Temecula Valley Wine Country

Mount Palomar Winery

On an absolutely beautiful campus, Mount Palomar Winery has some of the best Italian-style wine in the region. The founder, Mr. John H. Poole, has over 30 years experience in the wine business at this specific location. While their 2013 Cinsaut Blush is amazing, with just a hint of a rose scent, it isn’t all wine here. They also specialize in Ports and Cream Sherry.
33820 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591// (951) 676-5047

Miramonte Winery

For a visit to Miramonte winery, expect a gorgeous vineyard and a totally sustainable atmosphere. Their tasting room is open 7 days a week, and they feature live music and acts every Friday and Saturday evening. Their Numero Uno sangria, in both white and red, is a huge hit and a definite must-try. Clubsimple, their wine club subscription, is easy on the wallet and offers access to their handcrafted wines.
33410 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591// (951) 506-5500

Wine on a Dime

A good wine tasting at a gorgeous location doesn’t need to be expensive, and Temecula’s Wine on a Dine fully understands that. Some wines such as their Arrogant Frog Pinot Noir are only $10 per bottle, while very few if any exceed $40 per bottle. Although they specialize in online sales, they have a brick-and-mortar storefront you can visit to get a little firsthand history of how a place with wine this tasty is still able to stay in business.
28061 Jefferson Ave, Temecula, CA 92590// (951) 694-3463

Black Market Brewing Co.

Originally a small operation, Black Market Brewing has grown into a highly sought-after craft beer in Southern California’s wine country. Their brewhouse is quaint, unassuming, and it echoes their modest beginnings. It’s open daily and puts on some pretty unique events. Even if you aren’t too fond of IPAs and heavier beers, their Aftermath IPA is low alcohol and not too bitter. For IPA experts, the Holiday Triple Black Aye is a staggering 11% ABV and a pretty bitter 86 IBUs.
41740 Enterprise Cir N # 109, Temecula, CA 92590// (951) 296-5039

Fazeli Cellars

If you need any convincing on why you should put a trip to this winery on top of your to-do list, just take a look at some of their awards: Double gold for red wine from the American Wine Society, another double gold from the California State Fair competition, and a silver medal from Paris’s own International Cabaret Competition. They specialize in red wines, gaining inspiration from Ancient Persia, the purported birthplace of Shiraz grapes.
41955 4th St #101, Temecula, CA 92590// (951) 695-9100

Larimar Loft Old Town

Part of the larger Larimar Wine and Vineyards company, the Larimar Loft in Old Town is a great place for a taste test. It’s cheap too: about $15 per person for 6 samples. On the weekends, they host musical acts. But don’t expect your classic jazz/soft piano music. At the Loft, it’s all about the guitar. For a bustling atmosphere, an informal setting and some great red wines, the Old Town Loft is one of Temecula’s best places.
42031 Main St, Temecula, CA 92590// (951) 240-5177

Vindemia Estate Winery

Here you have much more than a winery. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley, the owners, specialize in olive and olive oils as well as wine. They even own a hot air balloon company which offers flights over Temecula’s wine region. The tasting “room” is one of a kind. It’s outdoors on a beautiful patio with an even more beautiful look over their estate. Expect sweet and soft wines here, and they mostly specialize in Zinfandels and Roses.
33133 Vista Del Monte Rd, Temecula, CA 92591// (951) 760-9334

Ponte Winery

Ponte Winery is a family estate that cooks delicious seasonal food and sits on a gorgeous landscape. In business since 1984, Ponte has been one of Temecula’s most upscale wineries for years. However, it’s much more than a winery: They have a “vineyard hotel”, rated the best in the world at that, a full-fledged bar, and you can even have your wedding there! Just one trip to this vineyard and you’ll understand why many couple have tied the knot on their estate.
35053 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92592// (877) 314-9463

Lumiere Winery

Run by mother and son, Lumiere Winery offers an intimate wine tasting setting. It’s a pretty small winery, but that’s what makes it so unique. They offer both an indoor and outdoor tasting room, and don’t be surprised if one of the owners strikes up a conversation with you or gives you a brief history of their wine and vineyard. The crowd favorite here is the “Romantic Fantasy”, a red wine that isn’t too expensive. On the other hand, their “Sofa King” red runs about $65 per bottle, and it’s worth every penny.
39555 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591// (951) 972-0585

Callaway Vineyard and Winery

Callaway Vineyard is hands-down one of the most beautiful estates in Temecula wine country. While the building has a clearly modern ambience, the drive through the property is very reminiscent of the Italian countryside. They even have a complete restaurant, the Meritage, with very satisfying meals. Their burgers are delicious and come packed with toppings. The service here is great too, so don’t be shy about asking the server for the best wine to go with your meal, or even the best meal to go with your wine.
32720 Rancho California Rd Temecula, CA 92591// (951) 676-4001