THINGS TO DO IN TEMEMCULA

Temecula will always have a special place in our hearts because we love wine and it was the location of our wedding. Compared to Santa Barbara and Napa, the Temecula Valley is one of the lesser visited wine regions in California. But that isn't because of quality. The area features over 40 plus wineries with a wide range of lush varietals,  fine dining, and entertainment.

Here our a few of our favorite things to do/places to visit:

Wine

  • Lorimar Winery - Let's get the obvious choice out of the way first. We like this place so much that we decided to get married there. Lorimar is a Tuscan-themed winery centrally located in the Temecula Valley. Their tasting list features a wide variety of wines which highlight the rich varietals found within the region. The Sangiovese, Cab Sauv, and Petite Syrah are a couple of our favorites. In addition to the tasting room at their vineyard, there is also a tasting room in Old Town which has a limited selection.

  • Vindemia Estate Winery - Vindemia Estate Winery is a small, family-owned winery just off the main road. This off-the-beaten-path winery pours bold reds that represent some of Temecula’s best varietals. A couple of our favorites are the Cab Franc and More Cowbell blend. Their wines are sold exclusively at the tasting room or through the wine club. Give them a try if you are looking for a unique bottle to take home.

  • Leoness Cellars - The first time we visited Leoness Cellars we were immediately drawn to the view overlooking the Rolling Hills Estate Vineyard and the elegant décor of their tasting room. If you plan to visit, we highly recommend that you allow some extra time just to lounge and enjoy the scenery. Their tasting room pours a wide range of locally produced wine. Our favorites include the Viognier and Mourvedre. We have yet to visit but we hear the Restaurant at Leoness Cellars is a great place for dinner.

  • Chapin Family Vineyard - Chapin Family Vineyards is one of our new favorites. Located near the end of Rancho California Road, this small, family-owned winery is a great place to try lush, flavorful reds. Grab a glass and head out to a cool, shady spot on their patio and enjoy the view.

  • Wilson Creek Winery - Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyard is one of Temecula's larger wineries that is nationally recognized. They are probably best known for their almond champagne. We highly recommend stopping by their tasting room for flight and enjoying a wine slushy on the grass in their picnic.

 

Beer

  • Ballast Point - This is one of Ballast Point's 7 tasting rooms and restaurants located in the Southern California area. Typically, they have about 30+ beers on tap to choose from.

  • Garage Brewing Co. - If you like beer and pizza, you need to check out Garage Brewing Company. Along with serving up 15+ tasty craft beers, GBC is also a pizzeria.

 

Food

  • The Restaurant at Ponte - If you are out and about wine tasting in the valley and in need of nourishment, stop by The Restaurant at Ponte. The Restaurant is located just outside Ponte's Tasting Room. The menu features locally sourced, all-natural meats and produce. We recommend starting with the charcuterie plate to sample an assortment of fresh cheese and meat. And make sure you try a loaf of their garlic bread. Stop by on Friday or Saturday after 5p there is usually live music.

  • Goat and Vine - A great restaurant located in the Old Town area with a pub feel. The menu is primarily pizza, salads, and sandwiches but they are delicious. This is one of the more popular restaurants in Temecula. Make a reservation to ensure you get a table.

  • The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon - This is the place in Temecula for steak and seafood. Reservations are highly recommended.

  • Mad Madeline's Grill - If you are in Old Town Temecula and have a craving for fast food this is the place. Great burgers, delicious fries, and the beer battered onion rings are top-notch.

  • A La Minute - If you know us, you know we LOVE ice cream. A La Minute is one of our favorite ice cream shops. They specialize in small batch ice cream using locally sourced ingredients. They have a unique process of freezing ice cream using liquid nitrogen (which is fun to watch). Try the salted caramel or affogato (vanilla ice cream with an espresso shop) flavors.

 

Activities 

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides - If you have ever wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride, Temecula is an ideal place to do it. We had an opportunity to take a sunrise balloon ride over the picturesque valley and it was quite the experience. California Dreamin' is one of many operators in the area. Just be forewarned...a sunrise flight will require you to get out of bed very early.

  • Doc Brown's Old Tyme Photos - Looking to take some memorable photos? Stop by Doc Brown's Old Tyme Photos. Doc Brown's is a western themed photo studio that features several different backgrounds and costumes for guest to choose from. It's a fun way to end an afternoon of wine tasting.

  • Shopping in Old Town - Old Town Temecula is not only a great place to drink and eat, it is also a great place to shop. The area features several stores and boutiques which offer a variety of clothing, antiques, art, and locally made goods. Check out the link for a list of shops in the area.

  • Pechanga Casino - If you enjoy games of chance stop by Pechanga. This place easily rivals some of Las Veags top casino resorts. It also has an amazing spa.

  • Wine Tasting - I mean...this one is obvious, right?! Refer back to the first section for a list of our favorite wineries.