De Portola Wine Trail
The wineries just to the south of Rancho California Road make up the DePortola Wine Trail. These properties are set within the more rural, equestrian side of the Temecula Valley.
Cougar Winery
39870 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 491-0825; open daily 11am-6pm; cougarvineyards.com
Italian varieties only are grown and made in grand Temecula style here. The casual, fun atmosphere includes “Hawaiian Shirt Thursdays” where if you wear a Hawaiian shirt, you get $1 off your purchase.
On the tasting menu: Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, The Full Monte(pulciano); $10 for 6 tastes
Danza del Sol
39050 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 302-6363; open daily 11am-6pm
This relaxed tasting room evokes an Italian-countryside feel offering people friendly wines - plus a dog and equestrian friendly property. Take your bottle outside to enjoy the comfortable vineyard surrounded patio; danzadelsolwinery.com
On the tasting menu: Chardonnay Reserve, Viognier, Tres Rose, Tempranillo, Merlot; $10 for 5 tastes with logo glass
Frangipani Winery
39750 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592;(951) 699-8845; open daily 10am-6pm; frangipaniwinery.com
Visitors here enjoy a true connection with the wine and its creation. Their philosophy is that winemaking begins in the vineyard. Pay attention to what’s outside and what’s inside will flourish.
On the tasting menu: Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Rose, Cabernet Franc; $8 for 6 tastes
Keyways Vineyard & Winery
37338 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 302-7888; open Mon-Thurs 11am-5:30pm, Fri-Sun 11am-6pm; keywayswine.com
Located at the enchanting confluence of horse country and Wine Country, Keyways offers a charming ambiance and early California style which is warm and inviting. Live entertainment on the weekends!
On the tasting menu: Viognier, Muscat Canelli, Territage and Late Harvest Roussanne; $10 for 5 tastes
Leoness Cellars
38311 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92593; (951) 302-7601; open daily 11am-5pm; leonessecellars.com
This stunning property features indoor and outdoor fireplace seating, a comfortable covered patio, self-guided vineyard tours and spectacular views of the valley. The cozy tasting room offers an expansive, critically-acclaimed wine list.
On the tasting menu: Melange de Blanc, Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend, Zinfandel, Estate Syrah, Grenache; $14 for 6 tastes
Masia de Yabar
39788 Camino Arroyo Seco, Temecula CA 92592; (951) 303-3860; open daily 11am to 5pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm; masiadeyabar.com
Fulfilling a life-long dream, Masia, whose name connotes the good life where everyone is welcome, gained wine experience in the beautiful vineyards of Argentina. Known for their Argentinean varietals and warm hospitality.
On the tasting menu: Garnacha, Tempranillo, Malbec; $12 for 5 tastes, $17 for 7 tastes with logo glass
Oak Mountain
36522 Via Verde, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 699-9102; open daily 11am-5pm; oakmountainwinery.com
An oasis of Temecula Valley charm, it's immaculately maintained vineyard surrounds the hilltop winery and offers stunning views of the valley below. A sizeable list of acclaimed wines and an outdoor veranda await.
On the tasting menu: No Oak Chardonnay, Meritage, Zinfandel, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $10 for 6 tastes weekdays; $12 for 6 tastes weekends; $15 for 6 reserve tastes
Robert Renzoni Vineyards
37350 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 302-VINO (8466); open daily 11am-6pm; robertrenzoni.com
With a history of winemaking dating back to Fano, Italy in the 1880s, it's apparent that this family's roots are firmly planted in the growing of grapes and the making of fine wine.
On the tasting menu: Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Fiore di Fano/Super Tuscan, Paradiso Port; $12 for 5 tastes, $15 for 6 reserve tastes with logo glass
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