on the Robert Renzoni Winery property. So not only is the view spectacular, so is the wine list. You can enjoy your glass of Chardonnay or Sangiovese as you dine overlooking the sprawling vineyard estate.
Double the Wineries in One Stunning Location
Europa Village
A visit to Europa Village is a must for food and wine lovers alike. The stunning setting is like being transported into another world. Plus, you can check out two wineries, all in one convenient location!
The oldest part of the property, the C’est la Vie Winery, has a quaint and relaxing French feel. Check out the large wine cave and enjoy a tasting of diverse choices. You can do a regular tasting and simple six of the winery’s choices. However, the premium tasting with eight delicious options is well worth the splurge.
Then, head on over to Bolero and instantly feel the romantic Spanish vibe. Enjoy a tasting of carefully selected wines, learning from a Level 2 Certified Sommelier. Take in the lush landscaping and bright decor as you sip and try the rich flavors the vineyard’s grapes produce.
Great wine isn’t all that Europa has to offer. Bolero Restaurant has a great Spanish vibe with a flavorful menu to match. The European influences cuisine and creative culinary dishes are definitely a treat to the palette.
Bolero offers amazing options to both meat eaters and veggie lovers. The Smoky Salmon with Crispy Corn and Roasted Organic Chicken Breast are rich and satisfying entree choices. The Watermelon Salad and Leeks and Asparagus take the farm to table menu to a new level. End your meal with Brandied Morilla Cherries or a Freshly Made Cinnamon Churro.
If you are wanting a truly unique foodie experience, you can also do an olive oil tasting at Europa Village. The experts here import the highest-quality oils from all over Europe. This complimentary tasting will allow you to sample rich cold-pressed olive oil and earthy balsamic vinegar. Then, you can grab a bottle of your favorite to take home for your own culinary adventures.
Temecula Valley’s Unforgettable Food and Experiences
Be Good Restaurant
When looking for a place to eat, sometimes you want more than just great food. Sometimes an experience is what you are looking for. At Be Good Restaurant, you’re sure to get just that.
The concept was developed by the owners and their memories of constantly being told to “be good” at restaurants as children. They set out to create a place where fun and excitement for the whole family go hand in hand. Thinking outside of the box, their goal was to create an interactive spot that’s both delicious and thrilling.
First of all, the food at this playful eatery is some of the best around. The Chef T Salmon was created with a special blend of seasonings and a side of sweet coconut rice. The Impossible Burger is topped with earthy arugula and hearty seared tofu. The Dessert Platter allows you to taste test all three dessert choices on the menu.
Be Good’s handcrafted cocktails are just as delightful as the food. The Be Good Margarita has the perfect amount of spice thanks to jalapeno-infused liquor. The Cucumber Craze is super refreshing with bursts of cucumber and lime flavors. Of course, the restaurant has a great wine and beer list with something for any palette.
Then there’s also the entertainment at Be Good. The choices that the restaurant offers are just as diverse as the menu. There is a fun and unique way to dine for every age and interest.
Want to dine in the dark? You can make a reservation to eat in a guided pitch-black setting and truly hone in on the flavors of your meal. Maybe music is more your thing. Delight your senses with a Dualing Piano Show during your dinner.
Be Good is the perfect spot for a group outing. Check out mimosas and facials as you relax and enjoy some morning bubbly. You can book a DIY workshop that allows you to learn anything from sushi making to wine blending. They even offer classes on pairing wine perfectly with cupcakes!
Can’t decide on an experience? The Taste of Be Good allows you to check them all out! You’ll spend three and a half hours experiencing some of the spots most popular events. Maybe you’ll catch a comedy show. Perhaps you’ll ponder over a murder mystery dinner. Either way, your experience is sure to be a fun and memorable one.
Your Temecula Valley Taste Adventure
Travel is an opportunity for all of your senses. Temecula Valley has tons to see and do. The area is also ripe with opportunities to expand your palette and explore unique tastes.
It’s best to plan your itinerary and map out the things to do so you don’t miss out on these awesome spots. You’ll have an amazing time and make incredible memories. Start planning your trip today and treat yourself to all the Temecula Valley has to offer.