Planning a Temecula getaway? Your visit isn’t complete without a visit to these 3 best Temecula wineries.
Nestled into rural environs a short drive away from many of Southern California’s most popular tourist destinations, Temecula has emerged as a premier wine destination amongst aficionados worldwide.
But Temecula is not only known for churning out world-class, award-winning wine; it has become almost as famous for being a beautiful respite from the more fast-paced life of nearby cities. Temecula wine tasting tours from San Diego, Los Angeles, and other nearby cities have become hugely popular.
The question you’ve been dying to ask… is Temecula wine good?
The answer to the question, “Is Temecula wine good?” is an emphatic yes!
Temecula boasts warm yet mild summers, and if that wasn’t enough, the region is lucky enough to enjoy cooling Pacific Breezes from the West. This combination of factors mimics the climate of Mediterranean wine-making regions. Needless to say, the Temecula valley boasts an environment well-suited to making phenomenal wines.
No wonder this unassuming town has become a world-class wine destination!
In terms of wine varietals, Temecula is particularly well-known for its Italian, Spanish, and French grapes. Wines that fall under this category include crowd favorites such as Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo.
But Temecula wineries play host to a diverse array of wine varietals, with over two dozen grape varieties produced in the region. You might recognize some of the more commonly known wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
Choosing your next glass of wine might be the easy part, though. How do you know which are the best Temecula wineries to visit? There are over 40 to choose from, after all!
Our top 3 picks for the best Temecula wineries not only produce fantastic vino but offer unforgettable experiences. Read on to discover a Temecula winery that boasts a wine cave, a winery that does double duty as an art and music haven, and lastly, a beautiful Temecula winery and resort that serves as a respite for all the senses.
Retreat to a Wine-Lover’s Dream Cave
The popular joke speaks of men retreating to their “man cave.” Oak Mountain Winery takes this idea of a cave retreat a thousand steps further (and better!) with their wine cave, which is Southern California’s only mined wine cave.
Located within the picturesque De Portola wine trail of the Temecula Valley, Oak Mountain is family owned and operated, and this love of winemaking shows in everything they do. Don’t miss their raspberry and strawberry champagnes, which they are particularly famous for. They boast over 30 award-winning wines, though, so you are sure to find something you will adore even if champagne isn’t your favorite wine varietal.
Because of their charming cave as well as their offerings of some of best vino Temecula has to offer, Oak Mountain ranks high on our list of best Temecula wineries.
At this winery, art pairs perfectly with wine.
With their captivating views of Mount Palomar and the Santa Ana Mountains, Lorimar Vineyards already has a lot to celebrate—but they take their love of beauty a step further by immersing guests in a true menagerie of art. Their events and wine tastings often include a mix of local artists, gourmet food, and live music.
It’s no surprise that Lorimar Vineyards is often featured as a world-class wedding venue. But even if you aren’t a bride or groom-to-be, their event line-ups offer an array sure to entice anyone. Choose from outdoor movies (with wine pairings of course!) to hayrides and festivities that hint of revelry you might find in a Tuscan village (the winery is, after all, modeled after the Tuscan region). For something truly whimsical, they even offer the occasional grape stomps, if you want to channel your inner love of “I Love Lucy”.
But don’t be fooled, none of these trimmings distract from their excellent wine. In fact, Lorimar Vineyards has taken home an impressive amount of gold medals at an array of wine competitions,
A trip to Lorimar Vineyards and Winery is to truly be immersed in all five senses of beauty.
This winery offers an unparalleled retreat from busy life.
South Coast Winery & Spa has become almost synonymous with luxury. Located on 63 acres of lush vineyards, a stay at their hotel is a treat for both the tastebuds and the soul. Every detail of the resort has been carefully thought out. Their saltwater pool even includes underwater music–that’s how careful they are about the details!
This attention to the beauty of small things shows in their wines, as well. TripAdvisor has granted South Coast one of their coveted “Certificate of Excellence” awards, which is no small feat. They have also been awarded the Best California State Winery multiple times.
South Coast Winery is definitely a must on your Temecula wineries list.
The best way to tour these Temecula wineries (and other favorites)? By cable car!
You might not be in San Francisco, but don’t let that bother you. With its historic charm and open-air experience, a Temecula cable car tour is the best (and most charming!) way to go on a Temecula wine tasting tour.
Using a historic cable car lovingly restored by its owners to yesteryear glory, groups can take in all the sights and sounds of the valley together, uninterrupted, in a uniquely intimate environment. Temecula Valley Cable Car Wine Tours truly provides an unparalleled picturesque experience.
Another benefit of booking this particular tour is that you don’t have to fret over the logistics. Temecula Valley Cable Car Wine Tours visits the wineries mentioned in this article, as well as over a dozen others of the best Temecula wineries.
As one of the best Temecula wine tour experiences offered, and few cable cars to go around, bookings are limited. Booking in advance is strongly recommended!