Fun Things to do in Temecula, California – A First Timer’s Guide to the Best Wineries
Last updated on February 8th, 2024 at 03:33 pm
Temecula, translated into Spanish means “where the sun breaks through the mist” – is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Commonly referred to as the Napa of Southern California, this city is conveniently located about an hour east of Downtown San Diego in Riverside County.
Keep in mind that this site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact my honest reviews and comparisons. I only make recommendations based on personal experience(s), in order to help you make the best decisions while traveling!
When to Visit Temecula
Summer is a great time to visit with the evening temperature staying warm and the majority of wineries will have live music on their outdoor decks. However, summer is also by far the busiest time of the year to visit and most hotels/resorts enforce a 3 night minimum stay on the weekends. If you can manage to make it work, here are some reasons why fall is the best time to visit wine country:
- perfect weather – on average, there is little to no rain in this area during fall and temperatures during the day rarely drop below 70! alternatively, temperatures in the summer can reach the triple digits and I don’t know about you – but it’s pretty hard to relax and enjoy your surroundings when you’re wiping sweat off your forehead every 5 seconds and your white wine stops being cold within 10 minutes of receiving it.
- less crowds – kids are back in school and tourists have usually returned home. enough said.
- autumn harvest – wineries will start harvesting grapes in September (white and sparkling wine are harvested first), followed by red grapes in October. As a wine aficionado, this is the best part of the season. You can sign up to witness the annual grape crush and get a glimpse into the winemaking fun!
Which Wineries to Visit in Temecula
Now that you’ve decided on making the trip, here comes the hard part – actually deciding what to do and which wineries to visit. With so many varieties of wine, it can be tough to choose just the right vintages to taste. Thankfully, I’ve put together a list of favorites – offering an array of flavors for any palette (red, white, or even beer).
Leonness Cellars: Boutique winery with one of the prettiest views in the valley. Leonness sits on a hilltop where their vines cascade across the rolling hills. A tasting here will set you back about $25, which is fairly typical for Temecula. On weekdays, non-members are allowed to sit on the terrace where small bites and appetizers are served. Weekends are reserved for members only. Leonness is rated highest on our list due to their flavorful full-bodied reds, being situated off the main road, and being treated with generous hospitality.
Akash Winery: Family owned winery – new(er) kid on the block. While Akash has only been around since 2010, don’t underestimate their ability to produce phenomenal wine and beer. Unlike most places, Akash also has a brewery on site. Tastings cost $25/person and include choice of both wine and beer. While they don’t personally serve food, they host a multitude of onsite food trucks that rotate each week!
Wiens: Family owned winery that opened its doors in Temecula ~15 years ago. The Wiens family, originally from Lodi, owned a small vineyard up north before planting roots down South. All the wines they serve are grown right in the valley except for one varietal which they import from their vineyard in Lodi. With an expansive lawn and the ability to bring your own snacks and food, this place is a great
Bottaia: Aesthetically pleasing, modern, and minimalistic – Bottaia checks all the boxes for a wine tasting day that includes photography. They are also one of the few places with an immaculate swimming pool and poolside food + drink service. They are best known for high quality Italian varietals such as Barbera, Sangiovese, and Vermentino. While the pool is only open in Spring/Summer – if you get the chance to book early, make sure to reserve a cabana and sign up to be a member for an additional 20% off.
Where to stay in Temecula
So, you’ve had a few too many tastings and are looking for a place to spend the night?
We know how you feel.
If you find yourself searching for last minute accommodation, check out The Inn at Churon Winery for a quiet place to rest your head after a long day. Located on the main road, The Inn at Churon is a very reasonably priced 4-star hotel (~$180/night). Only 24 rooms in total, each room comes with a private balcony or terrance, astounding views of the vineyards and hot air balloons at sunrise, and two free glasses of wine upon check-in 🍷
Are you making a trip out to Temecula? Drop a comment if you have any questions or want additional recommendations for wineries, dining, or accommodation.
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Last updated on February 8th, 2024 at 03:33 pm
Temecula, translated into Spanish means “where the sun breaks through the mist” – is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Commonly referred to as the Napa of Southern California, this city is conveniently located about an hour east of Downtown San Diego in Riverside County.
Keep in mind that this site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact my honest reviews and comparisons. I only make recommendations based on personal experience(s), in order to help you make the best decisions while traveling!
When to Visit Temecula
Summer is a great time to visit with the evening temperature staying warm and the majority of wineries will have live music on their outdoor decks. However, summer is also by far the busiest time of the year to visit and most hotels/resorts enforce a 3 night minimum stay on the weekends. If you can manage to make it work, here are some reasons why fall is the best time to visit wine country:
- perfect weather – on average, there is little to no rain in this area during fall and temperatures during the day rarely drop below 70! alternatively, temperatures in the summer can reach the triple digits and I don’t know about you – but it’s pretty hard to relax and enjoy your surroundings when you’re wiping sweat off your forehead every 5 seconds and your white wine stops being cold within 10 minutes of receiving it.
- less crowds – kids are back in school and tourists have usually returned home. enough said.
- autumn harvest – wineries will start harvesting grapes in September (white and sparkling wine are harvested first), followed by red grapes in October. As a wine aficionado, this is the best part of the season. You can sign up to witness the annual grape crush and get a glimpse into the winemaking fun!
Which Wineries to Visit in Temecula
Now that you’ve decided on making the trip, here comes the hard part – actually deciding what to do and which wineries to visit. With so many varieties of wine, it can be tough to choose just the right vintages to taste. Thankfully, I’ve put together a list of favorites – offering an array of flavors for any palette (red, white, or even beer).
Leonness Cellars: Boutique winery with one of the prettiest views in the valley. Leonness sits on a hilltop where their vines cascade across the rolling hills. A tasting here will set you back about $25, which is fairly typical for Temecula. On weekdays, non-members are allowed to sit on the terrace where small bites and appetizers are served. Weekends are reserved for members only. Leonness is rated highest on our list due to their flavorful full-bodied reds, being situated off the main road, and being treated with generous hospitality.
Akash Winery: Family owned winery – new(er) kid on the block. While Akash has only been around since 2010, don’t underestimate their ability to produce phenomenal wine and beer. Unlike most places, Akash also has a brewery on site. Tastings cost $25/person and include choice of both wine and beer. While they don’t personally serve food, they host a multitude of onsite food trucks that rotate each week!
Wiens: Family owned winery that opened its doors in Temecula ~15 years ago. The Wiens family, originally from Lodi, owned a small vineyard up north before planting roots down South. All the wines they serve are grown right in the valley except for one varietal which they import from their vineyard in Lodi. With an expansive lawn and the ability to bring your own snacks and food, this place is a great
Bottaia: Aesthetically pleasing, modern, and minimalistic – Bottaia checks all the boxes for a wine tasting day that includes photography. They are also one of the few places with an immaculate swimming pool and poolside food + drink service. They are best known for high quality Italian varietals such as Barbera, Sangiovese, and Vermentino. While the pool is only open in Spring/Summer – if you get the chance to book early, make sure to reserve a cabana and sign up to be a member for an additional 20% off.
Where to stay in Temecula
So, you’ve had a few too many tastings and are looking for a place to spend the night?
We know how you feel.
If you find yourself searching for last minute accommodation, check out The Inn at Churon Winery for a quiet place to rest your head after a long day. Located on the main road, The Inn at Churon is a very reasonably priced 4-star hotel (~$180/night). Only 24 rooms in total, each room comes with a private balcony or terrance, astounding views of the vineyards and hot air balloons at sunrise, and two free glasses of wine upon check-in 🍷
Are you making a trip out to Temecula? Drop a comment if you have any questions or want additional recommendations for wineries, dining, or accommodation.
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