Rancho California Trail East
Located just past the Calle Contento Wine Trail - just a bit up the road - are easy to find favorites where you're sure to find something to make everyone happy.
Stops: Avensole Vineyard & Winery, Maurice Car'rie Vineyard & Winery, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Ponte Winery, Wiens Family Cellars, Monte De Oro Winery, Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard, Chapin Family Vineyards, Doffo Vineyard & Winery
Avensole Vineyard & Winery
34567 Rancho California Rd. Temecula, CA 92591; 951.252.2003; Open daily 11:00am-5:00pm (last call 4:45pm); avensolewinery.com
Avensole Winery invites you to spend the day at our gorgeous resort-like vineyard estate, featuring one of the oldest original vineyards in Temecula Valley. Enjoy extraordinary views, handcrafted award-winning wines, delicious seasonal cuisine on our lovely patio, craft cocktails, daily Happy Hour and live music at the Tasting Room patio Saturday and Sunday 1-4pm. Avensole is truly the perfect Wine Country destination, where gracious hospitality and elevated service await.
Maurice Car'rie Vineyard & Winery
34225 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 676-1711; open daily 10am-5pm; mauricecarriewinery.com
Disguised as a Victorian farmhouse, delight in the extensive gift shop and charming weekend arts and crafts fair. Pair a wide variety of very drinkable wines with their Famous Hot Baked Brie bread available daily.
On the tasting menu: Peach, Pineapple, and Raspberry Sparkling Wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo; $15 for 5 tastes.
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
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.
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)
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
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
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.
