You sipped in Sonoma. Swirled a bouquet of aromas in Napa. Now, it’s time to head to one of the most cherished gems in California’s Wine Country, the rolling hills of Temecula. Discover this hidden gem wine region in Southern California that’s bringing the wine industry to modern times.
Temecula is a relatively young wine region dating back to the 1960s, but it has already established itself as a leader in the industry, with nearly 40 wineries scattered throughout Temecula Valley.
The distinct Mediterranean climate in the region—warm days, cool nights, and Pacific Ocean moisture—provides the perfect conditions for producing a range of grapes. It’s highly celebrated, with wine tastings being one of the top things to do in Temecula. Major events like the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival celebrate the region’s cherished fruits with good wine and hot air balloon rides.
Invite your group to a memorable wine tasting at any of these Temecula wineries.
1. Callaway Vineyard & Winery
- 32720 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA
- callawaywinery.com
- $$$
- The oldest winery in Temecula
- Reservations Required
Callaway, of golf fame, landed a hole-in-one in the wine world with one of the best wineries in Temecula. It opened in 1974 as the oldest winery in the region and remains a favorite for visitors. Sample award-winning wines that have kept the doors of this winery open for more than half a century. Plan your visit for a walking tour of the cellars and post-wine tasting accompanied by live music.
2. Ponte Winery
- 35053 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA
- pontewinery.com
- $$
- Largest vineyard
- Reservations not required
Retreat to the Southern California countryside at Ponte Winery. This sprawling 300-acre property is Temecula’s largest vineyard, and it has plenty of grapes to choose from to produce its signature small-batch wines.
Taste samples from the Classic Line, made with popular grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Wines in The Blends collection combine multiple grape varietals. The Sweet collection experiments with farming techniques by letting grapes ice longer than usual for a uniquely sweet-tasting wine.
3. Akash Winery & Vineyards
- 39730 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA
- akashwinery.com
- $$
- Family-operated winery
- Reservations not required
Become part of the wine-loving family at Akash Winery & Vineyards. It’s a family-operated vineyard that treats each of its guests like one of their own. You’re among good company in the tasting room, getting the ‘tea’ on your favorite wine flavors. There are no secrets in this family as you get a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyard operations. It’s available for private tours and private winery bookings.
4. Leoness Cellars
- 38311 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA
- leonesscellars.com
- $$
- Award-winning wine
- Reservations not required
Your star-studded group deserves to experience a winery with just as many accolades. Leoness Cellars put Temecula wine on the map. It was named by Wine Enthusiast as one of the best wine travel destinations.
It is recognized by the industry’s leading publications for its wine and wine-tasting experience. Taste award-winning wines like the Cabernet Franc-Merlot and Syrah. Pair your wine selection with contemporary California cuisine to see why USA Today named it the ‘Reader’s Choice Best Winery Restaurant’.
5. Altissimo Winery
- 37440 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA
- altisimawinery.com
- $$$
- Winery honoring local traditions
- Reservations not required
Altissimo Winery honors the foundation laid by the Temecula wine country’s early wineries by upholding the excellent reputation that the region is known for. It starts with premium wine to showcase what makes this region ideal for growing grapes. The region’s Spanish influence inspires the building’s architecture. The open-air patio showcases more than 20 acres of one of the oldest wine regions in the state.
6. Bottaia Winery
- 35601 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA
- bottaiawinery.com
- $$$
- Luxury wine-tasting experience
- Reservations recommended
Indulge yourself in luxury with exclusive wine tastings at Bottaia Winery. Walk the fine line between wine connoisseur and ‘wine snob’ in this modern chic setting that promises to keep your visit classy. Pair select wines like the 2020 Sangiovese or a floral Vermentino with a charcuterie board. Taste the aging wonders of barrel room tasting or let your group try their hands at being winemakers for the day in the Wine Blending Lab.
7. Fazeli Cellars Winery
- 37320 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA
- fazelicellars.com
- $$
- Picturesque winery
- Reservations not required
The grounds of Fazeli Cellars Winery look like a wine paradise. With award-winning wines, it’s earned its place on ‘Wine Row’ for the best wineries in Temecula. Gaze out the windows of the tasting room, perfectly framing the rolling hills of neat vineyards and mountains. The flower-adorned archways and shaded patio are all options for your wine day photos.
8. Doffo Winery
- 36083 Summitville St, Temecula, CA
- doffowines.com
- $$$
- Motorcycle-themed winery
- Reservations required for groups
Rev up your stay in Temecula and have a good time at Doffo Winery. It’s a unique winery that combines vineyards with a vintage motorcycle museum. Tour the vineyards to see how they make their signature MotoDoffo Wines from viognier, malbec, zinfandel, and other popular grapes.
It takes you inside the MotoDoffo Vintage Motorcycle Collection, featuring nearly 200 bikes. Get the best of both worlds by wine tasting in the MotoDoffo Barrel Room, lined with vintage bikes.
9. Lorenzi Estate Vineyards & Winery
- 36095 Monte De Oro Rd, Temecula, CA
- lorenziestatewines.com
- $$$
- Artisan wine
- Reservations required
The makers at Lorenzi Estate Winery ensure that the art of winemaking never gets lost. They’re meticulous in every detail from start to finish to produce some of the region’s best wines. Savor each sip because these wines are produced in limited quantities. Expert sommeliers take you on a journey with your wine to learn how it was selected to plant and produced. The reds are recommended here!
10. Europa Village Wineries
- 41150 Via Europa, Temecula, CA
- europavillage.com
- $$
- Old-world European-style wine-tasting
- Reservations are required for groups larger than six
Send your group on a wine-tasting tour around the world without ever leaving Europa Village Wineries. It’s more than just a winery—it recreates an old-world European village where every door transports you to a new destination. Enter the Bolero Winery for a Spanish-style tasting with Spanish wine and decor.
Walk into the C’est La Vie Winery for a French-inspired ambiance. And behind the doors of the newly opened Vienza Winery? A tasting room showcasing the finest of Italian-style spirits.
11. Miramonte Winery
- 33410 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA
- miramontewinery.com
- $$
- Europe-inspired wine flavors
- Reservations recommended
Miramonte Winery produces wine from some of Europe’s most popular winemaking grapes. Taste flavors are typically attributed to the iconic wine regions in South France, Spain, and Portugal. Sample six different options in the classic tasting or add food into the mix with a Guided Estate Tasting. The Opulente Blanc is a must-try white!
12. Robert Renzoni Vineyards
- 37350 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA
- robertrenzonivineyards.com
- $$
- Italian-inspired winery
- Reservations recommended
Reimagine yourself in the Italian countryside when you visit the Robert Renzoni Vineyards—the first 100% solar-powered vineyard in Southern California. This Tuscan-inspired winery embodies everything about Italian, thanks to its family heritage. Winemaking in the Renzoni family began more than a century ago in Italy.
See how this winery preserves its traditional winemaking techniques passed down through generations and admire views that make you truly feel like you’re in Italian wine country.
13. Wilson Creek Winery
- 35960 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA
- wilsoncreekwinery.com
- $$
- Personalize your wine-tasting experience with custom wine labels
- Reservations not required
Shock your guests with branded wine labels by Wilson Creek Winery. It’s popular for corporate and brand events to customize their winery experience. Celebrate your guests with award-winning wines like the famous Almond Sparkling Wine or other 90-point plus rated wines.
This winery covers more than 100 acres and has tons of places for you to wander off and enjoy your glass. Take sips by the garden next to the creek running through the property, or mingle in the indoor tasting room.
14. Thornton Winery
- 32575 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA
- thortonwine.com
- $$
- Specializes in sparkling wine
- Reservations not required
Only the real Champagne comes from the Champagne region in France. So, when you take the same Méthode Champenoise process and bring it to the Temecula Valley, you get the signature taste of sparkling wine by Thornton Winery.
Considered the ‘Original Champagne House of Temecula,’ it mastered the process of producing those mesmerizing bubbles in every glass. That deserves a cheers!
15. South Coast Winery Resort
- 34843 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA
- southcoastwinery.com
- $$
- 100% Estate-grown wine
- Reservations required for groups
The award-winning South Coast Winery Resort is a getaway designed for wine lovers. The winery is available even if you’re not staying at the onsite resort. Quality control is in full effect, with operations being 100% estate-grown. From planting to bottling, it implements sustainable practices for producing wine. The wine tour shows off the property’s 63 acres of vineyards.
16. Wiens Family Cellars
- 35055 Via del, Ponte Rd, Temecula, CA
- wienscellars.com
- $$
- Top-quality wines
- Reservations are recommended for groups larger than five.
Open the wine-filled cellars from the Wiens Family to reveal why it ranks as one of the best wineries in Temecula Valley. Each wine is crafted to highlight what makes this valley different from other wine regions around the globe.
Visit this winery if your group insists on only the best quality wine. You’re sure to fall in love while pouring from the Amour collection. Try the range of varietals in the Reserve Series or show the group you’re cultured with samples from the Artist Series.
Stay Near the Best Wineries in Temecula
It’s wine o’clock somewhere, and you don’t want to be late! Field Trip curated the perfect collection of vacation homes in Temecula to host your group on a wine-tasting escapade in the region.