Red, Red Wine
If you're more about red, less about white, your wine tasting tour should take you to some - or all - of these stops. While white wines are on the menu, it's all about big reds at these wineries.
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
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
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
Hart Winery
41300 Avenida Biona, Temecula, CA 92593; (951) 676-6300; open daily 9am-4:30pm; hartfamilywinery.com
With a focus on quality in both vineyard and bottle, this small-scale, family-operated winery showcases a well-deserved collection of gold medals and a stellar array of both red and white wines.
On the tasting menu: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Meritage; $10 for 6 tastes with logo glass
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
Bel Vino Winery
33515 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (888) 260-0870; open daily 10am-5pm; belvinowinery.com
A truly fun and memorable experience, Bel Vino Winery features a full line of varietals and vintages, including their exclusive premium label, Stuart Cellars. With year-round special events, a first-class wedding venue and a spectacular view of wine country, you will want to visit often to enjoy it all.
On the tasting menu: Tatria/red Meritage, Calista/white Meritage, Long Valley Red, Viognier; $10 for 6 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
Wiens Family Cellars
35055 Via Del Ponte, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 694-9892; open daily 10am-5pm; wienscellars.com
The sign out front says Big Reds- and they mean it. Offering a broad range of exquisitely crafted red wines along with a meticulously maintained, beautiful property, this popular winery is a must stop.
On the tasting menu: Cabernet Reserve, Merlot, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir; $15 for 6 tastes
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