A Guide to the Temecula Region’s Best Food and Wine Experiences
Located in sunny Southern California, The Temecula Valley is a beautiful, sprawling area with great weather, friendly people, and gorgeous landscape. It’s also home to many of the country’s premier winemakers and culinary geniuses.
In a region full of food and wine choices, it’s hard to narrow down where to wine and dine. Finding something truly memorable and unique can be tough. Luckily, there’s plenty of interesting choices all over the valley.
Wining and dining your way through Temecula will be an exciting experience. You’ll have a blast trying the area’s best wine and cuisine while making great memories. Your taste buds will be delighted as well as the rest of your senses.
From classes to games, there’s excitement to add to your foodie adventures. You can participate in some truly unique wine tastings to elevate your experience while finding your new favorite vino. Check out these fun and unique ways to experience the many flavors in the area.
Take a Fun Cooking Class
Kitchen Fantasy, 27576 Ynez Road Suite H1, Temecula CA
A cooking class is a fun way to learn new culinary skills and taste new flavors. It’s the ultimate dining experience. You get to be part of the entire process from ingredient prep to tasting your delicious outcome. Plus, you’ll appreciate the food more as you carefully create it for your plate.
At Kitchen Fantasy cooking classes, you get to be part of the mealtime action. Your experienced instructor will guide you in creating amazing dishes. These classes can be a great way to bond with friends or connect as a couple. You’ll also pick up some skills that you can use in your own kitchen at home.
Want to learn to make some sophisticated dishes that pair perfectly with your favorite wines? Check out the Burgundy Region French Cooking Class! This course will have you creating an impressive menu that you can later wow your guests with.
The Pommes Croquettes are a delicious side to the wine-braised Coq Au Vin. Your meal will end with an out of this world treat of rich Choux Pastry Filled with Crème Chantilly. Recreating this meal at home gives you the perfect menu for your next holiday or special occasion.
Cooking classes are also a good way to expand your palate and try new cuisines. At the Street Foods of the World themed cooking class, you’ll learn to make dishes from all over the world. The Mu Sh-pork Pan Cakes from China and the Banh Mi from Vietnam are the perfect taste of Asia. The Latin inspired Arepa dish and the American Philly Cheese Steak just add to this fun and diverse menu.
Maybe you’re looking for a unique idea for date night. Check out the Garlic Lovers date night class. Together, you’ll make a garlicky chicken dish and slow-cooked white fish with fennel. You’ll also learn to make a rich creamy garlic soup that will pair perfectly with a glass of your favorite vino.
Take a Unique Temecula Wine Tour
Temecula Cable Car Wine Tours
41740 Enterprise Circle N., Ste #106, Temecula, California
The Temecula Valley is full of great wineries. It’s tough to plan a self-guided trip and take in as many as possible. Luckily, Temecula Cable Car Wine Tours take the guesswork out of planning a day full of winery visits.
Hop aboard the historic, open-air cable car for your five-hour adventure. You’ll be shuttled through the valley as you enjoy the Southern California breeze and take in the scenic rolling hills. You’ll learn about the beautiful region along the day from your experienced driver and guide.
On your journey, you’ll visit three carefully selected wineries. Your guide will tell you everything you want to know about the vineyards, grapes, and the winemaking process. Each winery offers unique varietals and you’ll be able to expand your palette as you have tastings at each location. You’ll also get a behind the scenes look at the operation of the wineries.
Your all-inclusive wine tour also includes a fresh and healthy lunch at a winery. Choose from a selection of deli sandwiches and refreshing sides. After your meal, you’ll be refueled and ready for more wine tasting.
You’ll have so much fun you won’t want to leave your cable car adventure. However, you’re in luck! Temecula Cable Car has evening events as well. Though these are not for the faint at heart.
After the sun goes down, the cable car winds through the streets for the Old Town area on a haunted ghost tour. You’ll begin your experience at Black Market Brewing where your guide will pick you up for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy the cool night breeze in the open-air cable car as he tells you about the history and mystery of the area.
You’ll check out the most haunted places in the whole region. Your guide will tell you tales of the Wild West and the pioneers that still linger around the old streets. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for their permanent presence. Then, you’ll head back to the brewery for a beer and some delicious pizza to calm your nerves.
Great Food and Big Fun in The Temecula Valley
Coin-Op Game Room, 28588 Old Town Front Street #100, Temecula, CA
If you want to have a ton of fun and little nostalgia, head to the Coin-Op Game Room in Old Town! This big and bright space is all about exciting games, delicious food, and great drinks! Try your hand at your favorite arcade game and enjoy an awesome meal.
Coin-Op has all of the old school games that you’ve loved for years. A visit here is truly a blast from the past. Get a new high score on one of the arcades classic pinball games. Hop your way to victory in a game of Frogger. Have fun testing your driving skills in a race on Tokyo Drift.
This spot is a perfect date night idea or group outing. You can compete against each other in a game of Skee Ball. See who the best PacMan player is or challenge a friend to Centipede. You can even wager the next round of drinks on a game of Super Mario Brothers. And don’t forget to grab a view fun shots in the photo booth.
The games aren’t the only thing that will thrill you at Coin-Op. The signature menu is full of made from scratch goodness and served to be shared. It’s the perfect selection of elevated bar fare.
The Corn Dog Bites are served with IPA mustard and the fries are delicious dipped in creamy aioli. There’s a pizza for everyone with a Carnivore option and a veggie-filled Garden choice. There are also some satisfying sandwich choices including a signature burger and chicken on sourdough.
The drinks are also expertly crafted at Coin-Op. The appropriately named Princess Peach is a delicious blend of gin and peach liquor. You can also try the restaurant’s signature spiked punch. Or, quench your thirst while you play with the North Park Lemonade.
Coin-Op also boasts a great wine and beer list. With fifteen taps, there are plenty of brew options to choose from. You can also order an awesome red or sparkling wine from the region. And check out the awesome happy hour prices for attractive deals on drink and food items!
Cool and Cozy Underground, With Wine
The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery, 36522 Via Verde – Temecula, CA
If you are looking for a cool experience and great wine, check out the Cave at Oak Mountain Winery. This winery grows delicious Mediterranean varieties of grapes that produce amazing wine. A tasting and meal at this unique spot is a must-do!
The winery produces three distinct collections of wine. The Temecula Hills Collection features the classics and the winemaker’s oldest recipes. The Oak Mountain Winery Collection includes some of the winery’s most popular varietals. If you are into sweeter wines, The Windy Ridge Cellars choices might just be your new favorite!
As the popularity of Oak Mountain wines grew, so did their need for more space. Instead of adding on to their tasting room and using valuable vineyard space, they thought outside the box. Developing underground caves gives them the chance to host more wine-lovers while leaving the land free to grow grapes.
These wine caves are the perfect place to store and taste wine. The conditions allow the ideal temperature for barrel aging their delicious wine. Plus, they make a pretty cool space to host events and gatherings.
You can do a tasting to try out six of the winery’s delicious wines. Enjoy your tasting outside in the pavilion or in the tasting room with views of the nearby hillsides. You can also have your tasting in the underground wine cave for a truly memorable experience.
The Cave Cafe is a cozy place to enjoy a meal. The atmosphere is incredible and the conditions are amazingly comfortable. The rows of wine barrels create the perfect background and photo op. Also, the locally-sourced menu is full of delicious choices.
You can start your meal with a sharable Mushroom Pate or an Oak Mountain Charcuterie Board. The entree choices are impressive featuring dishes like Smoked Chicken and Hand Rolled Pasta. The restaurant also offers The Impossible Burger and gluten-free Pork Tacos so there is truly something for everyone.
End your underground meal with the rich Mascarpone Cheesecake or light Summer Strawberry Polenta Cake. The Chocolate Torte with port caramel is a sweet treat. Or you can order the Berries & Cream with merlot glaze to pair perfectly with a glass of dessert wine.
The staff at the Cave Cafe are experts at pairing wines with your meal. They can help you select the perfect vino to compliment your chosen dish. They even offer wine education classes so you can learn from their expertise.
Amazing Wine and a Stunning Flight
Vindemia Winery, 33133 Vista Del Monte Rd, Temecula, CA
Your adventure at Vindemia will start early in the morning but it will be well worth it. Here, you can take a hot air balloon flight for stunning views of the valley. The winery’s owners run California Dreamin’ Hot Air Balloon Rides. Flights take off right from the winery’s grounds.
Your flight will take you high over the valley as the sun rises. Float amongst the clouds over the rolling hills and sprawling vineyards. The amazing 360 views of the area are breathtaking. Your pilot will take you on a memorable adventure before you land for breakfast.
Back at the winery, you’ll dine in the peaceful and private rose garden. Enjoy a meal of fresh local fruit and cheese and crackers. Toast your successful flight with a glass of champagne or a refreshing mimosa.
Then, stick around and check out the winery. The outdoor tasting room offers beautiful views of the area. Select five wines from the tasting menu and find your next favorite. Will you try the winery’s light and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc? Or maybe you’ll go big and bold and order the Cabernet Franc Reserve. Either way, you’re sure to find a wine you love.
Learn about the winery’s sustainability efforts as you sip their delicious varietals. They are committed to not only producing great wine but also protecting the environment. You can even support them by joining the wine club and enjoying their delicious wine shipped to your home year-round.
Awesome Speakeasy Vibes
Apparition Room, 28693 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA
If you are looking for a unique wining and dining experience, the Apparition Room is an awesome option. The small bar and eatery is all about the atmosphere. No detail was overlooked when creating the dark and intimate space.
The restaurant has a very cool prohibition era theme. The rustic decor is a throwback to many years ago and the cozy furniture makes it a great hang out spot. The staff’s attire is even right on theme as they don vintage-inspired vests and aprons.
The variety of shared plates combine to make an interesting meal. Order several to try all the speakeasy’s kitchen staff’s creativity. The Garlic and Rosemary Crusted Lamb Lollipops are delicious and satisfying. The Friend Olives with smoked blue cheese are an amazing treat. Order the Truffled Chips for a savory indulgence that’s bursting with flavor.
Apparition also has a super impressive wine list. Featuring wines from all over California and the rest of the world, they have a choice for every wine lover. Enjoy the flavorful Tank All or Nothing Red Blend or the crisp Hartford Family Chardonnay. Or indulge yourselves and share a bottle of Dom Perignon Brut.
The handcrafted signature cocktails are also a win. The Campfire Sour, made with whiskey, pineapple, and cinnamon, is an adventurous choice. The Island Hopper is tropically inspired and delicious with flavors of lime and orange. Or go with Dealer’s Choice and let your expert bartender create a drink to match your flavor preferences.
It’s not all fun and games at Apparition, however. You need to follow the playful rules of the speakeasy. Dress to impress and speak quietly to maintain the cool vibe. Keep your cell phone away and stay seated so everyone can enjoy their wining and dining. Your reservation may also be limited to two hours so everyone has a chance to experience all that Apparition has to offer.
Poolside Relaxation and Hands-On Activity
BOTTAIA Winery, 35601 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA
One of the most unique spots in Temecula is BOTTAIA Winery. Whether you want a little excitement or a lot of relaxation, they have it all. A visit here can be a day-long adventure. There’s so much to do and see on the grounds, you simply won’t want to leave.
Nestled in the hills of the valley, this Northern Italy inspired winery is incredibly impressive. The beautiful white modern barns are stunning. With views of the hills and vineyard surrounding the grounds, the scenery is breathtaking.
At the back of the property, sits the winery’s sparkling pool. You can reserve a chaise and enjoy the Southern California sun poolside. Let your kiddo burn some energy in the nearby splash pad. The pool cafe allows you to enjoy lunch and sip your favorite wine on the pool deck. They also have small cabines for rent where you can freshen up and get ready to explore the rest of the grounds.
After your done basking in the sun, head to the spacious covered outdoor terrace for a delicious wine tasting. If you need a break from the heat, a comfy indoor lounge is also available for tastings. Order a charcuterie board to nibble on as you taste your way through the winery’s offerings.
One of the coolest things BOTTAIA offers is its wine blending lab. This gives you the chance to see first-hand what it’s like to be a winemaker. Here, you’ll carefully create your own unique blend of wine. With fresh red wine right from the barrel, you’ll combine four varietals to create three different blends.
Then, you’ll taste your creations and choose your favorite. Relax after all of your hard work with a glass of your chosen blend. The staff will bottle the rest of your mixture to take it home with you. Store it and allow it to age before opening it and sipping it while you look back at your time a BOTTAIA.
Unique and Delicious Menu Offerings
The Goat and Vine, 41923 2nd Street#103 Temecula, CA
If you love innovative menu options and interesting food choices, The Goat and Vine is a perfect choice. The fresh, made from scratch menu is full of amazing options. Plus, the atmosphere is pretty cool too.
Walking into The Goat and Vine, you instantly get a feel of rustic glamor. With a unique combination of woodland-themed decor and shiny, gold finishes, the decor is stunning. The twinkling chandeliers and whimsical Edison bulbs create the perfect lighting for your meal.
The theme is consistent throughout the space. With goat murals and paintings adorning the walls and plenty of plants in the space, The Goat and Vine stayed true to their name. The unique decor creates the perfect ambiance and adds interest to the space.
The stone hearth kitchen cranks out some truly amazing dishes. The freshly made bread, crusts, and dressings elevate the food. In fact, the staff arrives at the kitchen before dawn each day to expertly create these delicious ingredients.
Start your meal with a Hummus Plate featuring fresh veggies or a hearty serving of Mother’s Meatballs. The pizza menu is inspiring with choices like a spicy Jalapeno Lime Carnitas combo or the Asian-inspired Thai pie with chicken. Or for a truly unique treat, you can try the Hatch Chili Honey Chicken pizza.
For lighter fare, the Popeye and Olive Oil salad with Marcona almonds and champagne vinaigrette hits the spot. The signature Goat and Vine salad is the perfect fresh blend of arugula, berries, goat cheese, and pecans. For more savory dishes, the Saloon Steak Mushroom Melt and The Coast by Coast Reuben sandwiches are filling and satisfying.
At The Goat and Vine, the wine is on full display. Their menu features some amazing choices to pair with their food. The locally-made Wiens Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with the fresh salads. Temecula’s own Akash winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon is amazing sipped with the pizza choices. Don’t forget dessert! Order a glass of Robert Renzoni Prosecco to drink with the Sourdough Bread Pudding.
Your Wining and Dining Adventure
Wining and dining should be an experience you won’t soon forget. Luckily, Temecula has plenty of spots to create awesome memories. You’ll have an amazing time as you eat and drink your way through the valley.
The Temecula Valley is an amazing opportunity to try new food and taste new wines against a beautiful, scenic backdrop. There are delicious eats and vino nestles in the rolling hills of the area. Cheers! Your wining and dining adventure in Temecula awaits!