Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Temecula Valley Wine Country Visit
Q: When is it a good time to visit Temecula Valley wine country?
It's always a good time to visit Temecula Valley wine country, but if you're looking for lush, green vineyards, spring and summer is best. Harvest season usually begins in August and runs through mid to late October. This is an active time at the wineries and one may actually encounter a glimpse of the fruit coming into the wineries - or being processed upon delivery.
Q: How do you tour Temecula Valley wine country?
Touring the Temecula Valley wine country can be accomplished in multiple ways. You can simply choose to drive yourself through our easily navigable region, or you can look to one of our many transportation partners to show you the way.
Q: How long does it take to get to each winery?
Once you enter the Temecula Valley wine country via Rancho California or De Portola road, navigating through wine country is a breeze! The wineries are located just close enough in proximity to one another to make driving from winery to winery quick and easy. There are very few that are within walking distance of one another, however.
Q: What hours are the Tasting Rooms open to the public?
Most wineries are open daily, most from 11a to 5p; some open until 6p. Weekdays provide the most pleasant experience if you're seeking some one on one time with our knowledgeable servers. Weekends are appreciably busier and offer a more festive atmosphere geared more to those who enjoy interaction with other guests. Of course, coming early in the day will beat some of the traffic!
Q: How does wine tasting work?
Wine tasting is offered at each winery. Guests simply pay as you taste at each winery you so choose. For our midweek visitors, be sure to check out our SIP passport in our Promotions page for discounted tasting fee.
Q: Do you charge for Wine Tasting?
Yes, all of our member wineries do charge for wine tasting. The price varies by winery and sometimes by day, with weekends being higher at some. Pricing by winery is listed on each Winery's page. www.temeculawines.org/winerylisting
Q: Do I need reservations to go wine tasting?
Tasting Rooms are (for the most part!) open daily to the public. Hours of operation are listed on each Winery's page www.temeculawines.org/winerylisting. Reservations are required if you plan on touring with a transportation company and have a party of 8 or more. Transportation companies must also be registered in our Responsible Partner Program. Details on this program can be found in our Tours page.
Q: How long does it take to do a wine tasting?
While each winery visit is different, you can expect wine tasting to take about 30-45 minutes per winery or at your own leisurely pace. We recommend that you choose three to four wineries per day to visit so you can enjoy the individual experiences each provide.
Q: Can you share a tasting?
Of course! You'll most likely need to share the glass as well, but most wineries allow guests to share.
Q: Does a winery tour including a walk through the vineyards?
Some wineries do offer walking tours through the vineyards, both guided and on your own.
Q. Can we bring children to the winery?
Our wineries cater to an overall adult environment. Children are welcome at most wineries, but must be highly supervised. No one under the age of 21 can taste, even with parental consent. If you plan to bring children to the wineries, we highly suggest you contact the winery you plan on visiting to ask about their policy regarding children prior to your arrival. You may find a list of our individual winery members contact information in our Taste Page at www.temeculawines.org
Our wineries cater to an overall adult environment. Children are welcome at most wineries, but must be highly supervised. No one under the age of 21 can taste, even with parental consent. If you plan to bring children to the wineries, we highly suggest you contact the winery you plan on visiting to ask about their policy regarding children prior to your arrival. You may find a list of our individual winery members contact information in our Taste Page at www.temeculawines.org
Q: Can we bring our pets to the wineries?
Some of our wineries do allow pets on the grounds; please call the winery you plan on visiting for current their current pet requirements. All pets must be leashed, and owners are fully responsible for their pets' behavior. Pets are not allowed in the Tasting Rooms or inside eating areas and restaurants due to health code regulations. All will accommodate certified service animals.
Q: Can I bring outside alcohol to the wineries?
NO! Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited by the State of California and such activity may jeopardize a winery's license.
Q: Do you allow guests to have picnics?
Some of our winery's have picnic areas where guests are encouraged to bring in your own food items only. Please be respectful of those wineries with restaurants onsite; they will not allow outside food items on property. Please contact the winery you plan to visit in advance to inquire about picnic area availability.
Q: Are the wineries open on holidays?
Other than major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, most all of our wineries are open daily. Please check back to this site prior to your visit surrounding holidays for a listing of those wineries who will be closed on those days.
GENERAL WINE QUESTIONS
Q: Do your wines contain sulfites?
Yes. Sulfites are a natural by-product of the fermentation process. Otherwise known as sulfur dioxide, it is a compound that occurs naturally in the winemaking process and is found in virtually every wine. Very small amounts of additional sulfites may be added to wines to preserve its freshness.
Q: How many calories/carbohydrates are in a glass of wine?
On average, a 5 ounce glass of dry wine contains about 125 calories and 3-5 grams of carbohydrate. If the wine is sweeter in style it could average up to 250 calories per glass and 12-16 grams carbohydrate.
