Rancho California Trail West
Upon entering the Temecula Valley via Rancho California Road, these wineries will be the first that you encounter. Included are an array of small, medium and large wineries to enjoy.
Stops: Halter Ranch Temecula, Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Thornton Winery, Europa Village Winery & Resort, Baily Vineyard & Winery, Churon Inn Winery, Miramonte Winery, Bel Vino Winery , Mount Palomar Winery
Halter Ranch Temecula
Visit Halter Ranch in Southern California. Charming and relaxed, our Tasting Room offers an escape from pretense. Enjoy the energetic, inviting, and enchanting feel of Temecula Wine Country paired with the award-winning wines of the Halter Ranch portfolio.
Callaway Vineyard & Winery
32720 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 676-4001; open daily from 11:00am - 6pm. Tour schedule: Daily at 12pm and 2pm. Meritage Restaurant hours: open daily Monday-Thurs. for lunch 11am-4pm; Fri & Sat 11am-8pm; Sun 11am-6pm. callawaywinery.com
This famous winery is a popular choice with locals and visitors alike offering an approachable wine list and newly remodeled Estate winery. For a perfect meal, take a patio seat at Meritage Restaurant.
On the tasting menu: Pinot Gris, Rose of Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Calliope Red; 6 Taste for $20pp.Tour of winemaking facility & Tasting $35pp; Tour Only $20 pp; no charge for guests 17 and under.
Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 699-0099 open daily 10am-5pm; Café Champagne Restaurant hours: lunch 11am-3:30pm, dinner 5pm-9pm; thorntonwine.com
Since 1988, this French chateau-like estate winery has been welcoming guests to enjoy it's award-winning wines and restaurant, Cafe Champagne. Check out their Champagne Jazz concert series for a real treat.
On the tasting menu: Sparkling Wine, Chardonnay, Cabernet-Merlot, Old Vine Zinfandel; tastes range from $11-$17; tasting room offers sit-down service & appetizers
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)
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
Churon Inn Winery
33233 Rancho California Rd.. Temecula, CA 92591. Tasting Room hours: 10am-6pm Daily. The Inn is open daily. 951.694.9071 www.innatchuronwinery.com
Perched on the hilltop as you enter Wine Country from Rancho California Rd., Churon was opened in 2001 by two high school friends with a vision for a Tuscany inspired B & B and winery. Churon has produced many award-winning wines and beautiful night stays.
On the tasting menu: Syrah, Tempranillo, Barbera. Tasting fee $15 for 5 taste. Does not include souvenir glass.
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.
Bel Vino Winery
33515 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (951-676-6414). Open daily 11:00am to 5:30pm; belvinowinery.com
Bel Vino is a boutique winery that uses Old World wine making techniques and offers an authentic winery experience. With live music Friday Nights 6-10 pm and every Saturday and Sunday from 12-4pm.
On the tasting menu: Dolce, Port, Merlot, White Merlot, Field Blend and many other whites and reds $12.95 per person for tasting on the weekdays and $15.95 per person on the weekends.
Mount Palomar Winery
33820 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591; (951) 676-5047/(800) 854-5177; open daily 10:00a-6:00p mountpalomar.com
This early California style winery is as known for its breathtaking views of the valley as it is for its varied wine selection. Stop by for a taste of Temecula history.
On the tasting menu: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Cream Sherry, Charbono; $16 per tasting Mon-Thurs; $20 per tasting Fri-Sun
