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.
When volcanoes last erupted in Lake County, people had just migrated to this region. That was 11,000 years ago. Still, in geological time, that is recent. The area around Mount Konocti bears evidence of this volcanic activity, including its famous red soil and ubiquitous obsidian rock. Today, those rocks gleam in the sun, their shiny silica surfaces reflecting their origin – and lend their name to the business Peter Molnar helped build alongside partner Michael Terrien, brother Arpad, and their family: Obsidian Ridge Vineyards.
Kirigin Cellars is one of California’s oldest wineries. We are little-known but have been an enduring part of California’s wine country since 1916. We are located fewer than 30 miles south of downtown San Jose.
Kirigin Cellars is one of the most delightful gems in Santa Clara County, nestled within 33 acres of rolling vineyards, nine acres of cricket lawns, over 1,000 rose bushes, and 100 towering redwood sequoias, all framed by scenic hills and rangeland. The winery’s historic buildings, wine-tasting areas, and a newly added Tuscan-style Club House exude a charming old-world atmosphere.
Since its founding, this family-owned winery has upheld a tradition of offering a relaxed, unpretentious wine-tasting experience with a warm, old-fashioned hospitality. Kirigin Cellars handcrafts small batches of exquisite wines from grapes grown right on the property. Eleven different grape varieties are cultivated here—Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malvasia Bianca, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel—all of which are crushed within hours of picking at each harvest.
The historic winery opens daily at 10:00 a.m., inviting visitors to explore its wines until 5:00 p.m. The picturesque grounds are also open for picnics and tours, making it a perfect destination for wine lovers.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery If you haven't checked out this winery yet you are missing out. Sure this place doesn't have large gardens or a picturesque picnic area... but this place is amazing where it counts... the wine.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards is a remarkable estate, nestled in the heart of the Temecula Valley. It was one of the last great undeveloped properties in Temecula and has all the characteristics of a great wine estate: rolling hills, different microclimates, three distinct soil types and multiple elevations. The property provides an ideal growing climate as well as scenic vistas from which to enjoy the beautiful landscape that is Temecula.
The property was purchased in 2006. Although a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard existed on a portion of the estate, the majority of the property was virgin soil. This soil was ideal for the planting of several varietals, including Pinot Grigio, Barbera, and Sangiovese. Indeed, it was the diversity of the land that convinced Robert and his family of the potential for the property to become a truly great wine estate.
The young man who hosted our tasting was knowledgeable yet casual and easy to talk to - right up our alley. Really appreciated the time he took to do "compare & contrast" tastings! Definitely stop in here for a tasting - whether you linger or quickly move on to the wineries, you'll get a nice intro to wines in the region.
The family story is about two families – one named McConnell and the other Wackman – that found their way to Elk Grove, California. The 5th generation from these founding families planted winegrapes in 1993 and began making wine on this historic property in 2002 for you to enjoy.
Located in the stunning San Pasqual Valley, just 30 minutes from San Diego, Orfila Vineyards is an ultra-premium, small-production winery that invites wine lovers to indulge in its unique offerings. Conveniently located between Interstate 15 and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, this hidden gem boasts a breathtaking tasting room and patio that overlook the sprawling 70-acre estate.
Families will feel right at home in the tree-lined picnic area, complete with grassy knolls and picnic tables—perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends and a bottle of Orfila’s finest.
Orfila is known for producing critically acclaimed wines crafted from Italian and French varietals, including grapes from the Rhône Valley, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. The winery sources grapes from its estate as well as select vineyards in Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties. Under the expert guidance of winemaker Andrew Wisniewski, Orfila continues its tradition of creating award-winning wines that reflect the essence of San Diego County.
Since opening its doors in 1994, Orfila Vineyards has garnered more than 1,300 medals in national and international competitions, a true testament to the complexity, grace, and opulence of its wines. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, a visit to Orfila promises a delightful experience filled with exquisite flavors and breathtaking views.
The wines at Wiens Family Cellars were very good. Not too crowded inside. Good vibe inside. We had a lot of first timers in my group so they were a little unsure of what to do but the staff there were very friendly and eager to answer any questions. The hostess I dealt with was very friendly and had good recommendations. I have to say their "Perspective" blend was a very good red that I enjoyed. I also really like their Cab selection. From what I understand their big reds are in the premier tasting room....that will be my next stop when I return to Temecula Wine and wine country.
Jacuzzi is a unique place for sure. Yes, there are a lot of wineries that combine both vino and olive oil, but I think Jacuzzi "owns it" as good as anyone. They've got a huge facility with a very generous, separate area devoted completely to the olive oil, so you've really got two completely different tasting experiences in one stop. Both the wine and the olive oil tastings are free; another pleasant surprise since even Sonoma county is running low on the complimentary tastings.
This hidden gem of a winery boasts a no-frills approach to great wine. Their taste is a bit different -- fruity & light merlots, light cabs, amazing port. The true gem here is Petra. She's a great conversationist and has remembered me and my friends every time we come. This one is WAY out of the way, but a completely unique experience in Napa. The basic tasting was free, and the reserve tasting was $15. The wine was pretty good and the bocce court outside was a nice distraction. The place is like a deserted farm with dogs wandering around and unfinished road through the vineyard. It is NOT fancy, but it is often deserted and gives you the feel that you are in your own country vineyard.
