Surrounded by the more than 20 million Southern Californians who live a short drive away, Temecula Valley’s four dozen wineries rarely struggle to attract steady crowds.
The region’s modern winemaking era dates back to the late 1960s, when the area’s historic ranchlands were developed into a sprawling planned community. With cooling air coming from the Pacific Ocean just over 20 miles away, grapevines were considered an ideal crop to plant amidst the new homes and storefronts.
The initial pioneers tested more than 50 different grape varieties in five locations across the sun-soaked landscape. Many of those excelled on the gentle hills that sit in the middle of the valley, while subsequent vintners started to explore the steeper slopes of the surrounding mountains.
Today, Temecula Valley strives to elevate the wine country experience with all sorts of enhancements, from chef-driven menus and dramatic architecture to hot air balloon rides and Vegas-esque pool parties. It’s one of the easiest wine countries to navigate, as the vast majority of tasting rooms lie along a loop that begins just off of Interstate 15 near Old Town Temecula.
The only occasional challenge can be finding wineries that handle their vines and wines with the same meticulous attention that they shower on their guests. Very few specialize in any one style, with many serving everything from single-vineyard expressions to blends both traditional and avant-garde. No variety is particularly dominant either, as Bordelaise and Rhône grapes grow alongside Italian and Iberian selections in all corners of the appellation.
Though I’ve been reviewing wines from the Temecula Valley for more than a decade, I’ve only visited the region a handful of times, and it’s been nearly three years since my last trip. In order to provide an updated rundown of which tasting rooms to visit right now, I called on a handful of experts who live and work around the Temecula Valley to lend their wine tasting wisdom for this roundup. These are their recommendations, organized in alphabetical order.
Altisima Winery
As the combined work of eight Temecula Valley families, Altisima Winery, which just opened in 2021, pairs contemporary architecture with possibly the best views in town.
“Location, location, location!” says Luis Gonzalez, who is known as “Mr. Temecula” for his work on Temecula Life, a digital guide to the region. “It’s set atop a stunning location overlooking endless valley views.”
Devin Parr, a longtime wine marketing consultant and editor-in-chief of The Vintner Project, used the word “stunning” as well. “I haven’t brought anyone there that doesn’t immediately gasp when they see it,” says Parr. “Gaspar’s Restaurant is really yummy, too.”
The al fresco eatery serves Spanish-inspired cuisine, which Gina LaMora, owner of the Grazing Theory Wine & Cheese Shop, says is “deserving of a chef’s kiss for all the dishes.” And there’s more fun, too, says LaMora, explaining that this “Instagram-worthy winery will have you dancing at their salsa night and shopping local at their unique vendor markets.”
Bottaia Winery
Offering educational lessons in the blending lab, culinary exploration in paired charcuterie flights and then just plain good times in their pool, Bottaia Winery brings a lot to the experiential table. And they do it in utter style.
“If I would describe Bottaia in one word I would say, ‘swanky,” says Leah DiBernardo, the chef-owner-visionary at E.A.T. Marketplace, who highly suggests the barrel room tastings and blendings. “Think more designer sunglasses than dusty boots. But hey, if you are looking for the perfect charcuterie board and avocado toast to feature on your Instagram story, then this is your spot.”
Danza del Sol Winery
Whether you’d prefer the comfort of tasting in a recently renovated barrel room or getting a bit more adventurous while riding an UTV through the vineyard, Danza del Sol will provide. It’s the favorite winery right now for Ben Diaz, the executive chef at the Temecula Creek Inn and the chief culinary officer of the CBD Cuisine consulting firm.
“Their winemaker Justin Knight does an amazing job crafting their signature blends,” says Diaz, who also suggested seeking out Walter Carter, the director of hospitality. “If you’re looking for something special, he’s the man to see… He can guide you through an amazing journey of wine and food.”
Doffo Winery
Who knew that classic motorcycles could go so well with Malbec? That’s the vibe at Doffo Winery, where the family’s love for their homeland of Argentina, rich red wines and two-wheeled speedsters all take center stage. Building upon the vision his father Marcelo Doffo started in 1997, Damian Doffo expanded the dream by creating the brand MottoDoffo, for which he and his sisters, Samantha and Brigitte, combine their passion for wine, art and motorcycles.
“The Doffo Winery is a bit off of the beaten path, but that is exactly why I recommend it,” says DiBernardo, who loves that various family members regularly work the tasting room. “Quiet and unique, it’s a great escape from the hustle.” If you listen long enough, you may hear the music that they regularly play to the ripening grapes.
Europa Village
One of the more ambitious winery projects anywhere, Europa Village combines three global wine regions—and their underlying heritages—under one umbrella: Bolero, which pours Spanish-style wines; C’est la Vie, which pours classic French varieties; and Vienza, which focuses on Italian grapes. Then there’s Bolero Restaurant serving Spanish tapas in a sit-down setting while Mercato di Vienza prepares wood-fired pizza and scoops gelato for casual eats.
“For the wine-goer who is looking for all of the makings of a European summer in just one visit, I recommend to you Europa Village,” says DiBernardo. “The knowledgeable staff are your guides, offering recommendations that extend beyond the tasting room, ensuring a memorable culinary journey.”
Leoness Cellars
With vineyard management experience going back 35 years and two decades-plus of winemaking under its belt, the Leoness Cellars team is a longtime lighthouse for quality in the Temecula Valley. Winemaker Tim Kramer continues to explore the regional terroir, whether in single-vineyard expressions of Syrah from Alessandro Vineyard to Bordeaux and Rhône blends in their Signature Selection series.
“Leoness may be down an unsuspecting road, but don’t be fooled, the Tuscany-esque winery can get quite busy,” says DiBernardo, who suggests getting a reservation to enjoy the “lively atmosphere.”
As someone who cares about ingredients, LaMora respects Leoness’s on-site restaurant. “Not only are the wines remarkable, but [so is] the culinary team at the winery restaurant,” she says. “I like to refer to their menu as California cuisine with a French kiss. They create delicious salads and entrees using French cooking techniques, which makes the dining experience unique.”
Lorenzi Estate Wines
With winemaking already in his Italian blood for generations, Don Lorenzi’s connection to Temecula wines goes back to the 400 acres of vines that Southern California vintner Philo Biane planted in 1968. Biane lived next to Lorenzi’s uncle, so when Don got into the wine business, he purchased an estate within that original planting. Since launching Lorenzi Estate Winery in 2013, Lorenzi has taken every step to compete with wines from better known regions, specifically Napa.
“This tasting room feels like an Old World library, with dark woods and a knowledgeable staff,” says DiBernardo. “Lorenzi himself gives informative, well thought-out lectures. Sophisticated, romantic and a guaranteed good time for any wine aficionado, with the vineyards right outside the window.”
Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery
Family and SoCal lifestyle are the driving forces behind Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery, where surfer-chef-vintner Nicholas Palumbo and wife Cindy launched their dream in 1998. It’s now being shepherded by their son, Reed Brady, who’s the assistant winemaker and often in the tasting room, where he pours estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Viognier.
“As a local chef, this is my favorite spot for many reasons,” says DiBernardo. “I feel at home, part of the family, and the shaded outdoor seating with incredible views has been my inspiration for creative writings and recipe creation. Nick clearly pours his heart and soul into these wines. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the craft and a smile on your face.”
Peltzer Family Cellars
The Peltzers moved from Kansas to a farm in Southern California more than a century ago, but sold their original land to give way for Walt Disney’s eponymous theme park in 1954. Subsequent generations kept at farming, though, raising Christmas trees and pumpkins before deciding to get into wine in 2016 by launching Peltzer Family Cellars. (There’s now an ice rink, too!)
“Peltzer is perfect for that young family as it is a kid-friendly space and they have fun family activities almost every weekend,” says DiBernardo. “The tasting room at Peltzer’s is a chic modern barn in the middle of an active farm, leaving visitors with views of beautiful rolling hills and country-fresh air.”
Parr is a fan as well. “Not only is Peltzer Winery one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Temecula Valley, it’s also among the most fun,” she says. “I’ve honestly never had even a so-so time here. Events at this farm-chic hot spot are next level, the staff incredibly welcoming and the wines easygoing and delicious.”
Raúl Ramirez Bodegas Y Viñedos
The arid landscape of Temecula recalls many beloved and famous regions of the Old World, including vast swaths in the middle of Spain. Choosing to plant grapes that thrive in similar environs is a wise move.
The proof is in the Tempranillo, Garnacha, Albariño, Verdejo and Cava-inspired sparkling bottlings from Raúl Ramirez Bodegas Y Viñedos. That Ramirez, who’s originally from Mexico and started this winery in 2016, embraces the Iberian vibe further by raising and showing Andalusian horses only amplifies the feeling that you’ve landed on the Spanish plateau.
“Raul’s passion for horses and wine reflects his heritage, adding depth and history to this exceptional destination,” says Gonzalez, a.k.a. Mr. Temecula.
LaMora agrees. “Each quarter, the winery hosts special events that showcase these magnificent horses, offering a unique blend of fine wine and equestrian elegance,” she says. “It’s a journey of Spanish flavors accompanied by the timeless beauty of Andalusian grace.”
Robert Renzoni Vineyards
“This spot feels like a big warm hug from an Italian nonna,” says DiBernardo about Robert Renzoni Vineyards. That makes sense, given that Renzoni’s great grandfather worked in the vineyards of Fano, Italy back in 1886. Renzoni and his parents bought land in Temecula in 2004, and he’s since been pushing the region’s quality higher with each vintage, thanks largely to the diligent work of winemaker Olivie Bue.
“You’ve got to love the family pictures that line the walls of the tasting room,” adds DiBernardo. “They look like they’re straight out of a Scorcese film.”
There’s excellent Italian food as well. “Don’t forget the bites at this winery,” says Diaz, the Temecula Creek Inn chef. “Their trattoria puts out some amazing food including their house-made pizza, which is fantastic, and sensational bruschetta. Enjoy all this al fresco on their extensive patio.”
South Coast Winery
As one of the oldest existing brands in Temecula, South Coast Winery keeps it old school, which means staying focused on estate-grown wines made in classic methods without relying on flashy hospitality accents. There is a large resort on-site, as well as a spa and a restaurant, but winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores never waver from crafting crisp sparklers, rich reds and lush white wines from their four vineyards.
“I would recommend South Coast for those looking for a formal tasting experience with a slower pace and fewer hipsters,” says DiBernardo. “Book a hot air balloon experience or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through their vineyard. Come here with the folks for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.”
Wiens Cellars
The Wiens family planted the initial vines that would grow into Wiens Cellars back in 1996, steadily growing into 70 acres of vineyard featuring more than 30 grape varieties.
Second-generation winemaker Joseph Wiens began putting his imprint on the brand in 2010, enlisting Brian Marquez along the way. Together, they’re exploring the potential for single-vineyard bottlings as well as more unique grapes like Aglianico and Vermentino.
The brand was sold to the father-son duo of Mark and David Steinhafel in 2022, but both Wiens and Marquez remain at the helm of production.
“A care for the terroir is clearly incorporated into their unique winemaking,” says DiBernardo, who notes guests can expect live music, which seems to go all year long.
LaMora knows Wiens well, because her company Grazing Theory arranges cheese and charcuterie pairings for its cellar room tasting experience. With five wines curated by the winemakers, LaMora selects flavors that create “a symphony of taste that highlights the best of both worlds.”
Wilson Creek
Founded by Gerry and Rosie Wilson in 1996, Wilson Creek Winery represents two sides of Temecula. One is the region’s notoriously welcoming hospitality, evidenced in the always bustling tasting room, where bachelorettes sip almond-flavored bubbly. The other is a quest for quality across 90 acres of vineyard, led since 2012 by Gregg Pennyroyal, an advocate for regenerative methods.
“Known for fun and elaborate concerts, a big library of wine and friendly staff, the Wilson Creek tasting room is filled with gifts, small bites and lots of [sparkling],” says LaMora, who noted that everyone’s favorite flavored effervescent wine is now available in cans. “Wilson Creek Manor is also located across the street and can comfortably host 24 guests. The best part? There is a pool to cool off in.”
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Published: July 12, 2024
