Cheers to the summer! If you’re a wine (or mead) enthusiast, check out this list of our favorite wineries Temecula, California wineries to try. Whether local or just itching for a reason to vacay, there’s never a wrong time to come hang out in Temecula.
1. Wiens Family Cellars
Source: Wiens Family Cellars
Where: 35055 Via Del Ponte, Temecula, CA 92592
When: Open daily 10:30am-6pm
Family-owned and known for their “Big Reds,” Wiens Family Cellars is a Temecula treasure. Be sure to check out the story behind the Refugio artist series, featuring the work of family friend and artist Ashley Collins.
2. Danza Del Sol Winery
Source: Danza Del Sol Winery
Where: 39050 De Portola Rd., Temecula, CA 92592
When: Open daily 11am-6pm
Danza Del Sol is spread across 35 acres on the De Portola Wine Trail. Enjoy tons of patio seating, lush views, and of course – a diverse spectrum of good wine.
Danza grows Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Gewürztraminer, Sangiovese, Syrah, Viognier, Orange Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc varietals. Experience in-person, PLUS order online or reap the benefits of their fee-free wine club.
3. Bottaia Winery
Source: Bottaia Winery
Where: 35601 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591
When: Wed-Sun 12-7pm
Bottaia gives meaning to having options by offering four unique ways to try their wine:
- The Deck: Glorious vineyard views, lots of wine, and charcuterie/desert purchase options (Note: 21+ only).
- Wine Blending Lab: Play winemaker and go through the step-by-step process of tasting wine straight from the barrel, then blending it with other varieties.
- Barrel Room: Learn the difference between barrel age and bottle age by tasting six different bottled estate wines and one straight from the barrel.
- Seated tasting with charcuterie: If you like the classic pairing of charcuterie with wine, then this experience is for you. Choose from three charcuterie boards and sample five, pre-selected wines.
4. Altisima Winery
Source: Altisima Winery
Where: 37440 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592
When: Winery – Mon-Thurs 11am-5pm, Fri-Sun 11am-6pm; Restaurant – Mon-Fri 11am-4pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
What happens when eight Temecula families come together to honor the Spanish roots of the region? Altisima Winery.
The Altisima crew celebrates Temecula’s history and heritage through the lens of carefully curated and cultivated Spanish wines.
5. Fazeli Cellars
Source: Fazeli Cellars
Where: 37320 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA 92592
When: Open daily 11am-6pm
Fazeli prides itself on architecture meets natural beauty meets really good wine. What started in 2006 has grown into a 20+ varietal enterprise, offering guests boutique choices in the form of Cabernet Sauvignon to Petite Sirah to Mourvedre and much, much more.
6. Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Source: Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Where: 39990 Anza Road, Temecula, CA 92591
When: Mon-Wed 12-5pm, Thurs 12-9pm*, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm*, Sun 11am-5pm*
*Thurs, 21+ after 5pm, Fri-Sun 21+ only
Lorimar combines the best of, well, everything. Enjoy handcrafted wines, live music, local art, and gourmet foods. Not to mention – like other locations on this list, Lorimar hosts sensational views of Temecula Valley. If you’re a fan of fruit-forward wines, consider this a must-visit on your winery bucket list.
7. Masia De La Vinya Winery
Source: Masia De La Vinya Winery
Where: 40230 De Portola Rd., Temecula, CA 92592
When: Sun-Thurs 11am-5pm, Fri-Sat 11am-6pm
Double shout out for owner Bob Olson, who also owns Danza Del Sol Winery. Like Danza, Masia De La Vinya features a heavy Spanish influence in its wine selection.
Enjoy said wine on the tasting room patio or, if you’re a member of Masia’s wine club, enjoy complimentary tasting for two in Vintners Lounge. Half-price tastings are also available for up to four guests.
8. Peltzer Winery
Source: Peltzer Winery
Where: 40275 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591
When: Open daily 11am-6pm
Situated on a sprawling 25 acres, Peltzer melds ‘quaint farm’ with ‘industrial-chic winery.’ Trust us – you’ll like it.
Interestingly enough, the Peltzer family didn’t start with wine. In 1913, Charles Peltzer moved from Kansas to Southern California in pursuit of the American dream. He and his family would grow their business via a 20-acre citrus grove for the next 41 years. The farm was sold in 1954 to none other than Walt Disney.
But the show didn’t stop – the citrus farm was relocated and prospered. This led to expansion – first pine trees, then pumpkins, and now? Glorious, glorious vino.
9. Batch Mead
Where: 42225 Remington Ave, Suite A25, Temecula, CA 92590
When: Thurs-Sat 3-8pm, Sun 12-5pm
And then there was one – us! Batch Mead is the result of a husband-wife duo who have been enjoying mead together for the last ten years.
Our focus is on locally-sourced honey, apples, and other ingredients. We make small batches of mead so that taps are always rotating and there’s always a wide selection of meads and ciders for you to try.
So, what’s first?
And second…and third…fourth…fifth…sixth…seventh…eighth…ninth…
Yes, we’re suggesting you check out every place on this list. Each one’s ready to serve you delicious wine, mead, and cider. Happy summer!
