Our second stop in our three-part SoCal Guide series (after Santa Monica) takes us to Temecula, California. Known as SoCal’s wine country, it boasts over 50 wineries, a historic Old Town with 1800s charm, a thriving arts and dining scene, and plenty of outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hot air balloon riding, mountain biking, and golfing. Let’s explore:
Stay
Domaine Chardonnay
Domaine Chardonnay is a private winery estate and B&B that offers a serene respite. Its luxury suites emulate the grandeur of the Loire Valley with vineyard views from private off-suite terraces, and the space is best enjoyed with homemade breakfast, charcuterie, and wine tastings served at your own private terrace. The owner’s passion for winemaking creates balanced wines crafted from hand-harvested grapes.
domainechardonnaywine.withwine.com
Ponte Vineyard Inn
Ponte Vineyard Inn sits on a 300-acre, Italian-owned vineyard—the largest planted vineyard in Temecula. The sprawling grounds, upscale accommodations, on-site restaurants, and tasting room with 29 grape varietals make for a popular year-round wedding destination (hint, hint).
Located less than half a mile away, Ponte Vineyards’ winery is modelled after the luxury of Northern Italy, Bottaia Winery and also worth a visit.
Do
Aside from visiting dozens of wineries, like Wilson Creek, with its focus on regenerative agriculture; UYS Winery for natural South African varietals; and Bottaia Winery for luxury Northern Italian style vinos, begin your day from the sky with a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Grape Escape, complete with a celebratory champagne toast after the ride.
Wrap up the evening with a guided horseback rides by California Ranch Company through the vineyards, which are especially gorgeous at sunset, while learning about the area’s history.
Eat & Drink
Corbeaux Wine and Tea House
A fusion of French and Asian influences offers a unique dining experience in a charming setting. The drink program is equally inventive, spotlighting wine-based spirits–like pisco, vermouth, and brandy–plus wine and tea pairings.
E.A.T. Marketplace
This farm-to-table eatery serves health-conscious dishes, including delicious brunch options like wraps, sandwiches, pancakes and to-die-for French toast. Butter-churning workshops, tick.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards
This Tuscan-style winery villa is home to Mama Rosa’s Trattoria, serving authentic Italian food, particularly brick oven pizza. Delicioso!
Bolero in Europa Village
Bolero is a Spanish winery and restaurant at Europa Village helmed by chef Hany Ali, offering Spanish-leaning brunch, lunch, and dinner. Named the top winery restaurant in the country in 2024, it’s definitely worth a visit.
europavillage.com/temecula-wineries/bolero
NEXT: Read our guide to Santa Monica, California
