Calle Contento Wine Trail
Truly 'off the beaten road', the wineries located along this less busy trail just off of Rancho California Road are well worth the turn.
Stops: Akash Winery, Briar Rose Winery, Falkner Winery, Lumiere Winery, Peltzer Family Cellars, Vindemia Vineyard & Estate Winery
Akash Winery
39730 Calle Contento Rd., Temecula, 92591; 951.888.1393; Open daily;Mon., Wed., Thur. Noon-6p, Tues. Noon-8pm, Fri.11a- 6p, Sat.11a- 8p. www.akashwinery.com
Both 100% estate grown and managed, Akash wines are developed with passion and sophistication. The story of the winery begins at the vineyard. Located in the heart of Temecula's Wine Country, off Calle Contento Road, the vineyard stretches across the parcel where the Patel's, winemaker Renato Sais, and the winery staff give the vines the upmost care all year long.
On the tasting menu: Parlez-Vous Rose, Syrah, Three's Company, Zinfandel Petite Sirah, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting fees: Saturday $25pp / All other days $20pp
Briar Rose Winery
41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 308-1098. Open Thursday through Monday from 11am-5pm by appointment only. Reservations required - same day available; briarrosewinery.com
Home to limited production, premium wines of distinction; crafted in the Old World traditional way.
On the tasting menu: Viognier, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Tempranillo; $15 for 5 standard tastes; $25 for 6 premium tastes
Falkner Winery
40620 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 676-8231; open daily 10am-5pm; Pinnacle Restaurant hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-3:30pm, Sat & Sun 11:30am-2:30pm; falknerwinery.com
Specializing in multiple award-winning Super Tuscan and Meritage blends, the rustic tasting room offers a wide variety of varietals for tasting. Pinnacle Restaurant offers a spectacular 360° vineyard view.
On the tasting menu: Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Luscious Lips; $15 for 4 tastes, $20 for 6 tastes with logo glass and a coupon for $5 off any bottle of wine
Lumiere Winery
39555 Calle Contente Contento, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 972-0585; open Thursday- Monday, 11am-6pm;lumierewinery.com
A family run, boutique winery passionate about, and focused on, producing world-class, estate grown Bourdeaux style wines.
On the tasting menu: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc; $10 for 5 tastes (no logo glass) or $15 for 6 tastes with logo glass.
Peltzer Family Cellars
40275 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591, 951.888.2008. Open from 11:00am-6:00pm seven days a week. Peltzerwinery.com
IT’S DIFFERENT ON THE FARM! Located just off the busy mainstream of Rancho California Road, Peltzer Family Cellars is ideally located on the road less travelled along the Calle Contento corridor where you will find splendid views and a setting unlike any other in Southern California Wine Country.
On the tasting menu: $20 a flight includes six wines. Local Food trucks offering food selections on weekends and Wine Wednesday.
Vindemia Vineyard & Estate Winery
33133 Vista del Monte, Temecula, CA 92591, (951) 760-9334, Open Daily 11am to 5pm. www.vindemia.com
Vindemia Vineyards & Winery is a family owned and operated winery in Temecula, beautifully nestled on the Temecula hillside with the perfect blend of European style and a casual Southern California feel.
On the tasting menu: More Cowbell Zinfandels, Syrah, Loneliness and Commonwealth blends. $15 for 5 tastings (Friday & Monday), $20 for 5 tastings (Saturday & Sunday).
