Mid-Week Visit
Step out mid-week and enjoy a day in wine country away from the weekend crowds. Visit these wineries on the less busy weekdays to enjoy them at their best.
Stops: Danza del Sol Winery, Falkner Winery, Miramonte Winery, Monte De Oro Winery, Ponte Winery, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Wiens Family Cellars, Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard
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
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
Miramonte Winery
33410 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 506-5500; open Mon-Thurs 11am-6pm, Fri & Sat 11am-9pm, Sun. 12pm-6pm; miramontewinery.com
A casual, contemporary-chic tasting room and a jam-packed music and events calendar, Miramonte provides a hip vibe to your wine tasting. Combine that with a serious passion for wine and you'll be hooked.
On the tasting menu: Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, $17 for 6 tastes with logo glass Mon-Fri; $20 for 6 tastes with logo glass Sat-Sun.
Monte De Oro Winery
35820 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 491-6551; open daily 10am-5pm; montedeoro.com
This captivating estate winery is equipped with flat-screen TV’s and an amazing glass floor revealing the cellar barrel room below. An eclectic and wide variety of award-winning wines make for a great experience.
On the tasting menu: Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Merlot; $12 for 6 tastes Mon-Thurs; $14 for 6 tastes Fri-Sun; $20 for 9 tastes daily
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.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (877) 743-8303; open daily 10am-6pm; www.SouthCoastWinery.com
The largest and arguably most spectacular winery in the valley handcrafts dozens of finely made varietals in this state of the art facility. A luxurious spa, elegant 'casitas' and a cozy restaurant beckon all. Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 3:00pm-5:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 3:30pm-5:30pm
On the tasting menu: Sparkling Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, GVR/Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne; $15 for 5 tastes Mon-Fri, $20 for 5 tastes Sat & Sun
Wiens Family Cellars
35055 Via Del Ponte, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 694-9892; open daily 10:30am-6pm; wienscellars.com
The sign out front says Big Reds- and they mean it. Offering a broad range of exquisitely crafted red wines along with a meticulously maintained, beautiful property, this popular winery is a must stop.
On the tasting menu: Cabernet Reserve, Merlot, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir; $20 for 6 tastes (includes logo glass); $40 premium tasting (doesn't include glass)
Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard
35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 699-9463; open daily 10am-5pm, Creek side Grille Restaurant hours: 11am-5pm; wilsoncreekwinery.com
Home to the famed Almond Sparkling, this winery offers an extensive wine list and fun behind-the-scenes tours, along with 70 acres of picturesque vineyards. Enjoy alfresco dining at the popular Creekside Grille and overnight accommodations at Wilson Creek Manor.
On the tasting menu: Estate Zinfandel, White Cabernet Sauvignon, "Yes Dear" Chardonnay, Estate Merlot.; Tasting fee $20, includes souvenir wine glass and $5 coupon towards wine purchase
