Off The Beaten Path
The road less traveled often leads visitors to discover small, hidden wineries that may just become preferred stops. Tour off the main drag and/or into Old Town Temecula to encounter these beloved boutiques.
Briar Rose Winery
41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 308-1098 open daily, 11am-5pm by appointment only; briarrosewinery.com
This idyllic cottage-style winery boasts some of the area’s finest boutique wines available for tasting. Enjoy their wine and cheese pairing parties to educate the mind and stimulate the palate.
On the tasting menu: Gewurztraminer, Zinfandel Barbara, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot; $15 for 6 standard tastes; $25 for 6 premium 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
Foot Path Winery
36650 Glen Oaks Road, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 265-9951; open Mon-Fri 12pm-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm; footpathwinery.com
Housed in a quaint barn on a certified organic farm, amongst citrus, figs, horses and hummingbirds, the Foote family serves up a small menu of hand-crafted red wines in very limited production.
On the tasting menu: Merlot, Zinfandel, Port; $10 for 6 tastes
Longshadow Ranch Winery
39847 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591; (877) 80-RANCH; open Mon-Fri, 12pm-5pm, Sat & Sun, 10am-5pm; longshadowranchwinery.com
This family-friendly, ranch-style winery is complete with hay barrels, horses and a rustically beautiful and welcoming ambiance. The tasting room features a wide variety of Estate bottled wines made the old fashioned way.
On the tasting menu: Tempranillo, Cinsault, Ponderosa Port, Outlaw Red; $15 for 5 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
Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery
40150 Barksdale Circle, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 676-7900; open Thurs - Tues 11am-5pm; palumbofamilyvineyards.com
Committed to small lot, handcrafted wines from just 13 acres of estate-grown varieties, this family run winery is best described as "artisinal". The wines exude passion, depth and elegance. Simple concept, complex wines.
On the tasting menu: Viognier, Mourvedre/Syrah, Tre Fratelli/Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon; $10 for 5 tastes; $20 for 5 reserve tastes
Vindemia Winery
Vindemia Vineyard, 33133 Vista Del Monte, Temecula, California 92591; (800) 373-3359; vindemia.com
Beautifully nestled on a hillside, visitors who venture through the valley less-traveled on Calle Contento find an estate with a spectacular view, masterful gardens and a comfortable setting to enjoy extraordinary hand-crafted wines.
On the tasting menu: Syrah, Commonwealth; open Friday through Sunday from 11am-5pm; $15 for 6 tastes including cheese, bread and olive oil
Lorimar
42031 Main Street, Temecula, CA 92590; (951) 240-5177; Sun-Thurs 12pm-6pm, Fri & Sat 11am-9pm; lorimarwinery.com
If music be the food of love, drink on! Temporary digs in Old Town offers visitors a taste of a medley of fine wines during the construction of the new Tuscan-style winery on Anza Road.
On the tasting menu: Duetto/Chenin-Blanc-Viognier, Duet/Cabernet-Mourvedre, Fusion/ Zinfandel-Petit Syrah; $10 for 5 tastes
Villa di Calabro
41955 Main Street, Old Town Temecula, CA 92590; (951) 695-4525; open daily 11am-6pm
Although the Madera de Playa winery is open by appointment only, stop by the "little yellow house" on Main Street in Old Town for wine, olive oil and vinegar tastings daily.
On the tasting menu: Sangiovese, Estate Cabernet; open daily 10am-6pm; $10 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
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