Off The Beaten Path
The road less traveled often leads visitors to discover small, hidden wineries that may just become preferred stops. Tour off the main drag to encounter these beloved boutiques.
Stops: Akash Winery, Briar Rose Winery, Chapin Family Vineyards, Doffo Vineyard & Winery, Foot Path Winery, Lumiere Winery, Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery, 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
Chapin Family Vineyards
36084 Summitville Street, Temecula 92592; (951) 506.2935; open daily 10am-5pm; chapinfamilyvineyards.com
Offering the ambiance of a small winery with an inviting country setting, the Chapin Family believes in small lots of handcrafted wines offering intense flavor with depth and balance that best represent the Temecula Valley Appellation.
On the tasting menu: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Viognier; $15 for standard 5 tastings and $20 for premium 7 tastings.
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.
Foot Path Winery
36650 Glen Oaks Road, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 265-9951; open Mon-Fri 11pm-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm; footpathwinery.com
Housed in a quaint barn on a certified organic farm, amongst citrus, figs, horses and hummingbirds, the Foote family serves up a small menu of hand-crafted red wines in very limited production.
On the tasting menu: Merlot, Zinfandel, Port; $10 for 6 tastes
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.
Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery
40150 Barksdale Circle, Temecula, CA 92592; (951) 676-7900; open daily 11a-5p. palumbofamilyvineyards.com
Committed to small lot, handcrafted wines from just 13 acres of estate-grown varieties, this family run winery is best described as "artisinal". The wines exude passion, depth and elegance. Simple concept, complex wines.
On the tasting menu: Viognier, Mourvedre/Syrah, Tre Fratelli/Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon; $15 for 5 tastes
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).
