Old World/New World Temecula Style
These wineries tend to favor the flavor of their relative ancestry. French, Italian, Spanish and Argentinean wines prevail almost solely at each.
Stops: Baily Vineyard & Winery, Briar Rose Winery, Cougar Vineyard & Winery, Doffo Vineyard & Winery, Europa Village Winery & Resort, Fazeli Cellars, Ponte Winery, Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery
Baily Vineyard & Winery
33440 La Serena Way Temecula, CA 92591; open daily 11 am-5pm, Sat 10am to 5pm; (951) 676-WINE [9463]; Carol's Restaurant hours: open for lunch Fridy-Sun, please call for current hours; bailywinery.com
Since 1986, Baily Winery has produced small lots of excellent quality wines from their Estate vineyards. Pair them with fresh California cuisine at Carol’s Restaurant, which features a delightful outdoor patio.
On the tasting room menu: Chardonnay, Semillon, Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Meritage; Daily Mon.-Sun. Tasting fee: $25 for 6 1oz. samples. Fee includes a logo glass and $10 credit towards wine purchases. . www.bailywinery.com
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
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.
Doffo Vineyard & Winery
36083 Summitville, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 676-6989/(866) 469-8466; open daily from 11am 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,Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Red Blends.
Europa Village Winery & Resort
41150 Via Europa, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 506-1818; open daily Prelude Tasting Room: 10 am - 5 pm | Bolero Tasting Room: 11 am - 6 pm
europavillage.com
Relish a taste of the Old World. Three distinctly different wineries under one roof, guests may choose French wines from C'est La Vie, Spanish wine from Bolero Cellars or Italian wine from Vienza.
On the tasting menu: Syrah, Tempranillo, Sangiovese; $15 for 6 tastes (subject to change without prior notice)
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
Ponte Winery
35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 694-8855; Winery is open daily 10am-5pm; The Restaurant at Ponte hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am-5pm, Friday-Saturday, 11am-8pm and Sunday, 11am-6pm. pontewinery.com
Tasty wine, charming staff, beautiful gift boutique, incredible restaurant and impeccable grounds await you. Enjoy your favorite wine with an al fresco lunch at the fabulous Restaurant at Ponte for a true delight.
On the tasting menu: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Barbera, Super Tuscan; Tasting fee: $30 daily and on holidays.
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
