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TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY: OVERVIEW
Temecula Valley wine country is an idyllic, easily-accessible, year-round wine destination where visitors can experience premium winemaking in a warm, welcoming atmosphere along with fine dining, stunning scenery and exciting events. Temecula Valley is only a 60-90 minute drive from all major Southern California cities.
TEMECULA VALLEY RESTAURANTS: OVERVIEW
At Temecula Valley winery restaurants, talented chefs expertly pair award-winning varietals and proprietary blends with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients.
Among wine country restaurants are Baba Joon's Kitchen at Fazeli Cellars, Bolero Restaurante at Europa Village, Café Champagne at Thornton Winery, Carol’s restaurant at Baily Winery, Creekside Grille at Wilson Creek Winery, Meritage restaurant at Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Pinnacle restaurant at Falkner Winery, The Restaurant at Avensole Winery, The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars, The Restaurant at Ponte Family Estate Winery, and Vineyard Rose restaurant at South Coast Winery.
Winery bistros that offer light fare enteree's, pizzas and salads, include Annata Bistro at Mount Palomar, Mama Rosa's Trattoria at Robert Renzoni Vineyards, MDO Bistro at Monte de Oro Winery, Sangio's Deli at Cougar Vineyard & Winery.
QUICK STATS
WHERE:
• Located within a 1-2-hour drive of southern California’s major metropolitan areas (L.A., San
Diego, Orange County, Riverside and Palm Springs); It is surrounded by more than 22 million
people in this neighboring regions.
KEY DATES:
• 1820 - the year wine grapes were first planted in Temecula Valley, by the Mission San Luis Rey
padres
• 1968 - the year the first modern commercial vineyard was planted in Temecula Valley, by
Vincenzo and Audry Cilurzo
• 1974 - the year the first winery opened in Temecula Valley (Callaway Winery)
CLIMATE:
• Mediterranean climate – warm, sunny days moderated by coastal breezes and cool nights
WINERIES:
• More than 40 licensed wineries and 80 growers
GRAPES & WINES:
• Over 2 dozen different grape varieties; Italian, Rhône & Spanish varieties thrive in particular
• Over 90% of wines are sold direct-to-consumer; very little is sold via wholesale traditional channels
