Best Wine Tasting in Temecula
With historic sites, lovely beaches, and breathtaking wineries, it’s no surprise that Southern California is such a popular travel destination. However, if you’re looking for the trip of a lifetime, you’ll want to sidestep all that fanfare and beeline for the nearest wine-tasting tour. Wine tasting in Temecula is an incredible experience, and thanks to our wine tasting tour in Temecula, we have the inside scoop on the best wineries around.
Since visiting all the incredible Temecula wineries would take a lifetime, we’ve narrowed down our picks to the best of the best. Of course, we recommend giving all these wineries a visit at some point in your life (their wine is to die for), but if you’re looking for a “best of tour,” look no further.
Somerset Vineyard & Winery
The first stop on our written tour of Temecula wineries is Somerset Vineyard & Winery. This winery is the first Temecula Valley De Portola Trail stop and was previously known as Keyways. Somerset Vineyard & Winery was founded by Kurt and John Tiedt and focused on the idea that drinking wine is an activity best shared with close friends and family.
This winery is the first stop on our Best Coast Temecula Wine Tour, and for a good reason. Their 13-acre winery is absolutely gorgeous, and their estate house is open for rentals for large events. Of course, if you’re looking for one of their wine tastings, you have plenty of varieties to choose from. Their vineyard features Rhône varietals, meaning that each and every wine in their vineyard has a long legacy of fantastic care and growth, all thanks to rich Southern California soil.
Oak Mountain Winery
Next up on our winery tour of Southern California is Oak Mountain Winery. You aren’t alone if you’ve never heard of mined wine caves. This vinery has the only excavated wine caves in Southern California and offers incredible wine. They also produce strawberry and raspberry champagne for those looking to sample some divine bubbly during their tour.
We can’t rave enough about their prohibition-style bar. Honestly, if we had to choose a winery based on aesthetic appeal alone, Oak Mountain Winery would take the cake. While you’ll want to check out their wine tastings, touring the wine cave alone is worth the visit. Oak Mountain Winery is an excellent option if you have to choose only one winery to visit on this list. Plus, the winery is available for reservation for larger events, meaning you can have a wedding with a view of the vineyards while partying it up prohibition style after the ceremony.
Bel Vino Winery
Bel Vino Winery has a 40-acre vineyard that is stunning. This winery focuses on a classic, comfortable atmosphere, with a barrel tasting room for that idealized wine tasting experience. Bel Vino has been making wine since 1996 and offers up to 40 different wines, all homegrown. Several red wines have earned gold medals and are ranked some of Southern California’s best red wines. So if you’re a fan of reds, this winery should undoubtedly be on your must-visit list. Plus, this winery is under two miles from Temecula, making it a stress-free day trip for those with busy schedules.
If you’re looking to fill your stomach between wine tours, Bel Vino has a Bistro open on Saturdays and Sundays and a bed and breakfast facility for those who can’t bring themselves to leave this gorgeous property. Of course, our usual Temecula wine tour stops here for lunch because who can resist the appeal of a fresh restaurant paired with some of the best wines in Southern California?
Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Callaway Vineyard & Winery is one of the last stops on our usual tour because, honestly, who wouldn’t want to end the perfect day of wine tasting at this gorgeous location? This winery has been operating since 1974 and offers incredible wines known for their well-balanced taste. While this winery is known for its high-class aesthetics, they know how to have fun; every fall, the grape stomp event allows guests to get a feel for traditional winemaking while enjoying the fruits of their labors. If you’re a fan of getting a little messy, the Sip, Stop & Play event is a fantastic experience you won’t miss.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing tasting experience, Callaway Vineyard & Winery has live music every Sunday. So not only can you enjoy some of the highest quality wine in Temecula Valley, but you can also do so while listening to exclusive musical performances; what’s better than that?
Vindemia Winery
Vindemia Winery commits to sustainable growing and wine crafting, and you can taste the care in every one of its wines. While this vineyard is smaller than others on the list, this hidden gem of Temecula is well worth visiting. The vineyard only allows smaller tasting parties and doesn’t require a visiting reservation. If you’re looking for a laid-back wine-tasting experience away from the hustle and bustle of Southern California, Vindemia Winery is a perfect choice.
Miramonte Winery
Miramonte Winery grows several varietals in their vineyard, including grapes associated with Spanish and Portuguese wines. As noted on their website, they’re committed to “gardening, not farming,” treating their vineyard as a gem to be cultivated. This winery was founded in 2000 by Cane Vanderhoof and has grown to a must-visit boutique winery nestled in the heart of Southern California. Their wines are made from a combination of their own grapes and grapes purchased from local vineyards, meaning this is genuinely a Temecula wine-tasting experience. In addition, they offer wine, food, and entertainment over the weekends, making them a one-stop weekend shop for great drinks, great views, and great times.
If you want to visit some of the best wineries in Southern California, check out our Temecula Wine Tour. Our professional guided tours eliminate the hassle of choosing a winery and allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Tastings are included in the Temecula Wine Tour, and we offer pickup from your hotel or other nearby locations throughout Temecula and Orange County. To find out more, check out our tour offerings and make a reservation today.