california wine country.
Temecula is Southern California’s beautiful wine country. Prior to moving to California, I had never even heard of Temecula. After visiting both Napa and Temecula several times each, I can honestly say, I enjoy Temecula much more than Napa Valley. Both towns are wonderful to visit but if you are trying to decide between Napa and Temecula, I highly recommend visiting Temecula.
Here is why:
Temecula is much easier to get too. The wine region is only 90 minutes from Orange County and only 60 minutes from San Diego. Temecula is a perfect day trip from Southern California. We have even paired Temecula with a trip to San Diego, wineries in the morning and San Diego in the afternoon!
Unless you live in the San Francisco area, Napa requires a flight or a long car ride.
I also like the ease and relaxation Temecula allows. Visitors can go from winery to winery and can enjoy their time no matter how many glasses they have had. You will see many more party buses and groups in Temecula than Napa. Napa is a much more serious wine tasting experience, if you are big into wine, then you will probably prefer Napa. But if you enjoy wine and hope to have the fun California winery experience, Temecula is your spot.
I have also found that wineries in Temecula are closer together than in Napa. Though you can’t walk from winery to winery in either town, Temecula’s are much closer.
Tastings and food is also cheaper in Temecula than Napa. In Temecula, a tasting ticket is usually around $20 for five tastings.
South Coast Winery vineyard, August 2018
Before visiting the wine regions, I had this image in my head that I would be able to walk from winery to winery, especially after having a few tastings! But keep in mind, each individual vineyard is so large that you have to drive to each winery. And if you have specific wineries you want to visit, you may have to drive 15-20 minutes to get to the winery. Be smart when traveling from winery to winery. There are a lot of ride share options as well as pre-arranged trolley rides that you can schedule.
If you live in southern California, and plan to visit Temecula regularly, I recommend joining a wine club. This will help you save money with tastings and bottles. Even some wineries will give members a discount on food! We joined South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, from what we saw, this winery had the best value.
Old Town Temecula is a unique area to explore. It consists of one long street and you will feel like you have walked into an old country western town. Old Town reminds me a little bit of Gatlinburg, TN. There are dozens of shops and restaurants to visit. If you are going to Temecula and want something to do other than taste wine, this is a great stop!
Favorite Wineries:
South Coast Winery is the largest winery in Temecula. South Coast is a sister winery with Carter Estates, so if you are part of their wine club, you can visit Carter as well. South Coast has a large tasting room and a smaller, more intimate tasting room for their members. South Coast is worth becoming a member just for their exclusive member only sangria. So delicious! South Coast also has a hotel and spa. We have not stayed at the hotel but we have toured it, it’s very nice. Members also receive discounts at their on-site restaurant. We love enjoying a bottle of wine on their terrace overlooking the vineyards.
South Coast Winery terrace, July 2018
Miramonte Winery is another favorite of ours. Miramonte is a casual tasting experience and they too, have amazing sangria! Miramonte has a large patio with incredible views. The patio has a full service restaurant as well as live music on the weekends. The patio is even dog friendly! Miramonte is usually busy on the weekends, so go early and grab a spot.
Where We Ate:
Though we usually eat at Karl Strauss, Espadin in Old Town is another spot we have tried. They have a beautiful patio, right in Old Town.
We always make sure to eat after leaving the wineries before heading home. A quick and delicious mexican spot to stop at is Alberto’s Mexican.
Breweries:
Before going wine tasting, we always stop for a beer at Karl Strauss. Karl Strauss is based out of San Diego but they have several locations. We like stopping at the Temecula location to fill up on delicious food and beer before entering wine country!
Ballast Point is a favorite brewery of ours and they have a location in Old Town Temecula.
Best Time to Visit:
Year round!