De Portola Wine Trail
The wineries just to the south of Rancho California Road make up the DePortola Wine Trail. These properties are set within the more rural, equestrian side of the Temecula Valley.
Stops: Cougar Vineyard & Winery, Danza del Sol Winery, Fazeli Cellars, Frangipani Estate Winery, Leoness Cellars, Masia de la Vinya Winery, Oak Mountain Winery, Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery
Cougar Vineyard & Winery
39870 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 491-0825; open daily 11am-6pm; cougarvineyards.com
Family owned and operated winery specializing in 100% Estate Italian varietals. Sharing good times in this casual and picturesque place along with enjoying hand crafted, award winning wines is what Cougar lives for.
On the tasting menu: Primitivo, Pinot Grigio, The Full Monte(pulciano); $17 for 6 tastes, includes logo wine glass.
Danza del Sol Winery
39050 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 302-6363; open daily 11am-6pm
This relaxed tasting room evokes an Italian-countryside feel offering people friendly wines - plus a dog and equestrian friendly property. Take your bottle outside to enjoy the comfortable vineyard surrounded patio.
On the tasting menu: Chardonnay Reserve, Viognier, Tres Rose, Tempranillo, Merlot; $15 for six tastes
Fazeli Cellars
37320 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 303-3366. Open daily 7 days a week from 11am to 6pm. www.fazelicellars.com
Back in 2001, the Fazeli family decided to visit Temecula Valley. It was just a relaxing day trip to explore the local wine country and at the time, no one realized that this was the beginning of what was to become a life changing adventure.
On the tasting menu: Hafez, Saadi, and our benchmark grape Shiraz.
$15 for 5 tastes / $20 for 5 tastes on the weekend
Frangipani Estate 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; $12 for 6 tastes
Leoness Cellars
38311 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92593; (951) 302-7601; Open Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-5:00pm; Fri: 11:30am-6:00pm; Sat: 11:00am-6:00pm; Sun: 11:00am-5:00pm; leonesscellars.com
This stunning property features indoor and outdoor fireplace seating, a comfortable covered patio, self-guided vineyard tours and spectacular views of the valley. The cozy tasting room offers an expansive, critically-acclaimed wine list.
On the tasting menu: Melange de Blanc, Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend, Zinfandel, Estate Syrah, Grenache; $15 tasting Monday-Friday; $18 tasting Saturday-Sunday
Masia de la Vinya Winery
40230 De Portola Road,Temecula, CA 92592; 951.303.3860; Open daily 11a-5p.. masiadelavinya.com
Masia de la Vinya offers quality wine with a Spanish influence, affordable pricing, stunning views, and a casual wine tasting experience like no other in the valley.
On the tasting menu: Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Pinot Gris; $16 for six tastes
Oak Mountain Winery
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; $12 for 6 tastes weekdays; $15 for 6 tastes weekends
Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery
37350 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 302-VINO (8466); open daily 11am-6pm; reservations recommended Friday-Sunday; robertrenzoni.com
With a history of winemaking dating back to Fano, Italy in the 1880s, it's apparent that this family's roots are firmly planted in the growing of grapes and the making of fine wine.
On the tasting menu: Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Fiore di Fano/Super Tuscan, Paradiso Port; $15 for 5 tastes
