Temecula Valley is a fertile landscape located east of I-15, in a delta formed by Los Angeles, Palm Springs and San Diego. It is home to more than 40 wineries that produce 500,000 cases of wine a year, making it one of California's top wine producing regions. With its diversity, Temecula Valley wineries cultivate and produce more than 50 different varieties of wine, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Sauvignon Blanc, from Merlot to Mourvedre, Viognier and Chardonnay. Hart Family Winery is the first place you'll get to on Rancho California Road when you head to Temecula Wine Country.
Founded in 1980 and located 1500 feet above sea level, it is one of the oldest boutique and family wineries in Temecula, California. Thornton Winery is unique among Temecula wineries as it was established in 1988 as a champagne house. It is located at 32575 Rancho California Road. Fazeli Cellars Winery is another great option for wine lovers, located at 37320 De Portola Road.
Mount Palomar Winery is one of the valley's original wineries, established in 1969. It offers 315 acres of Tuscan-style vineyards dotted with statues and picnic areas for a sublime experience. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is another great option for those looking for an all-inclusive experience with an expert guide. Leoness Vineyards were started in the 1990s to grow grapes for other wineries but their ultimate goal was to develop their own wines. Ponte Winery was established by the Ponte family who have been growing grapes in Temecula since 1984. They produce everything from single-varietal wines and blends to sparkling and fortified wines.
Avensole Winery is another open winery in Temecula with a fantastic restaurant located on Rancho California Road. Baba Joon's Kitchen offers a unique dining experience merging Persian ingredients and recipes. Temecula Cable Car Wine Tours offers a five-hour adventure to three local wineries that includes lunch as well as private and seasonal tours. Most Temecula Valley wineries produce only a small amount of each harvest, which is not enough for national distribution.
The main purpose of visiting Temecula's wineries is to hang out in the tasting room to sample all the great wines at a good price. With its convenient location just an hour's drive from San Diego and Orange County, Temecula Valley is an excellent getaway ideal for wine lovers in Southern California.
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