1 Baily Vineyard and Winery

After a 15-year stint as a Consulting Actuary, Phil Baily, his wife Carol, and two young sons sold their home in the Los Angeles suburb of San Marino and “moved to the country” specifically, Temecula, California.

The Bailys after opened a small winery in 1986 with the goal of producing outstanding wines that could stand with the best in California.  Over the ensuing years they acquired or planted 25 acres of prime vineyard land and built a larger state-of-the-art winemaking facility, while Phil perfected his winemaking techniques to produce wines that best reflect the unique terroir of the Temecula Valley.

Specializing in wines made from the traditional Bordeaux varieties, most notably Cabernet Sauvignon, Phil crafts his wines to produce an “Old World Style” characterized by restrained alcohol and higher acidity, emphasizing elegance and finesse as opposed to boldness and power.  To this end, the grapes are picked at moderate sugar levels and the wines undergo longer barrel aging to produce more complex, less fruit-forward aromas and more integrated tannins.

Inventory is managed so that over ten years of vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Meritage are available.  Visitors to the Estate Tasting Room have the opportunity to partake of vertical tastings of these wines and purchase them for further aging in their own cellars.

The Baily family was among the Temecula’s first wave of wine producers, planting their first vineyard in 1982. Founder/winemaker Phil Baily concentrates on Bordeaux-derived grapes, and gives the reds up to 30 months in barrel for added smoothness.

There are several ways to taste: The main tasting room is at the Baily Visitor Center, where you can drop in for a $15 tasting of current releases; you can also have lunch at the Baily’s restaurant, Carol’s, which includes live music on Saturdays and Sundays (and a doggie menu on Sundays). There is also a by-reservation tasting of older wines available at the production facility, for $20-$30. And for those just passing through, the Baily Wine Country Cafe in Old Town Temecula is owned by Phil Baily’s son Chris.

There are two unique tasting locations and experiences to help you understand, enjoy, and purchase Baily wines: The Main Tasting Room at the Baily Visitor Center and the Estate Tasting Room at the Baily Production facility. MAIN TASTING ROOM At the Baily Visitor Center 33440 La Serena Way, corner of Rancho California Road 951-676-9463 Get Directions Learn More about Main Tasting Room ESTATE TASTING ROOM At the Baily Production Facility 36150 Pauba Road 951-972-9768  bailywinery.com

2 Briar Rose Winery

Many years ago before developers discovered Temecula, the valley was dotted with small family owned farms, orchards and vineyards.

In the 1970’s, Beldon Fields purchased land in Temecula and built replicas of Snow White’s cottage for his wife. Beldon worked for Walt Disney and was one of many artisans who built Disneyland’s Fantasyland and Toon Town. The fairy tale cottage was celebrated as the first home showcased on the Temecula Valley Women’s Club Holiday Home Tour in 1984. There is an old olive tree in front of the cottage that was a gift to Beldon Fields from veteran viticulturist John Moramarco. The olive tree relocated from the Calloway Winery – is one of the largest and oldest olive trees in Temecula, if not in the entire State of California.

In the early 1990’s, Les and Dorian Linkogle purchased the beautiful estate from Beldon Fields with the promise to not change the architecture of the cottages. The initial reason for the Linkogles to move to Temecula was to provide open space for their son Larry “Link” Linkogle to ride his motorcycle. For motocross fans, the name Larry Linkogle should sound familiar.

Larry is regarded as one of the pioneers of the freestyle motocross sport. He has competed in numerous contests, including the Freeride Motocross Championship, Zero Gravity Festival, NBC Gravity Games and the ESPN X Games. His life story was featured in documentary “Mind of a Demon: The Larry Linkogle Story” which was voted “Best Documentary” at the Slamdance Film Festival and voted best “Jury International Documentary” at the Bel-Air Film Festival. Fast forward to today and you’ll see that Larry is known as the most influential name in the extreme motocross industry.

He was voted the most popular extreme natural terrain rider in the world by Fox Sports Blue Torch TV during the 2002 Moto Survival Tour. Larry also set the world’s Long Distance Jump record on his stock 250cc motorcycle and was Vin Diesel’s stunt double in the movie Triple XXX. In 2006, the winery hosted the first freestyle motorcycle biker build-off produced by the Discovery Channel between Larry Linkogle and Mike Metzger.

While Briar Rose sits on a total of 40 acres there are currently 23 acres of actual planted vines. Each year the winery produces between 2,400 to 3,500 cases of wine from the harvested grapes. This might seem like a smaller amount compared to some other wineries in Temecula but regardless they still have a wide variety of varietals and blends to select from.

Some of their award winning wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Viognier and Merlot. In addition to that they also offer a great Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, a Super Tuscan Blend, and more!

Great story behind the design of the winery itself, the original owner hand crafted the home to look like Snow White’s home, its just beautiful.  You can sample the exclusive wines for $25 and the standard selection for $15. Both were amazing. They were for a more sophisticated palate and delicious.

Here’s something you won’t find everywhere: A winery whose buildings are replicas of Snow White’s cottages in the 1937 Disney cartoon. Briar Rose’s founder was a Disney employee who built the cottages a generation ago for his wife. Now under the ownership of the Linkogle family (son Larry is a famous motocross racer), the property began bottling its own wines in 2007. Though it is a self-proclaimed “micro-winery” (topping out at about 3,500 cases), Briar Rose produces a bevy of wines, including its unique Talking Frog bubbly, a blend of Viognier and lager beer. Two important notes on the fairy tale: reservations are required, and no one under 21 is allowed on the property.  You can learn few things while tasting their wines. Why red wine is red? Because of the processing technique: the grape skin is added while the wines is fermenting. That’s what gives it a red color. This is also why the red wines have more beneficial properties. Unlike white wines that are processed without grape skin. Why storing red wine bottles horizontally ? The red wine bottles should be laid flat so that sediment from the wine settles evenly on one side and the cork is submerged to the wine which keeps it moist. Dry corks will make your wine bitter. Winery open Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm 41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula, CA 92592   (951) 308-1098  briarrosewinery.com    

3 Callaway Vineyard and Winery

Ely Callaway, who founded Callaway Vineyard & Winery in Southern California and pioneered Temecula as a grapeg rowing region, died of pancreatic cancer on Thursday, July 5, at his home near San Diego. He was 82.

Callaway started his winery in 1969 while president of textile giant Burlington Industries. In 1973, he retired to devote his full time to wine, convinced that the warm and dry climate of Temecula — situated between Los Angeles and San Diego — was well-suited for wine grapes.

 In 1981, Callaway sold his winery to Hiram Walker for $14 million. Today, it is owned by British wine and spirits giant Allied Domecq. Callaway used the proceeds of the sale to start Callaway Golf Company, which he eventually built into the world’s largest maker of golf clubs. Callaway’s best-selling Big Bertha driver helped the company generate $837 million in sales last year.

The foundational winery of Temecula’s new age, Callaway opened its doors way back in 1969. The visionary was Ely Callaway, better known for his golf gear empire, but the winery passed through corporate hands before being bought by the Lin family, who own it to this day. Modest-sized by California standards, Callaway’s 25,000 cases make it one of the larger operations in Temecula. It bottles a slew of different wines, including Zinfandels and Syrahs. It is also a prime wine tourism destination, with a large, handsome tasting room and gift shop, and a variety of drop-in tasting and tour options, including a  $35 per person, $15 for minors or non-drinkers cellar tour with barrel and tank samples.

Enter the tasting room via the outside patio or through the well-stocked gift shop. The tasting bar is over 60 feet long, and the view of the valley and vineyards from the wall of windows behind it is a bonus for customers. There are a few tables and chairs both inside and out for those preferring a sit-down tasting experience.

Visit the newly renovated Chardonnay Room, perfect for intimate weddings and private parties of up to 50 guests. Tour the romantic Barrel Room, ideal for larger wedding celebrations, private dinner parties and special events.  Enjoy wine tasting in the Reserve Room, at the wine stations and in the new tasting room.

The wines are approachable, flavorful, fruit-forward and food-friendly. By using unusually cold temperatures during fermentation, the wines retain their natural fruit flavors and aromas.

The vineyards are farmed using sustainable agricultural practices that protect the land from excessive use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Tours run approximately 1 hour in length and include: 5 tastings and 10% discount on purchases made the day of the tour. The Meritage restaurant offers locavore meals, with many ingredients grown on the property, and an extensive slate of concerts. 

Callaway Vineyard & Winery is a vineyard located at 32720 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California 92591. It was used as filming location for the Star Trek: The Next Generation final episode “All Good Things…”. The scenes were filmed on 21 March 1994 and included Patrick Stewart, LeVar Burton, stand-in Dennis Tracy, director Winrich Kolbe, camera operator Kris Krosskove, and sound mixer Alan Bernard among others. Scenes from this location filming are part of the TNG Season 7 DVD special features “Starfleet Moments & Memories Year Seven – A Unique Family” and “The Making of “All Good Things…” – On Location” and includes interviews with Stewart, Bernard, and Jonathan Wes  callawaywinery.com   

Winery Hours: Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm (Last Tasting 4:30pm) ; Closed Tuesdays ; ph 951-694-9071.

Churon bills itself as a bit of France in Temecula, and has a chateau to prove it. The chateau is actually a boutique hotel in the midst of the vines (rooms start at around $180), with a grand lobby and views of the very Californian khaki-colored hills outside. The winery’s tasting room, off the lobby, offers five pours for $12 from winemaker Benny Rodriguez’s extensive lineup that ranges out to bubblies and dessert wines. Retail prices for non club members are typically in the $25-$35 range, including a world-spanning line-up of reds from Zinfandel to Malbec to a rarely seen Ruby Cabernet. innatchuronwinery.com

5 Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Cougar Vineyard & Winery is owned and operated by Rick and Jennifer Buffington, the first couple winemakers in the valley. Family making wine as a hobby over 20 years ago. As they began making more wine, better quality wine and winning some competitions, the Cougar label was created named after Cougar Mountain in Bellevue Washington where our home was located at the time. In 2004 out of our home and backyard vineyard in Fallbrook we became a bonded winery.

Rick and Jennifer Buffington put in years as home winemakers before buying their original Temecula vineyard . They followed their passion, focusing the operation on their own estate grapes to produce Italian wine varieties. Some are familiar—like Sangiovese, the basis of the Chianti blend—others less so, like Arneis, the wonderful white grape of Piemonte. In some cases—like Falanghina and Brachetto—Cougar claims to be the only U.S. winery producing the varietal.

Tastings are $12 for six samples. You can also augment your tasting with panini, salads and pizza from the winery’s Sangio’s Deli. On Friday nights and Sundays there is live music. 

In 2004 Cougar produced 82 cases commercially then 880 cases the following year, 1200 the next and now winery have reached their end goal of 5000-7000 cases per year.  Cougar wines are produced in small lots from single vineyards with an occasional blend such as a Super Tuscan or Meritage. In 2005 family purchased the winery property and by 2006 opened our doors to the public showcasing their love for Italian varietals. Not only do they love these varietals but Cougar family believe that Temecula is well suited to grow them.

Cougar Vineyard and Winery is a enjoyable stop in the Temecula Valley showcasing a number of estate grown Italian varietals along with Sparkling wine and some dessert wines.

The tasting room is right inside the Cougar winery between the barrels and vats. The winery is small and family owned without a lot of the trappings and amenities of the larger wineries in the region. You may actually be greeted by one of the owners in this simple but authentic winery.

The estate grows Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Vermentino, Aglianico, Falanghina, Primitivo, Arneis, Malvasia Bianca, Lambrusca, Negroamaro, Brachetto, Prosecco, Piedirosso and Sagrantino. The wines are well made with care.

Sangio’s Deli, located in the tasting room, is open daily.  Enjoy your deli items at one of the our picnic tables surrounded by olive trees overlooking the vineyards. Deli items include gourmet sandwiches, paninis, platters, salads, pizzas, and desserts.

 If you want to enjoy 100% Estate Italian varietals, well, look no further because Cougar Vineyard & Winery is the place for you.Take advantage of this great opportunity and try some of their top specialties like Sagrantino, Pinot Grigio, Montepulciano, Primitivo, or Brunello Sangiovese. Cougar Vineyard & Winery features a wine menu that’s always changing and adapting to your requirements, so whatever your timing is, we think you’ll love it.

Besides, they can also provide you with a rich menu comprising fresh salads and delicious sandwiches. All our clients loved the magnificent indoor tour among the myriad of barrels, but make sure you bring an extra jacket because you might find the place a bit chilly. If you would rather enjoy your wine tasting session, outdoors, no worries, you’ll have plenty of space to do it and a scenic view in front of your eyes.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery, 39870 De Portola Road, Temecula CA 92592 – (951) 491-0825  cougarvineyards.com

6. Doffo Winery

That classical music you hear? The Doffo family plays that to soothe the vines. Of course, the Argentine-born family patriarch, Marcelo, also vibes to less tame sounds: He is a vintage motorcycle racer and collector, whose MotoDoffo museum in the barrel room contains over 100 scooters and motor bikes (including a multi-decade anthology of Ducatis). The small-lot reds here, mostly Bordeaux-style blends, plus Syrah and Zinfandel, command stiff, often three-figure prices and some come in novel bottles like the jug-handled Zinfandel Reserve. There are also a number of specialty bottlings, including grappa and muscat brandy.

Standard Tasting start at $15, but reserve ahead for various vineyard tours. A visit to the motorcycle collection is free Enjoy a taste of our handcrafted wines – $15 (with Doffo logo wine glass $20) Premium Tasting: Taste our premium red wines – $25 (with Doffo logo wine glass $30)    doffowines.com

7 Europa Village WInery

A destination spot in Temecula wine country, this ambitious, still-unfolding project includes a luxury, Spanish-style 10-room inn (prices begin at around $190) and a winery helmed by well-regarded veteran George Bursick. Under construction in 2017 will be additional components of the project, which will ultimately create three wineries and attendant resort facilities in the styles of France, Italy and Spain. The current wine lineup already seems to have the geographic bases covered. Over 30 wines are bottled here, ranging from dark reds to sparkling to dessert, with heritages that hearken back to all three countries and a few more.

tasting flight includes a diverse selection of sparkling, white, red and dessert wines that few others can match in selection and quality. All tastings are seated table service to offer our guests the highest levels of comfort, intimacy and safety.  

Virtually all of our service staff are Level 2 Certified Sommeliers and enjoy presenting our special wines with an eye on education and interaction, catering to a wide range of experience levels from those embarking on their first wine journey to those well versed in all tenets of wine and travel. 

All Europa Village wines are made with a focus toward honoring the Old World winemaking styles and traditions of France, Spain and Italy and when you taste them you will understand why they have achieved broad critical acclaim in a variety of publications.  

Regular Tasting: $25 per person 6 tastes of any Europa Village wines from  regular menu.  For more information and to reserve your virtual tasting experience, please call (951) 506-1818 ext. 109 or email matt@europavillage.com.   web europavillage.com

8 Falkner Winery

“Falkner Winery received the Xenia award for 2017 Winery of the Year” by Visit Temecula Valley. 

Falkner Winery is located high on a hill with a spectacular view overlooking the entire Temecula Valley. It was founded in 2000 by Ray and Loretta Falkner of Falkner Winery, Inc. Falkner Winery produces premium wines with outstanding varietal character from grapes that are grown on the estate. The Falkner’s take pride in their quality wines and availability of unique art and gifts.

Wines produced include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Merlot, Meritage, and proprietary wines such as the “Amante” a robust red Tuscan wine.  Many of the Falkner wines are 90+-point, award-winning wines.

address : 40620 Calle Contento Road and is only a quarter of a mile north of Rancho California Road in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country. Wedding and banquet facilities available. For more information call 951-676-8231 or tours@falknerwinery.com.

The sweeping scenery from Falkner’s 1,500-foot hilltop has made it not only popular for tasting visits, but for a brisk wedding business as well. The winery’s aptly named Pinnacle Restaurant is a white-cloth place with wrap-around views and a creative touch with Mediterranean-influenced food (a Tamarind Ahi Lettuce Wrap, for instance).

The winery tasting room is open daily from 10 to 5pm; the Pinnacle Restaurant is open daily from 11:30am-3:30pm.

There is also a rentable private dining room amid the barrels down below. Like many Temecula wineries, Falkner produces an array of wines, topping out with the flagship Meritage Bordeaux-style red blend and Amante Super-Tuscan style red. The winery offers a menu of tour options, from a $20, 30-minute introduction and tasting to a $75, two-hour VIP tour with lunch at the Pinnacle. falknerwinery.com

9 Leoness Cellars

Leoness Cellars’ dedication to creating world class wines continues under the Steyn Family ownership. Strong emphasis on farming remains after 50 years of Temecula Valley agricultural stewardship.

The word Leoness, meaning “village of dreams,” is the inspiration behind our lifelong quest to create world class wines from the finest vineyards in the Temecula Valley. Nestled in the rolling hills and vineyards of Temecula’s Wine Country, Leoness Cellars offers a warm, enchanting setting where visitors can enjoy great wines, spectacular views, and wonderful times with family and friends.

Leoness Cellars is deeply rooted in the history of agriculture and farming in the Temecula Valley. Co-founder, Gary Winder, began farming in the valley in the early 1970’s with a focus on citrus and avocados. He founded Stage Ranch Farm Management in 1972 and quickly built a reputation in the valley for being a high quality farming business.  Gary was joined by Mike Rennie in the early 90’s and together they focused on growth of their vineyard operations. 

finally there’s a place in Temecula where you can have great food and not have to drive to San Diego or Orange County, Temecula is starting to catch up to the rest of the world in forms of cuisine; 

With its brick tower, Leoness is a familiar sight along the DePortola Wine Trail (deportolawinetrail.com), which begins not far from Old Town Temecula. Owned by two partners with deep roots in the valley’s agriculture, Leoness benefits from the ground-up approach they bring to the wines, including the flagship Cabernet Sauvignons, some produced from the Rolling Hills vineyard just below the winery.

The basic tasting here is $16 for six wines ($20 on weekends), but Leoness offers a slate of tours as well, such as a private $90-per person guided tour of the vineyard and cellar, which also includes a guided tasting. The well-regarded restaurant here is ambitious but pricey, with entrees running into the $40s. Book ahead or come early to get patio seating. leonesscellars.com

10 Longshadow Ranch Vineyards and Winery

Longshadow Ranch Vineyard and Winery is a family run winery and vineyard located in Temecula, California. It is also a great place to bring the whole family where they can see Clydesdale and Belgian Draft horses. Carriage rides are also available. Located not far from the center of Old Town Temecula, a visit to Longshadow offers a view of the way things were done in the past.

To the right of the driveway a redwood building is the wine tasting facility. Nearby but to the back is a second building where the winemaking takes place. Near the front door to the tasting room, five and a half used oak barrels are formed to create a flowing “Wishing Well.” Inside the tasting room, look for a tree of cowboy and cowgirl hats to purchase. In addition several gourmet products from Black Sheep Gourmet Foods are available. These include a variety of stuffed olives, Frog Bells (spicy dill pickled Brussels Sprouts) and Pinot-Pomegranate Jelly.

In front of the tasting room a large area is available with an outdoor tasting counter and a fire pit. Numerous redwood picnic tables and white round tables with chairs are available to accommodate visitors for wine tastings or for the music events audiences. Towards the back of the area is a stage for music on Saturday nights. To the left of the driveway a large event building is ready to open. This two-story building features knotty pine siding and a large patio.

John and Susan Brodersen purchased the property in 1999 and in the same year began planting 12 acres of vineyards. This was also the year that John began taking winemaking classes. The owners prefer to focus on red varietals and their vineyards consist of Syrah, Tempranillo, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault. The winery opened in February 2003 and in 2010 is producing 4,200 cases. Most varieties are 400 cases or less. John is proud that everything is “done by hand.” At Longshadow one can discover the lost art of farming techniques used years ago.

Longshadow has Classic Rock Concerts on Saturdays. Owner and winemaker, John is a musician with the group. He is a vocalist and a guitar player. Imagine the ambiance of the outdoor tasting counter, fire pit, clear string lights and music. The winery also has Barrel Tasting Events.

Longshadow prides itself on its Old West flavor, but it is an upgraded version of the frontier, to be sure—complete with fine wine, carriage rides pulled by Belgian draft horses, and a very architectural version of a ranch house. The hillside vineyards produce a number of wines, among them Estate Sangiovese, Estate Syrah and a less usual Estate Cinsault. The event schedule here includes the “Legends of the Wild West” dinner theater on many Friday nights throughout the year. A pre-sale ticket is only $20, including dinner. Drop-in tastings are $15 for five wines—the panoramic view is free.

Longshadow Ranch Vineyards and Winery, 39847 Calle Contento, Temecula CA 92589 (951) 587-6221  longshadowranchwinery.com

11 Lorenzi Estate

In the early 1900s, Italian families Lorenzi and De Ambrogio planted Zinfandel vines in parts of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. This region, now known as the Cucamonga Valley, still produces grapes from these 100-year-old vines. In 1968 local wine making legend Philo Biane planted the first of his 400 acres in Temecula. Because Biane lived next door to Lorenzi’s uncle, Don got to know this key person. It is no small irony that decades later Lorenzi Estate Vineyards would be part of the original site Biane planted in the 60s. Biane knew that the vineyards are located 22 miles from the Pacific Ocean and are 1,500 feet above sea level. Cool, foggy mornings give way to nurturing sunshine that ripen grapes perfectly.

Don Lorenzi remembers the smell of fermenting grapes at his grandparents’ cellar as a young boy. In 2000, Don’s cousin, Steve De Ambrogio, gifted him 20 Zinfandel vines cloned from the original 100-yearold vines. With a little luck, these vines were fruitful and soon, Lorenzi was experimenting with small batches of wine for close family and friends. One barrel led to another and the family’s home garage was enlarged to create a dedicated winemaking area. Lorenzi began crafting small barrels of wine from a variety of grapes including Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. His passion grew and soon he was making enough wine to gift to friends, clients and charitable groups. Grapes from legendary vineyards formed the genesis of the Lorenzi private label. From there, he set out to build one of Southern California’s premium wineries. Lorenzi boasts a simple hands-on approach: study the wines he loves, study how they are made, and source or grow the fruit needed to make them. Most importantly, he insists on shepherding the wine from fruit to bottle.

Don Lorenzi’s family has a long history of grape growing in southern California, but for him, it started as a hobby: He started as a home-winemaker, but in a matter of years he was making enough for friends to opening a winery. Finally, in 2013, he opened a tasting room. Lorenzi Estate, with the distinctive golden lion on the label, now produces 20+ different wines, though it is probably the rich reds that have garnered the greatest critical attention

What makes a great small lot, handcrafted artisan wine? A wine made by a wine lover. Don makes a wine lover’s wine. But he doesn’t do it alone. Partnered with his wife Brenda and his daughter Michelle, the trio remains committed to building the brand’s identity on the platform of excellence. In the day to day, you’ll often find Brenda in the tasting room overseeing the operations and wine club management. Michelle fuels the brand behind the scenes leveraging her expertise in marketing and social media management. Together, they grew Lorenzi Estate Wines from the backyard to the sprawling 16-acre estate.

36095 Monte De Oro Rd. Temecula, California 92592  open daily 11-4 seven days a week. Reserve online or call Phone: 951-506-1300 Email: contact@LorenziEstateWines.com lorenziestatewines.com

Lorenzi’s standart testing $25 per person, premium and super-premium priced lineup includes some exuberant, unconventional blends like the $95 The Phantom, which incorporates six grapes, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Call ahead or go online to make a tasting reservation.

12 Lorimar Vineyards & Winery

Dedicated to providing a fusion of excellent wine, art, and music, family-owned Lorimar Vineyards and Winery has established In May 2012, Lawrie and Mark, along with hundreds of local residents and guests, celebrated the grand opening of Lorimar Winery, a Tuscan-style winery in the heart of the Temecula Valley.

What began as a long-time dream for brothers-in-law Lawrie Lipton and Lorimar Winery Temecula Wine Tasting Mark Manfield, came to fruition with the opening of Lorimar Vineyards and Winery. In fact, the name Lorimar itself was formed by combining Lawrie and Mark’s first names.

Lorimar’s Old Town location was opened in 2009 while the Wine Country property was under construction. In the spring of 2012 Lorimar Vineyards and Winery celebrated with thousands of local residents and guests for the Grand Opening of their second location, an incredible Tuscan style winery in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country.

itself as a winery to visit in the Temecula Valley. There are, in fact, two tasting rooms: one in a trendy Old Town Temecula storefront, and a second in the Tuscan-style winery in Temecula Valley wine country. Both offer a friendly environment to enjoy Lorimar’s premium wines. They both also have tasting rooms with live music on weekends, plus working art galleries. “The Old Town gallery features local artists, while the Temecula Valley gallery displays the works of nationally acclaimed artists,” Owner Mark Manfield says. “With wine tasting events, wine specials, and wine classes, something’s always going on.” Mark leaves the details of Lorimar’s event planning schedule to Winery Manager Patrick McIlvain, who has a culinary degree from Culinary Institute of  America and a strong background in the food, wine, and hospitality industry. 

Set alongside rows of citrus trees and grapevines, the winery was designed and built with weddings and meetings in mind. Brides and grooms can exchange vows on the Ceremony Lawn in the vineyard, on the winery’s Sunset Patio, or in the rustic Barrel Room. Corporate meetings are also held in the barrel room, on the patio, and in The Parlour Room, ideal for an intimate reception. 

 Lorimar’s own event calendar is filled with fun things to do. On the first Wednesday of each month, Patrick hosts an epicurean demonstration with themes like “Gazpacho,” and “It’s all about the sauce.” There are frequent culinary themed winemaker dinner parties, wine club pick-up parties, and, on the last Monday of each month, the Movies in the Vines series invites guests to enjoy a movie and Lorimar wines in the vineyard. Guests can also call ahead for an appointment for a full private tour (including a golf cart ride through the vineyard) and tasting. On any day, Lorimar is a superb place to enjoy great wines in the company of fun people. 

Brothers-in-law Lawrie Lipton and Mark Mansfield have a big-picture view of wine country life, which includes their lively, fruit-forward wines (nearly 20 bottlings), plus two tasting venues, both of which integrate live music and art into the visitor experience. The Lorimar Loft in Old Town Temecula provides six tastes for $14 and music Friday and Saturday nights. The winery facility itself, out in the vineyards and orange groves, expands the offerings considerably.

Drop-in tastings are $14-$18 for your choice of six wines, or the guided Reserve Tasting is $25. There are also several tour options, up to the Soprano ($149), which includes tastings and an hour-long cellar and vineyard tour for two (book at least 48 hours ahead).

The winery also has an extensive slate of concerts, plus the Pairings restaurant on weekends (the Pairings food truck has also attracted a following). Their hours are: Monday through Thursday 11 am – 5 pm, Friday & Saturday 11 am – 9 pm, and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. 39990 Anza Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, +1 951-694-6699   lorimarwinery.com

13 Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery

A large Victorian-Style Farmhouse, the Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery is nestled amidst the rolling hills of the beautiful Temecula Valley.

Established among the first vineyards planted in the region in 1968, Maurice Car’rie is known in the Temecula Valley as one of the most inviting and warm Wine Country atmospheres. Guests are invited to taste our award-winning fine wines while shopping for fabulous gift merchandise. Friends and family can also enjoy snacking on our Famous Baked Brie in Sourdough Bread with a bottle of wine on our lovely picnic grounds. Maurice Car’rie Winery is truly the atmosphere for a pleasurable wine experience.

Ultimate Vineyards is focused on providing a state of the art experience while producing distinctive, handcrafted wines. 

Ultimate Vineyards produces wines almost exclusively from its 75-Acre estate vineyard, where a unique combination of geological and topographical features deliver fruit with extraordinary intensity, weight and voluptuousness. The vineyard rests in the bed of the ancient Santa Margarita River, where sediments carried downstream have been accumulating for millennia. The vineyard also sits in a geological bowl, where heavy cooler air drifts and settles during the night, helping to retain higher acid and tannin in the grapes. Ample amounts of sunshine interspersed with gentle ocean breezes help develop deep color and sugars in the grapes. The soil is mostly sandy loam, consisting of excellent drainage but low organic matter due to the area’s low rainfall. With the goal of creating “Living Soils”, Ultimate Vineyards has been actively cultivating its soils with the use of annual organic compost amendments, inoculation of beneficial microbes and planting nitrogen-fixing cover-crops. The belief is that developing a flourishing, healthy ecosystem in the soil will allow for better vine growth, more even ripening and higher quality grapes. In order to attain this, Ultimate Vineyards never uses pesticides, herbicides or fungicides on its soils.

The winery was founded by Budd and Maurice Van Roekel in 1986 and is among the first dozen wineries established in Temecula.  We currently have over 70 acres of vines planted on this beautiful property located in the heart of Temecula Valley wine country.  The Vineyard contains some of the valleys oldest vines originally planted in 1968. 

winery best known for outstanding white wines ranging from a dry Sauvignon Blanc that has won numerous awards to our current Platinum award winning Gewurztraminer among many others.  We carry two different labels that serve to distinguish the styles of wine that we carry.  The Maurice Carrie Winery label is associated with the sweeter white, blush, and red wines.  The Van Roekel Estate label is geared towards our dry whites and bold reds.  Between the two labels we produce over 27 types of wine; 12 whites, 6 sparkling, 10 reds, a Cream Sherry, and our 2005 Port that was voted the Best Wine in Southern California in 2016 by the American Wine Society.

Curiously punctuated Maurice Car’rie lays claim to the oldest vineyard in Temecula. The estate vineyard has now expanded to 91 acres, and provides the core of this winery’s numerous bottlings under the Van Roekel Estate and Maurice Car’rie labels.

The winery has garnered numerous awards, most recently for its whites, including the Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. The place offers several perks to visitors besides its tastings ($15 for five samples), including its signature sourdough bread filled with brie, which can be consumed under the shade trees out on the lawn. On weekends, the winery hosts a craft fair selling everything from ceramics to designer handbags. Maurice Car’rie Winery is open for wine tasting every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at located at 34225 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92591 Telephone: 951.676.1711  mauricecarriewinery.com

14 Miramonte Winery

Up a beautifully landscaped drive is the hilltop home of Miramonte Winery, specializing in Rhone varietals and a range of familiar California varietal wines. The beige-colored, red-tile-roofed winery has a spacious tasting room with a lovely patio; they host a number of wine and music events throughout the year. The Temecula winery is also known for its gorgeous garden verandas, casual chic tasting room, and jam packed music and events calendar.

Entrepreneur Cane Vanderhoof started Miramonte Winery in 2001 with a commitment to produce wines of depth, character and sophistication. The winemaking style focuses on “intensity, individuality, regional distinction and elegance of expression.” The winemaking crew believes in minimal intervention in order to allow for the best natural expression of the fruit. In addition to those grown in their own vineyard, they purchase grapes from other regions in California as well.

The winery produces a range of interesting wines, including the classic California varietals and their estate Syrah, Viognier, Riesling, and even some old-vine Zinfandel from Cucamonga fruit. Two sparkling wines are available, and if you like, they offer custom hand-etched bottles for your special events or corporate gifts.

 33410 Rancho California Road , Temecula, CA 92591    (909) 506-5500 miramonte.winery@gmail.com hours: Sunday – Thursday 11am-6pm/ Friday & Saturday 11am – 10pm | Last Call is 30 minutes before close. Fees: Tasting fee $20-25

This hilltop winery has a laid-back feel during the week, with visitors dawdling on the patios and participating in VineyardFit fitness classes on the lawn. Things generally pick up on weekend days, and Miramonte offers live music Friday and Saturday nights. Miramonte describes itself as a Rhône specialist, with a notable Syrah, but there is an Iberian side to the place as well, with Tempranillo and even Sangria. Walk-in tastings don’t require reservations, but the winery offers a slate of tours for those who book ahead. Other reasons to stop by include the healthy menus at the Flower Hill Bistro and the custom-etched wine bottle program for a special gift. miramontewinery.com

15 Monte de Oro Winery

Monte De Oro, Southern California’s Premier Wine Destination is one of Temecula Valley’s newest Wineries with a passion for growing quality estate grapes, handcrafting premier wines and providing an experience for its guests that is unparalleled in the Temecula Valley. Monte De Oro’s 100% estate grown, award winning wines start in the Winery’s 72 vineyard acres.  Great care is taken to cultivate quality grapes from the time they bud in the spring to the time they are harvested in the fall.  Annual grape production is between 125 and 180 tons generating between 8,000 and 11,000 cases of wine.

One of Monte De Oro Winery’s main attractions is its 2,500 square feet Main Tasting Room space complete with cathedral ceilings, two tasting bars, six alabaster chandeliers and a glass floor that gives its guests a sneak-peak of the Winery’s Barrel Cellar.

They offer two VIP rooms and a private event kitchen as well as private, blind wine tastings. While tasting, you can gaze below your feet, through the glass floor, to the wine barrel room beneath.

Monte De Oro makes a tremendous investment in the purchase of brand new French Oak barrels. In fact, Monte De Oro is one of only a very few wineries in Temecula to do so; the average cost is in excess of $1,050 per barrel. Monte De Oro’s red wine barrel regime, on average, calls for 25-35% brand new French Oak Barrels, 15-25% one-year-old French Oak barrels, and the balance (up to 60%) in 2- to 3-year-old French Oak barrels.

One exception to this French barrel regime is Monte De Oro’s Zinfandel wine, which requires the special qualities of American Oak to bring out the varietal’s characteristics.

The vineyard of 59 acres is planted to Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Viognier, Zinfandel, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Tempranillo, Petite Verdot, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Cinsault.

Another of Monte De Oro’s assets is the breathtaking 180 degree panoramic view of the surrounding Wine Country from their expansive outdoor patio, Monte De Oro continues to awe and inspire all that visit, sit and sip in the Temecula Valley.

In addition to a line-up of tremendous wines, Monte De Oro has recently expanded their Wine Experience to include food offerings as well. Paring Monte De Oro’s stellar line-up of wines, which include a full slate of food-friendly varietals, with Californian Contemporary Cuisine MDO Wine Bar & Bistro takes the Temecula Valley Wine and Dine Experience to a level yet to be achieved in the Valley. 

Set on a picturesque hilltop with seasonal views of snow-capped mountains in several directions, Monte de Oro is one of the area’s more heavily visited wineries, and it has a massive tasting room (with a glass floor view of the barrel cellar) to accommodate the traffic. The Rhône- and Bordeaux-influenced wines are available for sampling starting at $13-$15 for six tastes, or at the Monte de Oro Bistro on weekends. Go online to reserve a tour ($35-$60) or to buy tickets for special events. There is live music on Sundays and a summer concert series.  35820 Rancho California Rd. Temecula, CA 92591   ph. 951.491.6551                  montedeoro.com

16 Mount Palomar Winery

Set in the midst of its own 315 acres of vines, with views of snow-capped mountains, the locale at Mount Palomar is so scenic it advertises itself as a venue for photo shoots. One of Temecula’s pioneer wineries, it helped set the paradigm for the Mediterranean-style grapes that have become a staple here. Among the winery’s specialties are Italianate wines like the Kyanti blend (say it out loud), and Port and Sherry style wines, which they have produced for decades—Mount Palomar claims the oldest Sherry solera in the United States. Tastings are $16-$20 for a choice of six wines in the handsome tasting room. Also on the premises is the Annata bistro. The patio hosts live music on Saturdays and Sundays. 33820 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92591 Telephone: 951.676.5047 800.854.5177 mountpalomarwinery.com

17 Ponte Family Estate Winery

Ponte Winery is located on a 300-acre vineyard in the heart of wine country.  Conceived and built by the Ponte family – grape growers in Temecula since 1984 – the winery welcomes visitors with a large Tasting Room, a four-diamond luxury hotel, a full-service bar and two award winning restaurants.  Ponte Winery features ample parking and world class banquet and event venues.  Beautifully manicured gardens and strolling paths provide guests a relaxing day in the country.  The Pontes believe that “If you like it, it’s good wine.”  The vines on the property produce several varietals, from Cabernet, Zinfandel and Sangiovese to Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Arneis and more!

Ponte Winery offers a charming and sophisticated atmosphere.  It is the perfect setting to host a private party or wedding, attend one of the many special events hosted by the winery throughout the year, or simply enjoy the beautiful vineyards and views with a glass of wine.

Guests are welcome to wander the gardens, taste a large variety of red, white and sweet wine and take in the breathtaking views.  Every detail of the property is designed to enhance guests’ experiences, from the open-beam ceilings in the Tasting Room to the mission-style building that serves as the Barrel Room.  Ponte’s Tasting Room is home to unique specialty food and gift items, perfect to take home as a memento of a visit to wine country.  Ponte recommends lunching at The Restaurant at Ponte, and enjoying brunch or dinner at Bouquet Restaurant. Guests will love the luxury amenities during a stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn, where they can visit The Cellar Lounge, wine country’s only full-service cocktail lounge.

The Spanish Mission-style building that greets you gives way to a rustic-American, barn-style winery, all of it sleek and new-seeming at this well-funded winery and inn. The motto of the place is, “If you like it, it’s good wine,” and Ponte seems to being trying to produce at least one wine for everybody—its limited productions stretch over four distinct lines of wines, with the flagship reds priced around $35-$75.

The tasting room isn’t inexpensive either, at $20 for six tastes, but at least during the week you can count on a lot of personal attention. The Restaurant, with seating in the formal gardens, is open every day for lunch and dinner on weekends. The highly rated Ponte Vineyard Inn (rooms from about $219) makes a very comfortable home base for wine country visits.

Tasting Room is open 10 am – 5 pm daily Reserve Room is open Wed.-Fri. 10am-5m Wine Tasting Fee is $30 daily and on holidays. Winery is located at 35053 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92591 Telephone: 951.694.8855  pontevineyardinn.com

18 Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery

The Renzoni story is both old and new. Old because the family started making wine back in 1886 in Italy. New because Robert Renzoni founded this winery in 2008,

The history of winemaking in the Renzoni family dates to 1886, when Robert’s great grandfather Federico began working in the vineyards near Fano, a small Italian village on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. While working in the vineyards, Federico and his father began making wine for family and friends. At 18, Federico immigrated to America and after two years working as a commercial Fisherman in Connecticut, he decided to relocate to Buffalo, New York in 1914, where he entered into the cordial business with his brother-in-law, Romeo Battistoni. Unfortunately, that venture was short lived, as they were forced out of business by the advent of Prohibition in 1918.

After successfully operating a construction business in the intervening years, Federico and Romeo returned to a variant of their first business venture together when Prohibition ended in 1933, this time in the form of a wine distributing business. Robert’s grandfather Domenic joined them in 1934 and together they began importing wines from Italy and France. It was at this time that the trio began doing business with a number of Italian immigrants who had settled in California. These immigrants would go on to become some of the more famous winemakers in California, and included August Sebastiani, Lorenzo Cella (Roma Wines) and Cesare Mondavi (Charles Krug).

Named for his great-grandfather Federico, Robert’s father Frederick assumed control of the family business, then known as Italian and French Wine Company, in 1972. The business prospered as a wholesale wine and liquor distributorship and eventually covered all of Upstate New York. As young adults, Robert and his brother spent many hours working there.

Robert formally entered the business in 1989, spending five years in various roles, the last of which was in the sales department. In 1994, the family decided to exit the rapidly consolidating wholesale business and the business was sold. In 1996, Robert opted to relocate to California, and worked in the wine and liquor industry in Los Angeles for several years.

After many years apart, parts of the family were once again reunited in Temecula, when Robert and his parents each moved here in 2004. Once here, the muse of winemaking again beckoned. They purchased a beautiful property on De Portola Road in Temecula, and supplemented the existing vineyards with additional plantings in 2006. The Robert Renzoni Vineyard & Winery of today is a tribute to Federico, Romeo, and Domenic

 The winery concentrates on Zinfandel, Bordeaux and Italian varieties from its several sustainably farmed vineyards, including inventive blends like Big Fred’s Red (1/2 Zin, 1/2 Sangiovese). Visitors can sample wines in the tasting room, which also offers a variety of prepared sauces and olive oils, or with Italian-inflected food from Mama’s Trattoria. To see the place from an especially unique perspective, try booking the Renzoni hot air balloon. robertrenzonivineyards.com

Winery is located at 37350 De Portola Road Temecula, CA 92592 Telephone: 951.302.VINO (8466) – Open 7 days a week from 11am to 6pm. Reservations recommended from Friday-Sunday. 

Would you like to experience Self-Guided Temecula Limousine Winery Tours?

Let Us Help You Plan the Perfect Temecula  Wine Tour. We offer Luxurious Private Wine Tours to Temecula, Ca from Los Angeles and surrounding cities. We have a great reputation with all the best local wineries, and we can assist you in planning your event. On the big day, the pressure will be off, and you can take it easy! Kickoff your celebration or corporate event kicking up dirt on a vineyard tour. There are numerous stops on this tour. Guests can expect to see gorgeous mountain views, enjoy five beverages and a charcuterie board for each vehicle rented, take advantage of numerous photo opportunities,  So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go get some wine and have a great time

1 Baily Vineyard and Winery

After a 15-year stint as a Consulting Actuary, Phil Baily, his wife Carol, and two young sons sold their home in the Los Angeles suburb of San Marino and “moved to the country” specifically, Temecula, California.

The Bailys after opened a small winery in 1986 with the goal of producing outstanding wines that could stand with the best in California.  Over the ensuing years they acquired or planted 25 acres of prime vineyard land and built a larger state-of-the-art winemaking facility, while Phil perfected his winemaking techniques to produce wines that best reflect the unique terroir of the Temecula Valley.

Specializing in wines made from the traditional Bordeaux varieties, most notably Cabernet Sauvignon, Phil crafts his wines to produce an “Old World Style” characterized by restrained alcohol and higher acidity, emphasizing elegance and finesse as opposed to boldness and power.  To this end, the grapes are picked at moderate sugar levels and the wines undergo longer barrel aging to produce more complex, less fruit-forward aromas and more integrated tannins.

Inventory is managed so that over ten years of vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Meritage are available.  Visitors to the Estate Tasting Room have the opportunity to partake of vertical tastings of these wines and purchase them for further aging in their own cellars.

The Baily family was among the Temecula’s first wave of wine producers, planting their first vineyard in 1982. Founder/winemaker Phil Baily concentrates on Bordeaux-derived grapes, and gives the reds up to 30 months in barrel for added smoothness.

There are several ways to taste: The main tasting room is at the Baily Visitor Center, where you can drop in for a $15 tasting of current releases; you can also have lunch at the Baily’s restaurant, Carol’s, which includes live music on Saturdays and Sundays (and a doggie menu on Sundays). There is also a by-reservation tasting of older wines available at the production facility, for $20-$30. And for those just passing through, the Baily Wine Country Cafe in Old Town Temecula is owned by Phil Baily’s son Chris.

There are two unique tasting locations and experiences to help you understand, enjoy, and purchase Baily wines: The Main Tasting Room at the Baily Visitor Center and the Estate Tasting Room at the Baily Production facility. MAIN TASTING ROOM At the Baily Visitor Center 33440 La Serena Way, corner of Rancho California Road 951-676-9463 Get Directions Learn More about Main Tasting Room ESTATE TASTING ROOM At the Baily Production Facility 36150 Pauba Road 951-972-9768  bailywinery.com

2 Briar Rose Winery

Many years ago before developers discovered Temecula, the valley was dotted with small family owned farms, orchards and vineyards.

In the 1970’s, Beldon Fields purchased land in Temecula and built replicas of Snow White’s cottage for his wife. Beldon worked for Walt Disney and was one of many artisans who built Disneyland’s Fantasyland and Toon Town. The fairy tale cottage was celebrated as the first home showcased on the Temecula Valley Women’s Club Holiday Home Tour in 1984. There is an old olive tree in front of the cottage that was a gift to Beldon Fields from veteran viticulturist John Moramarco. The olive tree relocated from the Calloway Winery – is one of the largest and oldest olive trees in Temecula, if not in the entire State of California.

In the early 1990’s, Les and Dorian Linkogle purchased the beautiful estate from Beldon Fields with the promise to not change the architecture of the cottages. The initial reason for the Linkogles to move to Temecula was to provide open space for their son Larry “Link” Linkogle to ride his motorcycle. For motocross fans, the name Larry Linkogle should sound familiar.

Larry is regarded as one of the pioneers of the freestyle motocross sport. He has competed in numerous contests, including the Freeride Motocross Championship, Zero Gravity Festival, NBC Gravity Games and the ESPN X Games. His life story was featured in documentary “Mind of a Demon: The Larry Linkogle Story” which was voted “Best Documentary” at the Slamdance Film Festival and voted best “Jury International Documentary” at the Bel-Air Film Festival. Fast forward to today and you’ll see that Larry is known as the most influential name in the extreme motocross industry.

He was voted the most popular extreme natural terrain rider in the world by Fox Sports Blue Torch TV during the 2002 Moto Survival Tour. Larry also set the world’s Long Distance Jump record on his stock 250cc motorcycle and was Vin Diesel’s stunt double in the movie Triple XXX. In 2006, the winery hosted the first freestyle motorcycle biker build-off produced by the Discovery Channel between Larry Linkogle and Mike Metzger.

While Briar Rose sits on a total of 40 acres there are currently 23 acres of actual planted vines. Each year the winery produces between 2,400 to 3,500 cases of wine from the harvested grapes. This might seem like a smaller amount compared to some other wineries in Temecula but regardless they still have a wide variety of varietals and blends to select from.

Some of their award winning wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Viognier and Merlot. In addition to that they also offer a great Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, a Super Tuscan Blend, and more!

Great story behind the design of the winery itself, the original owner hand crafted the home to look like Snow White’s home, its just beautiful.  You can sample the exclusive wines for $25 and the standard selection for $15. Both were amazing. They were for a more sophisticated palate and delicious.

Here’s something you won’t find everywhere: A winery whose buildings are replicas of Snow White’s cottages in the 1937 Disney cartoon. Briar Rose’s founder was a Disney employee who built the cottages a generation ago for his wife. Now under the ownership of the Linkogle family (son Larry is a famous motocross racer), the property began bottling its own wines in 2007. Though it is a self-proclaimed “micro-winery” (topping out at about 3,500 cases), Briar Rose produces a bevy of wines, including its unique Talking Frog bubbly, a blend of Viognier and lager beer. Two important notes on the fairy tale: reservations are required, and no one under 21 is allowed on the property.  You can learn few things while tasting their wines. Why red wine is red? Because of the processing technique: the grape skin is added while the wines is fermenting. That’s what gives it a red color. This is also why the red wines have more beneficial properties. Unlike white wines that are processed without grape skin. Why storing red wine bottles horizontally ? The red wine bottles should be laid flat so that sediment from the wine settles evenly on one side and the cork is submerged to the wine which keeps it moist. Dry corks will make your wine bitter. Winery open Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm 41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula, CA 92592   (951) 308-1098  briarrosewinery.com    

3 Callaway Vineyard and Winery

Ely Callaway, who founded Callaway Vineyard & Winery in Southern California and pioneered Temecula as a grapeg rowing region, died of pancreatic cancer on Thursday, July 5, at his home near San Diego. He was 82.

Callaway started his winery in 1969 while president of textile giant Burlington Industries. In 1973, he retired to devote his full time to wine, convinced that the warm and dry climate of Temecula — situated between Los Angeles and San Diego — was well-suited for wine grapes.

 In 1981, Callaway sold his winery to Hiram Walker for $14 million. Today, it is owned by British wine and spirits giant Allied Domecq. Callaway used the proceeds of the sale to start Callaway Golf Company, which he eventually built into the world’s largest maker of golf clubs. Callaway’s best-selling Big Bertha driver helped the company generate $837 million in sales last year.

The foundational winery of Temecula’s new age, Callaway opened its doors way back in 1969. The visionary was Ely Callaway, better known for his golf gear empire, but the winery passed through corporate hands before being bought by the Lin family, who own it to this day. Modest-sized by California standards, Callaway’s 25,000 cases make it one of the larger operations in Temecula. It bottles a slew of different wines, including Zinfandels and Syrahs. It is also a prime wine tourism destination, with a large, handsome tasting room and gift shop, and a variety of drop-in tasting and tour options, including a  $35 per person, $15 for minors or non-drinkers cellar tour with barrel and tank samples.

Enter the tasting room via the outside patio or through the well-stocked gift shop. The tasting bar is over 60 feet long, and the view of the valley and vineyards from the wall of windows behind it is a bonus for customers. There are a few tables and chairs both inside and out for those preferring a sit-down tasting experience.

Visit the newly renovated Chardonnay Room, perfect for intimate weddings and private parties of up to 50 guests. Tour the romantic Barrel Room, ideal for larger wedding celebrations, private dinner parties and special events.  Enjoy wine tasting in the Reserve Room, at the wine stations and in the new tasting room.

The wines are approachable, flavorful, fruit-forward and food-friendly. By using unusually cold temperatures during fermentation, the wines retain their natural fruit flavors and aromas.

The vineyards are farmed using sustainable agricultural practices that protect the land from excessive use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Tours run approximately 1 hour in length and include: 5 tastings and 10% discount on purchases made the day of the tour. The Meritage restaurant offers locavore meals, with many ingredients grown on the property, and an extensive slate of concerts. 

Callaway Vineyard & Winery is a vineyard located at 32720 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California 92591. It was used as filming location for the Star Trek: The Next Generation final episode “All Good Things…”. The scenes were filmed on 21 March 1994 and included Patrick Stewart, LeVar Burton, stand-in Dennis Tracy, director Winrich Kolbe, camera operator Kris Krosskove, and sound mixer Alan Bernard among others. Scenes from this location filming are part of the TNG Season 7 DVD special features “Starfleet Moments & Memories Year Seven – A Unique Family” and “The Making of “All Good Things…” – On Location” and includes interviews with Stewart, Bernard, and Jonathan Wes  callawaywinery.com   

Winery Hours: Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm (Last Tasting 4:30pm) ; Closed Tuesdays ; ph 951-694-9071.

Churon bills itself as a bit of France in Temecula, and has a chateau to prove it. The chateau is actually a boutique hotel in the midst of the vines (rooms start at around $180), with a grand lobby and views of the very Californian khaki-colored hills outside. The winery’s tasting room, off the lobby, offers five pours for $12 from winemaker Benny Rodriguez’s extensive lineup that ranges out to bubblies and dessert wines. Retail prices for non club members are typically in the $25-$35 range, including a world-spanning line-up of reds from Zinfandel to Malbec to a rarely seen Ruby Cabernet. innatchuronwinery.com

6 Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Cougar Vineyard & Winery is owned and operated by Rick and Jennifer Buffington, the first couple winemakers in the valley. Family making wine as a hobby over 20 years ago. As they began making more wine, better quality wine and winning some competitions, the Cougar label was created named after Cougar Mountain in Bellevue Washington where our home was located at the time. In 2004 out of our home and backyard vineyard in Fallbrook we became a bonded winery.

Rick and Jennifer Buffington put in years as home winemakers before buying their original Temecula vineyard . They followed their passion, focusing the operation on their own estate grapes to produce Italian wine varieties. Some are familiar—like Sangiovese, the basis of the Chianti blend—others less so, like Arneis, the wonderful white grape of Piemonte. In some cases—like Falanghina and Brachetto—Cougar claims to be the only U.S. winery producing the varietal.

Tastings are $12 for six samples. You can also augment your tasting with panini, salads and pizza from the winery’s Sangio’s Deli. On Friday nights and Sundays there is live music. 

In 2004 Cougar produced 82 cases commercially then 880 cases the following year, 1200 the next and now winery have reached their end goal of 5000-7000 cases per year.  Cougar wines are produced in small lots from single vineyards with an occasional blend such as a Super Tuscan or Meritage. In 2005 family purchased the winery property and by 2006 opened our doors to the public showcasing their love for Italian varietals. Not only do they love these varietals but Cougar family believe that Temecula is well suited to grow them.

Cougar Vineyard and Winery is a enjoyable stop in the Temecula Valley showcasing a number of estate grown Italian varietals along with Sparkling wine and some dessert wines.

The tasting room is right inside the Cougar winery between the barrels and vats. The winery is small and family owned without a lot of the trappings and amenities of the larger wineries in the region. You may actually be greeted by one of the owners in this simple but authentic winery.

The estate grows Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Vermentino, Aglianico, Falanghina, Primitivo, Arneis, Malvasia Bianca, Lambrusca, Negroamaro, Brachetto, Prosecco, Piedirosso and Sagrantino. The wines are well made with care.

Sangio’s Deli, located in the tasting room, is open daily.  Enjoy your deli items at one of the our picnic tables surrounded by olive trees overlooking the vineyards. Deli items include gourmet sandwiches, paninis, platters, salads, pizzas, and desserts.

 If you want to enjoy 100% Estate Italian varietals, well, look no further because Cougar Vineyard & Winery is the place for you.Take advantage of this great opportunity and try some of their top specialties like Sagrantino, Pinot Grigio, Montepulciano, Primitivo, or Brunello Sangiovese. Cougar Vineyard & Winery features a wine menu that’s always changing and adapting to your requirements, so whatever your timing is, we think you’ll love it.

Besides, they can also provide you with a rich menu comprising fresh salads and delicious sandwiches. All our clients loved the magnificent indoor tour among the myriad of barrels, but make sure you bring an extra jacket because you might find the place a bit chilly. If you would rather enjoy your wine tasting session, outdoors, no worries, you’ll have plenty of space to do it and a scenic view in front of your eyes.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery, 39870 De Portola Road, Temecula CA 92592 – (951) 491-0825  cougarvineyards.com

7 Doffo Winery

Founded in 1997 by Marcelo Doffo, Doffo Winery is one of a few micro-boutique wineries 
in the Temecula Valley region and the only one built around the former site of a Temecula historic landmark schoolhouse.  Situated on 15 acres of rolling vineyards, the winery possesses a unique combination of old world and warm family charm.  It is also home to the family’s private collection of over 100 racing and vintage motorcycles.

That classical music you hear? The Doffo family plays that to soothe the vines. Of course, the Argentine-born family patriarch, Marcelo, also vibes to less tame sounds: He is a vintage motorcycle racer and collector, whose MotoDoffo museum in the barrel room contains over 100 scooters and motor bikes (including a multi-decade anthology of Ducatis). The small-lot reds here, mostly Bordeaux-style blends, plus Syrah and Zinfandel, command stiff, often three-figure prices and some come in novel bottles like the jug-handled Zinfandel Reserve. There are also a number of specialty bottlings, including grappa and muscat brandy.

Standard Tasting start at $15, but reserve ahead for various vineyard tours. A visit to the motorcycle collection is free Enjoy a taste of our handcrafted wines – $15 (with Doffo logo wine glass $20) Premium Tasting: Taste our premium red wines – $25 (with Doffo logo wine glass $30)    doffowines.com

8 Europa Village WInery

A destination spot in Temecula wine country, this ambitious, still-unfolding project includes a luxury, Spanish-style 10-room inn (prices begin at around $190) and a winery helmed by well-regarded veteran George Bursick. Under construction in 2017 will be additional components of the project, which will ultimately create three wineries and attendant resort facilities in the styles of France, Italy and Spain. The current wine lineup already seems to have the geographic bases covered. Over 30 wines are bottled here, ranging from dark reds to sparkling to dessert, with heritages that hearken back to all three countries and a few more.

tasting flight includes a diverse selection of sparkling, white, red and dessert wines that few others can match in selection and quality. All tastings are seated table service to offer our guests the highest levels of comfort, intimacy and safety.  

Virtually all of our service staff are Level 2 Certified Sommeliers and enjoy presenting our special wines with an eye on education and interaction, catering to a wide range of experience levels from those embarking on their first wine journey to those well versed in all tenets of wine and travel. 

All Europa Village wines are made with a focus toward honoring the Old World winemaking styles and traditions of France, Spain and Italy and when you taste them you will understand why they have achieved broad critical acclaim in a variety of publications.  

Regular Tasting: $25 per person 6 tastes of any Europa Village wines from  regular menu.  For more information and to reserve your virtual tasting experience, please call (951) 506-1818 ext. 109 or email matt@europavillage.com.   web europavillage.com

9 Falkner Winery

“Falkner Winery received the Xenia award for 2017 Winery of the Year” by Visit Temecula Valley. 

Falkner Winery is located high on a hill with a spectacular view overlooking the entire Temecula Valley. It was founded in 2000 by Ray and Loretta Falkner of Falkner Winery, Inc. Falkner Winery produces premium wines with outstanding varietal character from grapes that are grown on the estate. The Falkner’s take pride in their quality wines and availability of unique art and gifts.

Wines produced include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Merlot, Meritage, and proprietary wines such as the “Amante” a robust red Tuscan wine.  Many of the Falkner wines are 90+-point, award-winning wines.

address : 40620 Calle Contento Road and is only a quarter of a mile north of Rancho California Road in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country. Wedding and banquet facilities available. For more information call 951-676-8231 or tours@falknerwinery.com.

The sweeping scenery from Falkner’s 1,500-foot hilltop has made it not only popular for tasting visits, but for a brisk wedding business as well. The winery’s aptly named Pinnacle Restaurant is a white-cloth place with wrap-around views and a creative touch with Mediterranean-influenced food (a Tamarind Ahi Lettuce Wrap, for instance).

The winery tasting room is open daily from 10 to 5pm; the Pinnacle Restaurant is open daily from 11:30am-3:30pm.

There is also a rentable private dining room amid the barrels down below. Like many Temecula wineries, Falkner produces an array of wines, topping out with the flagship Meritage Bordeaux-style red blend and Amante Super-Tuscan style red. The winery offers a menu of tour options, from a $20, 30-minute introduction and tasting to a $75, two-hour VIP tour with lunch at the Pinnacle. falknerwinery.com

10 Hart Winery

One of Temecula Valley’s pioneers, founded back in 1980, this is still a modestly sized (4,000 cases) family run operation, with family members pulling hoses in the cellar and pouring in the tasting room. In true Temecula fashion, the Harts’ small production encompasses a nearly bewildering array of wines, from its much-awarded Sauvignon Blanc to Sangiovese and southern-Rhône style blends.

Joe and Nancy Hart’s wine odyssey began in the 1960’s when California’s wine culture was much simpler than today; when there were far fewer American wine consumers and when the California wines consumed were different varietals and fewer in number. Blended wines, wines in jugs rather than bag-in-box, and dessert wines dominated the mix.

In 1970, the Harts discovered the Temecula Valley and after much research deemed the Valley’s granitic soils, warm days, and cool nights to be ideal for winemaking. Over the next ten years Joe and Nancy and their three sons planted grapes and constructed the current winery on the north west corner of the property, and in 1980 opened Hart Winery. Later that same year, the first wines bearing the Hart label were produced, bottled and sold. The vineyard and winery have grown steadily in production yet the team at Hart continue to focus on estate grown and locally sourced grapes for their wines. The Hart family places an emphasis on matching grape varieties with terroir. Numerous Gold Medals and Best of Class Awards throughout the years attest to recognition by industry peers as well as by the public to the excellence of Hart Winery wines.  

  Halter Ranch Vineyard and Winery in Paso Robles has announced the acquisition of Hart Winery in Temecula, California. The sale includes its 8-acre vineyard, winery, and tasting room located in the Temecula Valley Wine Country AVA. Founded in 1973 by Temecula Valley wine pioneers, Joe and Nancy Hart, Hart Winery remains the oldest family-owned and operated winery producing limited-production wines.

Today, in keeping with the philosophy that small-scale winemaking is an art form engaged in by a winemaker with a passion for wine, Jim Hart and team produce about 4000 cases of premium wine annually.

The retail price entry-point is about $25. There is a $15 tasting fee for six samples, or $10 for a full glass.  41300 Avenida Biona, Temecula CA 92593 41300 Avenida Biona, Temecula CA 92593  hartfamilywinery.com  (951) 676-6300

11 Leoness Cellars

Leoness Cellars’ dedication to creating world class wines continues under the Steyn Family ownership. Strong emphasis on farming remains after 50 years of Temecula Valley agricultural stewardship.

The word Leoness, meaning “village of dreams,” is the inspiration behind our lifelong quest to create world class wines from the finest vineyards in the Temecula Valley. Nestled in the rolling hills and vineyards of Temecula’s Wine Country, Leoness Cellars offers a warm, enchanting setting where visitors can enjoy great wines, spectacular views, and wonderful times with family and friends.

Leoness Cellars is deeply rooted in the history of agriculture and farming in the Temecula Valley. Co-founder, Gary Winder, began farming in the valley in the early 1970’s with a focus on citrus and avocados. He founded Stage Ranch Farm Management in 1972 and quickly built a reputation in the valley for being a high quality farming business.  Gary was joined by Mike Rennie in the early 90’s and together they focused on growth of their vineyard operations. 

finally there’s a place in Temecula where you can have great food and not have to drive to San Diego or Orange County, Temecula is starting to catch up to the rest of the world in forms of cuisine; 

With its brick tower, Leoness is a familiar sight along the DePortola Wine Trail (deportolawinetrail.com), which begins not far from Old Town Temecula. Owned by two partners with deep roots in the valley’s agriculture, Leoness benefits from the ground-up approach they bring to the wines, including the flagship Cabernet Sauvignons, some produced from the Rolling Hills vineyard just below the winery.

The basic tasting here is $16 for six wines ($20 on weekends), but Leoness offers a slate of tours as well, such as a private $90-per person guided tour of the vineyard and cellar, which also includes a guided tasting. The well-regarded restaurant here is ambitious but pricey, with entrees running into the $40s. Book ahead or come early to get patio seating. leonesscellars.com

12 Longshadow Ranch Vineyards and Winery

Longshadow Ranch Vineyard and Winery is a family run winery and vineyard located in Temecula, California. It is also a great place to bring the whole family where they can see Clydesdale and Belgian Draft horses. Carriage rides are also available. Located not far from the center of Old Town Temecula, a visit to Longshadow offers a view of the way things were done in the past.

To the right of the driveway a redwood building is the wine tasting facility. Nearby but to the back is a second building where the winemaking takes place. Near the front door to the tasting room, five and a half used oak barrels are formed to create a flowing “Wishing Well.” Inside the tasting room, look for a tree of cowboy and cowgirl hats to purchase. In addition several gourmet products from Black Sheep Gourmet Foods are available. These include a variety of stuffed olives, Frog Bells (spicy dill pickled Brussels Sprouts) and Pinot-Pomegranate Jelly.

In front of the tasting room a large area is available with an outdoor tasting counter and a fire pit. Numerous redwood picnic tables and white round tables with chairs are available to accommodate visitors for wine tastings or for the music events audiences. Towards the back of the area is a stage for music on Saturday nights. To the left of the driveway a large event building is ready to open. This two-story building features knotty pine siding and a large patio.

John and Susan Brodersen purchased the property in 1999 and in the same year began planting 12 acres of vineyards. This was also the year that John began taking winemaking classes. The owners prefer to focus on red varietals and their vineyards consist of Syrah, Tempranillo, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault. The winery opened in February 2003 and in 2010 is producing 4,200 cases. Most varieties are 400 cases or less. John is proud that everything is “done by hand.” At Longshadow one can discover the lost art of farming techniques used years ago.

Longshadow has Classic Rock Concerts on Saturdays. Owner and winemaker, John is a musician with the group. He is a vocalist and a guitar player. Imagine the ambiance of the outdoor tasting counter, fire pit, clear string lights and music. The winery also has Barrel Tasting Events.

Longshadow prides itself on its Old West flavor, but it is an upgraded version of the frontier, to be sure—complete with fine wine, carriage rides pulled by Belgian draft horses, and a very architectural version of a ranch house. The hillside vineyards produce a number of wines, among them Estate Sangiovese, Estate Syrah and a less usual Estate Cinsault. The event schedule here includes the “Legends of the Wild West” dinner theater on many Friday nights throughout the year. A pre-sale ticket is only $20, including dinner. Drop-in tastings are $15 for five wines—the panoramic view is free.

Longshadow Ranch Vineyards and Winery, 39847 Calle Contento, Temecula CA 92589 (951) 587-6221  longshadowranchwinery.com

13 Lorenzi Estate

In the early 1900s, Italian families Lorenzi and De Ambrogio planted Zinfandel vines in parts of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. This region, now known as the Cucamonga Valley, still produces grapes from these 100-year-old vines. In 1968 local wine making legend Philo Biane planted the first of his 400 acres in Temecula. Because Biane lived next door to Lorenzi’s uncle, Don got to know this key person. It is no small irony that decades later Lorenzi Estate Vineyards would be part of the original site Biane planted in the 60s. Biane knew that the vineyards are located 22 miles from the Pacific Ocean and are 1,500 feet above sea level. Cool, foggy mornings give way to nurturing sunshine that ripen grapes perfectly.

Don Lorenzi remembers the smell of fermenting grapes at his grandparents’ cellar as a young boy. In 2000, Don’s cousin, Steve De Ambrogio, gifted him 20 Zinfandel vines cloned from the original 100-yearold vines. With a little luck, these vines were fruitful and soon, Lorenzi was experimenting with small batches of wine for close family and friends. One barrel led to another and the family’s home garage was enlarged to create a dedicated winemaking area. Lorenzi began crafting small barrels of wine from a variety of grapes including Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. His passion grew and soon he was making enough wine to gift to friends, clients and charitable groups. Grapes from legendary vineyards formed the genesis of the Lorenzi private label. From there, he set out to build one of Southern California’s premium wineries. Lorenzi boasts a simple hands-on approach: study the wines he loves, study how they are made, and source or grow the fruit needed to make them. Most importantly, he insists on shepherding the wine from fruit to bottle.

Don Lorenzi’s family has a long history of grape growing in southern California, but for him, it started as a hobby: He started as a home-winemaker, but in a matter of years he was making enough for friends to opening a winery. Finally, in 2013, he opened a tasting room. Lorenzi Estate, with the distinctive golden lion on the label, now produces 20+ different wines, though it is probably the rich reds that have garnered the greatest critical attention

What makes a great small lot, handcrafted artisan wine? A wine made by a wine lover. Don makes a wine lover’s wine. But he doesn’t do it alone. Partnered with his wife Brenda and his daughter Michelle, the trio remains committed to building the brand’s identity on the platform of excellence. In the day to day, you’ll often find Brenda in the tasting room overseeing the operations and wine club management. Michelle fuels the brand behind the scenes leveraging her expertise in marketing and social media management. Together, they grew Lorenzi Estate Wines from the backyard to the sprawling 16-acre estate.

36095 Monte De Oro Rd. Temecula, California 92592  open daily 11-4 seven days a week. Reserve online or call Phone: 951-506-1300 Email: contact@LorenziEstateWines.com lorenziestatewines.com

Lorenzi’s standart testing $25 per person, premium and super-premium priced lineup includes some exuberant, unconventional blends like the $95 The Phantom, which incorporates six grapes, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Call ahead or go online to make a tasting reservation.

14 Lorimar Vineyards & Winery

Dedicated to providing a fusion of excellent wine, art, and music, family-owned Lorimar Vineyards and Winery has established In May 2012, Lawrie and Mark, along with hundreds of local residents and guests, celebrated the grand opening of Lorimar Winery, a Tuscan-style winery in the heart of the Temecula Valley.

What began as a long-time dream for brothers-in-law Lawrie Lipton and Lorimar Winery Temecula Wine Tasting Mark Manfield, came to fruition with the opening of Lorimar Vineyards and Winery. In fact, the name Lorimar itself was formed by combining Lawrie and Mark’s first names.

Lorimar’s Old Town location was opened in 2009 while the Wine Country property was under construction. In the spring of 2012 Lorimar Vineyards and Winery celebrated with thousands of local residents and guests for the Grand Opening of their second location, an incredible Tuscan style winery in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country.

itself as a winery to visit in the Temecula Valley. There are, in fact, two tasting rooms: one in a trendy Old Town Temecula storefront, and a second in the Tuscan-style winery in Temecula Valley wine country. Both offer a friendly environment to enjoy Lorimar’s premium wines. They both also have tasting rooms with live music on weekends, plus working art galleries. “The Old Town gallery features local artists, while the Temecula Valley gallery displays the works of nationally acclaimed artists,” Owner Mark Manfield says. “With wine tasting events, wine specials, and wine classes, something’s always going on.” Mark leaves the details of Lorimar’s event planning schedule to Winery Manager Patrick McIlvain, who has a culinary degree from Culinary Institute of  America and a strong background in the food, wine, and hospitality industry. 

Set alongside rows of citrus trees and grapevines, the winery was designed and built with weddings and meetings in mind. Brides and grooms can exchange vows on the Ceremony Lawn in the vineyard, on the winery’s Sunset Patio, or in the rustic Barrel Room. Corporate meetings are also held in the barrel room, on the patio, and in The Parlour Room, ideal for an intimate reception. 

 Lorimar’s own event calendar is filled with fun things to do. On the first Wednesday of each month, Patrick hosts an epicurean demonstration with themes like “Gazpacho,” and “It’s all about the sauce.” There are frequent culinary themed winemaker dinner parties, wine club pick-up parties, and, on the last Monday of each month, the Movies in the Vines series invites guests to enjoy a movie and Lorimar wines in the vineyard. Guests can also call ahead for an appointment for a full private tour (including a golf cart ride through the vineyard) and tasting. On any day, Lorimar is a superb place to enjoy great wines in the company of fun people. 

Brothers-in-law Lawrie Lipton and Mark Mansfield have a big-picture view of wine country life, which includes their lively, fruit-forward wines (nearly 20 bottlings), plus two tasting venues, both of which integrate live music and art into the visitor experience. The Lorimar Loft in Old Town Temecula provides six tastes for $14 and music Friday and Saturday nights. The winery facility itself, out in the vineyards and orange groves, expands the offerings considerably.

Drop-in tastings are $14-$18 for your choice of six wines, or the guided Reserve Tasting is $25. There are also several tour options, up to the Soprano ($149), which includes tastings and an hour-long cellar and vineyard tour for two (book at least 48 hours ahead).

The winery also has an extensive slate of concerts, plus the Pairings restaurant on weekends (the Pairings food truck has also attracted a following). Their hours are: Monday through Thursday 11 am – 5 pm, Friday & Saturday 11 am – 9 pm, and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. 39990 Anza Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, +1 951-694-6699   lorimarwinery.com

15 Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery

A large Victorian-Style Farmhouse, the Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery is nestled amidst the rolling hills of the beautiful Temecula Valley.

Established among the first vineyards planted in the region in 1968, Maurice Car’rie is known in the Temecula Valley as one of the most inviting and warm Wine Country atmospheres. Guests are invited to taste our award-winning fine wines while shopping for fabulous gift merchandise. Friends and family can also enjoy snacking on our Famous Baked Brie in Sourdough Bread with a bottle of wine on our lovely picnic grounds. Maurice Car’rie Winery is truly the atmosphere for a pleasurable wine experience.

Ultimate Vineyards is focused on providing a state of the art experience while producing distinctive, handcrafted wines. 

Ultimate Vineyards produces wines almost exclusively from its 75-Acre estate vineyard, where a unique combination of geological and topographical features deliver fruit with extraordinary intensity, weight and voluptuousness. The vineyard rests in the bed of the ancient Santa Margarita River, where sediments carried downstream have been accumulating for millennia. The vineyard also sits in a geological bowl, where heavy cooler air drifts and settles during the night, helping to retain higher acid and tannin in the grapes. Ample amounts of sunshine interspersed with gentle ocean breezes help develop deep color and sugars in the grapes. The soil is mostly sandy loam, consisting of excellent drainage but low organic matter due to the area’s low rainfall. With the goal of creating “Living Soils”, Ultimate Vineyards has been actively cultivating its soils with the use of annual organic compost amendments, inoculation of beneficial microbes and planting nitrogen-fixing cover-crops. The belief is that developing a flourishing, healthy ecosystem in the soil will allow for better vine growth, more even ripening and higher quality grapes. In order to attain this, Ultimate Vineyards never uses pesticides, herbicides or fungicides on its soils.

The winery was founded by Budd and Maurice Van Roekel in 1986 and is among the first dozen wineries established in Temecula.  We currently have over 70 acres of vines planted on this beautiful property located in the heart of Temecula Valley wine country.  The Vineyard contains some of the valleys oldest vines originally planted in 1968. 

winery best known for outstanding white wines ranging from a dry Sauvignon Blanc that has won numerous awards to our current Platinum award winning Gewurztraminer among many others.  We carry two different labels that serve to distinguish the styles of wine that we carry.  The Maurice Carrie Winery label is associated with the sweeter white, blush, and red wines.  The Van Roekel Estate label is geared towards our dry whites and bold reds.  Between the two labels we produce over 27 types of wine; 12 whites, 6 sparkling, 10 reds, a Cream Sherry, and our 2005 Port that was voted the Best Wine in Southern California in 2016 by the American Wine Society.

Curiously punctuated Maurice Car’rie lays claim to the oldest vineyard in Temecula. The estate vineyard has now expanded to 91 acres, and provides the core of this winery’s numerous bottlings under the Van Roekel Estate and Maurice Car’rie labels.

The winery has garnered numerous awards, most recently for its whites, including the Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. The place offers several perks to visitors besides its tastings ($15 for five samples), including its signature sourdough bread filled with brie, which can be consumed under the shade trees out on the lawn. On weekends, the winery hosts a craft fair selling everything from ceramics to designer handbags. Maurice Car’rie Winery is open for wine tasting every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at located at 34225 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92591 Telephone: 951.676.1711  mauricecarriewinery.com

16 Miramonte Winery

Up a beautifully landscaped drive is the hilltop home of Miramonte Winery, specializing in Rhone varietals and a range of familiar California varietal wines. The beige-colored, red-tile-roofed winery has a spacious tasting room with a lovely patio; they host a number of wine and music events throughout the year. The Temecula winery is also known for its gorgeous garden verandas, casual chic tasting room, and jam packed music and events calendar.

Entrepreneur Cane Vanderhoof started Miramonte Winery in 2001 with a commitment to produce wines of depth, character and sophistication. The winemaking style focuses on “intensity, individuality, regional distinction and elegance of expression.” The winemaking crew believes in minimal intervention in order to allow for the best natural expression of the fruit. In addition to those grown in their own vineyard, they purchase grapes from other regions in California as well.

The winery produces a range of interesting wines, including the classic California varietals and their estate Syrah, Viognier, Riesling, and even some old-vine Zinfandel from Cucamonga fruit. Two sparkling wines are available, and if you like, they offer custom hand-etched bottles for your special events or corporate gifts.

33410 Rancho California Road , Temecula, CA 92591    (909) 506-5500 miramonte.winery@gmail.com hours: Sunday – Thursday 11am-6pm/ Friday & Saturday 11am – 10pm | Last Call is 30 minutes before close. Fees: Tasting fee $20-25

This hilltop winery has a laid-back feel during the week, with visitors dawdling on the patios and participating in VineyardFit fitness classes on the lawn. Things generally pick up on weekend days, and Miramonte offers live music Friday and Saturday nights. Miramonte describes itself as a Rhône specialist, with a notable Syrah, but there is an Iberian side to the place as well, with Tempranillo and even Sangria. Walk-in tastings don’t require reservations, but the winery offers a slate of tours for those who book ahead. Other reasons to stop by include the healthy menus at the Flower Hill Bistro and the custom-etched wine bottle program for a special gift. miramontewinery.com

17 Monte de Oro Winery

Monte De Oro, Southern California’s Premier Wine Destination is one of Temecula Valley’s newest Wineries with a passion for growing quality estate grapes, handcrafting premier wines and providing an experience for its guests that is unparalleled in the Temecula Valley. Monte De Oro’s 100% estate grown, award winning wines start in the Winery’s 72 vineyard acres.  Great care is taken to cultivate quality grapes from the time they bud in the spring to the time they are harvested in the fall.  Annual grape production is between 125 and 180 tons generating between 8,000 and 11,000 cases of wine.

One of Monte De Oro Winery’s main attractions is its 2,500 square feet Main Tasting Room space complete with cathedral ceilings, two tasting bars, six alabaster chandeliers and a glass floor that gives its guests a sneak-peak of the Winery’s Barrel Cellar.

They offer two VIP rooms and a private event kitchen as well as private, blind wine tastings. While tasting, you can gaze below your feet, through the glass floor, to the wine barrel room beneath.

Monte De Oro makes a tremendous investment in the purchase of brand new French Oak barrels. In fact, Monte De Oro is one of only a very few wineries in Temecula to do so; the average cost is in excess of $1,050 per barrel. Monte De Oro’s red wine barrel regime, on average, calls for 25-35% brand new French Oak Barrels, 15-25% one-year-old French Oak barrels, and the balance (up to 60%) in 2- to 3-year-old French Oak barrels.

One exception to this French barrel regime is Monte De Oro’s Zinfandel wine, which requires the special qualities of American Oak to bring out the varietal’s characteristics.

The vineyard of 59 acres is planted to Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Viognier, Zinfandel, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Tempranillo, Petite Verdot, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Cinsault.

Another of Monte De Oro’s assets is the breathtaking 180 degree panoramic view of the surrounding Wine Country from their expansive outdoor patio, Monte De Oro continues to awe and inspire all that visit, sit and sip in the Temecula Valley.

In addition to a line-up of tremendous wines, Monte De Oro has recently expanded their Wine Experience to include food offerings as well. Paring Monte De Oro’s stellar line-up of wines, which include a full slate of food-friendly varietals, with Californian Contemporary Cuisine MDO Wine Bar & Bistro takes the Temecula Valley Wine and Dine Experience to a level yet to be achieved in the Valley. 

Set on a picturesque hilltop with seasonal views of snow-capped mountains in several directions, Monte de Oro is one of the area’s more heavily visited wineries, and it has a massive tasting room (with a glass floor view of the barrel cellar) to accommodate the traffic. The Rhône- and Bordeaux-influenced wines are available for sampling starting at $13-$15 for six tastes, or at the Monte de Oro Bistro on weekends. Go online to reserve a tour ($35-$60) or to buy tickets for special events. There is live music on Sundays and a summer concert series.  35820 Rancho California Rd. Temecula, CA 92591   ph. 951.491.6551                  montedeoro.com

18 Mount Palomar Winery

Set in the midst of its own 315 acres of vines, with views of snow-capped mountains, the locale at Mount Palomar is so scenic it advertises itself as a venue for photo shoots. One of Temecula’s pioneer wineries, it helped set the paradigm for the Mediterranean-style grapes that have become a staple here. Among the winery’s specialties are Italianate wines like the Kyanti blend (say it out loud), and Port and Sherry style wines, which they have produced for decades—Mount Palomar claims the oldest Sherry solera in the United States. Tastings are $16-$20 for a choice of six wines in the handsome tasting room. Also on the premises is the Annata bistro. The patio hosts live music on Saturdays and Sundays. 33820 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92591 Telephone: 951.676.5047 800.854.5177 mountpalomarwinery.com

19 Ponte Family Estate Winery

Ponte Winery is located on a 300-acre vineyard in the heart of wine country.  Conceived and built by the Ponte family – grape growers in Temecula since 1984 – the winery welcomes visitors with a large Tasting Room, a four-diamond luxury hotel, a full-service bar and two award winning restaurants.  Ponte Winery features ample parking and world class banquet and event venues.  Beautifully manicured gardens and strolling paths provide guests a relaxing day in the country.  The Pontes believe that “If you like it, it’s good wine.”  The vines on the property produce several varietals, from Cabernet, Zinfandel and Sangiovese to Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Arneis and more!

Ponte Winery offers a charming and sophisticated atmosphere.  It is the perfect setting to host a private party or wedding, attend one of the many special events hosted by the winery throughout the year, or simply enjoy the beautiful vineyards and views with a glass of wine.

Guests are welcome to wander the gardens, taste a large variety of red, white and sweet wine and take in the breathtaking views.  Every detail of the property is designed to enhance guests’ experiences, from the open-beam ceilings in the Tasting Room to the mission-style building that serves as the Barrel Room.  Ponte’s Tasting Room is home to unique specialty food and gift items, perfect to take home as a memento of a visit to wine country.  Ponte recommends lunching at The Restaurant at Ponte, and enjoying brunch or dinner at Bouquet Restaurant. Guests will love the luxury amenities during a stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn, where they can visit The Cellar Lounge, wine country’s only full-service cocktail lounge.

The Spanish Mission-style building that greets you gives way to a rustic-American, barn-style winery, all of it sleek and new-seeming at this well-funded winery and inn. The motto of the place is, “If you like it, it’s good wine,” and Ponte seems to being trying to produce at least one wine for everybody—its limited productions stretch over four distinct lines of wines, with the flagship reds priced around $35-$75.

The tasting room isn’t inexpensive either, at $20 for six tastes, but at least during the week you can count on a lot of personal attention. The Restaurant, with seating in the formal gardens, is open every day for lunch and dinner on weekends. The highly rated Ponte Vineyard Inn (rooms from about $219) makes a very comfortable home base for wine country visits.

Tasting Room is open 10 am – 5 pm daily Reserve Room is open Wed.-Fri. 10am-5m Wine Tasting Fee is $30 daily and on holidays. Winery is located at 35053 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92591 Telephone: 951.694.8855  pontevineyardinn.com

20 Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery

The Renzoni story is both old and new. Old because the family started making wine back in 1886 in Italy. New because Robert Renzoni founded this winery in 2008,

The history of winemaking in the Renzoni family dates to 1886, when Robert’s great grandfather Federico began working in the vineyards near Fano, a small Italian village on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. While working in the vineyards, Federico and his father began making wine for family and friends. At 18, Federico immigrated to America and after two years working as a commercial Fisherman in Connecticut, he decided to relocate to Buffalo, New York in 1914, where he entered into the cordial business with his brother-in-law, Romeo Battistoni. Unfortunately, that venture was short lived, as they were forced out of business by the advent of Prohibition in 1918.

After successfully operating a construction business in the intervening years, Federico and Romeo returned to a variant of their first business venture together when Prohibition ended in 1933, this time in the form of a wine distributing business. Robert’s grandfather Domenic joined them in 1934 and together they began importing wines from Italy and France. It was at this time that the trio began doing business with a number of Italian immigrants who had settled in California. These immigrants would go on to become some of the more famous winemakers in California, and included August Sebastiani, Lorenzo Cella (Roma Wines) and Cesare Mondavi (Charles Krug).

Named for his great-grandfather Federico, Robert’s father Frederick assumed control of the family business, then known as Italian and French Wine Company, in 1972. The business prospered as a wholesale wine and liquor distributorship and eventually covered all of Upstate New York. As young adults, Robert and his brother spent many hours working there.

Robert formally entered the business in 1989, spending five years in various roles, the last of which was in the sales department. In 1994, the family decided to exit the rapidly consolidating wholesale business and the business was sold. In 1996, Robert opted to relocate to California, and worked in the wine and liquor industry in Los Angeles for several years.

After many years apart, parts of the family were once again reunited in Temecula, when Robert and his parents each moved here in 2004. Once here, the muse of winemaking again beckoned. They purchased a beautiful property on De Portola Road in Temecula, and supplemented the existing vineyards with additional plantings in 2006. The Robert Renzoni Vineyard & Winery of today is a tribute to Federico, Romeo, and Domenic

 The winery concentrates on Zinfandel, Bordeaux and Italian varieties from its several sustainably farmed vineyards, including inventive blends like Big Fred’s Red (1/2 Zin, 1/2 Sangiovese). Visitors can sample wines in the tasting room, which also offers a variety of prepared sauces and olive oils, or with Italian-inflected food from Mama’s Trattoria. To see the place from an especially unique perspective, try booking the Renzoni hot air balloon. robertrenzonivineyards.com

Winery is located at 37350 De Portola Road Temecula, CA 92592 Telephone: 951.302.VINO (8466) – Open 7 days a week from 11am to 6pm. Reservations recommended from Friday-Sunday. 

Would you like to experience Self-Guided Temecula Limousine Winery Tours?

Let Us Help You Plan the Perfect Temecula  Wine Tour. We offer Luxurious Private Wine Tours to Temecula, Ca from Los Angeles and surrounding cities. We have a great reputation with all the best local wineries, and we can assist you in planning your event. On the big day, the pressure will be off, and you can take it easy! Kickoff your celebration or corporate event kicking up dirt on a vineyard tour. There are numerous stops on this tour. Guests can expect to see gorgeous mountain views, enjoy five beverages and a charcuterie board for each vehicle rented, take advantage of numerous photo opportunities,  So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go get some wine and have a great time