Mediterranean, Temecula Style
These wineries tend to favor the flavor of their relative ancestry. French, Italian, Spanish and Argentinean wines prevail almost solely at each.
Churon Winery
33233 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 694-9071; open daily 10am-4:30pm; innatchuronwinery.com
Offering vineyard views and luxury suites, this stunning Chateau combines the best of France and California wine country in one. Friendly tasting room staff guides you through a fun and educational tasting experience.
On the tasting menu: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot, Amorosa, Cabernet Sauvignon; $10 for 5 tastes
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
Doffo Winery
36083 Summitville, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 676-6989/(866) 469-8466; open daily 10am to 5pm, groups of 6+ by appointment only; doffowines.com
The Doffo's trace their winemaking history to Argentina, and it shows in each one of their exquisite wines. See the vintage motorcycle collection and unusual practice of playing classical music in the vineyard.
On the tasting menu: Viognier, Malbec, Shiraz, Mistura, Cabernet Sauvignon; $10 for 6 tastes, $20 for 6 reserve tastes
Europa Village
33475 La Serena Way, Temecula, CA 92591; (888) 363-8767; open daily from 10am to 5pm. europavillage.com
Relish a taste of the Old World. Three distinctly different wineries under one roof, guests may choose French wines from C’est La Vie, Spanish wine from Bolero Cellars or Italian wine from Vienza.
On the tasting menu: Syrah, Tempranillo, Sangiovese; $15 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
Ponte Family Estate Winery
35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 694-8855; open daily 10am-5pm; The Restaurant at Ponte hours: Mon-Wed 11am-3pm; Thurs & Fri, 11am-5pm; Sat 11am-8pm; Sun 11am-5pm; pontewinery.com
Tasty wine, charming staff, beautiful gift boutique, incredible restaurant and impeccable grounds await you. Enjoy your favorite wine with an al fresco lunch at the fabulous Restaurant at Ponte for a true delight.
On the tasting menu: Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Super Tuscan, Nebbiolo; $12 for 6 tastes weekdays; $20 for 6 tastes weekends, both with logo glass
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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