If you live in Southern California, Temecula Valley is a great option when you want to go to wine country, but don’t want to drive too far. Located about 90 miles from Los Angeles, and just over an hour from San Diego this part of Southern California’s wine country and features over 40 wineries.
With so many choices, here are my favorite places to wine taste when I visit Temecula Wine Country:
When I visited Rober Renzoni Vineyards, I fell in love with the hilltop vineyard views from the patio. Opened in 2008, Robert Renzoni Vineyards is known for bold reds. I really liked the laidback, outdoor seating and all of the tasting room staff were so friendly. I particularly enjoyed the Lyric Rose, a dry Syrah Rosé, and the Cabernet Franc and Tempranillo.
Oak Mountain Winery is located on the De Portola wine trail in Temecula Valley. Oak Mountain is known for their wine cave, hence the cave theme through the winery. Sadly we were not able to see it this trip. I ordered a flight of their red wines and really enjoyed the Mourvedre and their red blend, the Cavewoman. What a fun name, right? It was GSM – Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.
Oak Mountain has an on-site restaurant called the Cave Cafe and I ordered the Wild Boar Ragu. It paired very well with the red flight I was tasting.
They offer sparking wines, my personal favorite, as well as still wine. Carter Estate signature sparkling wines made in the traditional method and some wonderful reds – I loved the Sangiovese. Located on the Rancho California Wine Trail, Carter Estates also has a resort onsite with beautiful bungalows each with a private patio that overlook their vineyards. You can even watch hot air balloons in the morning.
Located in a Temecula on the Ranch California Wine Trail, Ponte is a boutique winery with one of the largest vineyards in Temecula. Ponte has a variety of white and red wine, including a notable Super Tuscan style blend – the “Super T”. They also have a blended white wine called “The Angry Wife”, how funny is that name? Ponte is a Certified California Sustainable Winegrower (CCSW) since 2011 and was the first winery in Temecula Wine Country to receive this designation.
Located in Temecula Valley on the Rancho California Wine Trail and known for red blends including a Super Tuscan style red and a Bordeaux style red. They have an on-site restaurant called the Pinnacle. I’m really appreciate red blends and Italian varietals, the Amante Super Tuscan red was great! Heads up – we went during the evening and sat outside it was very windy!
Callaway Winery
If the name seems familiar to you golfers, you are correct! The winery was originally owned by Ely Callaway Jr. the founder of Callaway Golf. The sparkling Bella Rosé was a little too sweet for me with a nose of ripe peach and tropical fruit. I moved on to their Rosé of Sangiovese and that was a perfect match for me with aromas of strawberry and melon. I also enjoyed a selection of their reds – especially their Wild Yeast Syrah. Callaway has an extensive list of wines to taste and you can pick from the list to build your own flight. Isn’t that fun?
And there are so many more! I can’t wait to head back to Temecula Wine Country again.
Be sure to check out Temecula Valley Guide video reviews on instagram or if this is your first time visiting Temecula Valley read 3 Things I wish I knew Before Visiting Temecula Wine Country.
