Temecula Valley

Temecula Valley

Miramonte Winery

people sharing wine

Miramonte Winery has a nice relaxed vibe during the day, but the night life is what really makes the place special. They stay open till 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights and always have live music. If you want to hang out in wine country on Friday or Saturday night, drink some good wine or sangria, and do a little dancing, this is by far the best place to go in wine country. If you are on the fence about taking the wine tour ....not need to be ..they have a very informative & entertaining wine tour that warrants the time. The bite size hors d' oeuvres at the end of the tour with the wine paring was PERFECT!!! I was expecting bland lil bites...NOT AT ALL!...everyone inquired if they can purchase the pesto & the spicy hummus. he winery is located just 1.25 miles east of Temecula, and a large majority of Wine Country visitors pass through Temecula on the way to Wine Country. This makes Bel Vino the third winery on the right as visitors drive through Wine Country. The winery sits atop one of the highest points in Wine Country and this elevation provides a sweeping 360 degree view of the surrounding valleys, vineyards and mountains, offering the best views in the area. Temecula Wine Country. The winery is located within a two hour drive of the 20+ million people living in Southern California, and this population makes both Wine Country and Bel Vino highly popular tourist destinations.

Thornton Winery

wine and cheese - ai generated - Pixabay

If you’re looking for a wine-tasting experience that is both luxurious and picturesque, look no further than Thornton Winery in Temecula Valley. As you sip on premium champagne and varietal wine, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning green vineyards that make this region so unique.

Winemaker Tom Stolzer’s award-winning wines and champagne are perfectly complemented by the delicious bites on offer at the Champagne Lounge. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a relaxing day out, Thornton Winery has something for everyone.

Miramonte Winery

grape cluster

Miramonte Winery: A Premier Destination in Temecula

Founded in 2001 by Cane Vanderhoof, Miramonte Winery stands as one of Temecula’s most beautiful, popular, and forward-thinking wineries. Located in the heart of Temecula Valley, Miramonte is dedicated to premium winemaking, with its wines earning numerous awards, 90+ scores, and other accolades.

A visit to Miramonte Winery offers stunning valley views, a delightful tasting room, a highly popular restaurant, warm and friendly staff, and some of Temecula's finest weekend entertainment. Esteemed publications such as Travel & Leisure, Food & Wine, USA Today, Thrillist, and Eater all consider Miramonte a must-visit destination. Fodor’s Travel hails it as “Temecula’s hippest winery,” and Wine Business Monthly recently honored it as one of the Hottest Brands of 2023.

Danza Del Sol Winery

wine pouring into glass - Pixabay

Winemaker Justin Knight’s story of becoming a winemaker is one of hard work, patience, and perseverance in achieving his goal. As a Temecula native, Justin began his journey to winemaking in 2011, right here at Danza del Sol Winery. Starting in the tasting room, Justin quickly realized the cellar and vineyard were where he truly wanted to be. With Old World approaches and years honing his craft, Justin is passionate about producing wines that are filled with tradition and simplicity, while incorporating new-age techniques to ensure great, high-quality wines.

Tasting Room
Open Daily
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
 

Europa Village

people sharing wine

Europa Village winery is very charming and beautifully landscaped with indoor tasting bar, outdoor seating. Touring the winery is as much fun as tasting their exceptional wines. Enter the wrought iron gates into a center courtyard with an Olive tree, surrounded by outdoor seating and statues. Our tour-guide greeted us and gave us a brief overview of the winery. We were encouraged to taste the grapes right off the vine as we went and stopped every so often for a brief informational talk and to fill our glass with a different sample of wine. After the winery tour, we sat in the shaded outdoor seating area for a class about the '5 Essences' of wine tasting and enjoyed more wine tastings and covered basic stuff about wine, bread sticks and a *small* cheese, chocolate, crackers and grape plate that was offered part of the package we purchased. They also have an inn on the property where you can stay if you want. This Temecula winery could make for a nice base if you plan to visit Temecula Wine Country over a weekend. 

Temecula Hills Winery

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

Don't overlook this small store and location. This is a great spot to go with friends for a FREE Olive oil tasting. The owner is passionate about his wines and olive oil and will take the time to talk about his passion. When you first walk in you will see a typical wine tasting area (with a wine tasting fee). Bypass that area and go toward the back right corner by the restroom. Here the owner will offer you a free olive oil and vinegar tasting using small pieces of dipping bread! These specialty oil and vinegars are reasonably priced and make great gifts. Then head back to the tasting bar.

Painting by Agata Zaborowski 

Fangipani Estates

paint of man with wine and a small dog

Frangipani Estate Winery overlooks its vineyards on the De Portola Wine Trail, offering guests breathtaking views of the estate. Perched on a plateau, this is where the wine-tasting magic happens. Visitors experience a unique wine tasting, with patio service that stands out. Guests can relax and stay seated while being served Reserve Style wine by a friendly staff that welcomes patrons with enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of both the wines and the Valley.

The Frangipani Estate Winery label was established in 2003. In need of a place to call home, the estate was founded in 2005. The tasting room, built by the family from the ground up, opened its doors in January 2006. Every bolt, screw, and piece of drywall was meticulously installed by the owners. The tasting room exudes an Old-World Heritage feel, where family and friends come first, complemented by handcrafted red and white wines that showcase the essence of the estate.

Palumbo Family Vineyards

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - enjoying wine

Palumbo Family Vineyards This is a smaller, family run winery that is a bit out of the way of Temecula's bigger wineries. Tours don't come here often because they don't allow large busses or limos. However, I was happy that I was able to discovered this place. The tasting room is small, the family that makes the wine and their few employees pour your tastes. You definately get a very intimate feel here. As for the wine, it is delcious and the prices are not too high which is a giant plus given that the quality of the wines is fantastic.

Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery is committed to small lot, handcrafted wines from varieties that are grown on small block, sustainably farmed wine vineyards.

Nick Palumbo, Owner/Winemaker
is a past President of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. The highlights for me were the Viognier/Roussane and the Cabernet Sauvignon. Will definately return when in the area. If you are like me, looking for a winery that is a gem and adds to the winery experience in Temecula, CA I just might see you there one day.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - enjoying wine with pet cat

They specialize in Italian varietals! But they have a number of non-Italian varietals too. And was really surprised at how much I enjoyed their White Cabernet. Yup... you heard right... WHITE CAB. It's light and refreshing.... fruity but not sweet.... on the dry side. It's a lovely rose to sit by the pool and relax with. Get a little bit of Italy while you are enjoying you Temecula Wine Tasting adventures.

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