Top FAQ About Temecula Wine Tasting Tours

Heading on a wine tour doesn’t have to be a stressful undertaking. Here, we offer some useful advice for anyone looking to take a Temecula wine tour, from those interested in our tour to others looking to enjoy the atmosphere and fine wine that set Temecula Valley apart. From what to wear to a vineyard to whether you should eat before wine tasting, this guide has everything you need to know before heading on a Temecula wine tour. 

Can You Walk Between Wineries in Temecula?

Unfortunately, the vineyards and wineries in Temecula are too spread out to walk between them easily. If you attempted to walk between these vineyards, you would easily walk several miles. Thankfully, our Temecula Valley wine tour includes transportation by van, so you can easily visit several wineries in one trip without wearing out your walking shoes. Our tour visits four wineries on a single journey, much more than you could see if you were walking. Plus, with our tour van, you don’t have to worry about setting a designated driver for your return trip, allowing you to sit back and sip all the wine you’d like.  

What Do You Wear to Wineries in Temecula?

The best outfit to wear to a winery is a nice combination of business casual, casual, and dress clothes. In general, wear something you would wear to a work party, but not necessarily as fancy as you would get at a wedding. Going for a nice business casual balance is always a good thing, and remember to wear sensible shoes, as touring the wineries may require more walking than you expected. 

Of course, remember to dress for the weather. Temecula can get quite hot during summer, so plan for that. You should also bring extra layers in the winter if you need to move between buildings or walk around the grounds on a tour. 

What Wine is Temecula Known for?

Temecula is known for a wide range of artisan wines, including Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Many wineries in Temecula do small-batch vintages so that you can find a little bit of everything at these wineries. Because the soil is great for growing a wide range of grapes, you’ll find varieties you wouldn’t find in your local store or on a shop shelf. If there’s a specific wine you’re looking for, odds are it’s grown in Temecula Valley; you just need to find the right winery! 

Are You Supposed to Tip When Wine Tasting?

While you are usually supposed to tip at a wine tasting, with Best Coast Tours, we take care of all the tastings and charcuterie costs. This way, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your experience without worrying about cost or tipping on the various wine-tasting flights included. We include wine tastings at three of the wineries we visit and charcuterie so that you can get the full wine-tasting experience during your tour. 

What Are the Oldest Wineries in Temecula?

Of course, wine has been made in the Temecula Valley all the way back to the Missions that dotted the landscape. These, of course, were not the same as the commercial vineyards we now see in Temecula. Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo are responsible for starting the oldest commercial vineyard in Temecula. This venture, originally founded in 1968 and producing its first bottle of wine in 1978, is now owned and operated by Maurice Carrie Winery. The oldest winery, however, beats out the Cilurzos by about four years, with Callaway Vineyard and Winery opening in 1974. Brookside Winery, operating outside of Temecula Valley, moved to the area around the same time, establishing itself as one of the older wineries in Temecula. 

How Do You Properly Go Wine Tasting?

If you’re interested in the minutia of how to go wine-tasting like a pro, check out our step-by-step blog. We cover everything you need to know, including the different types of wine, the various processes that make different wines, and how to properly sample wine. Of course, if you have questions during your tour, you can always ask our tour guides. They are happy to answer your questions and provide insight into the wine-tasting culture of Temecula Valley and what’s expected during a tasting. 

How Long Are Wine Tours in Temecula?

If you wanted to visit every winery in Temecula, you could spend an entire weekend just going to different tastings. However, to be manageable for the average person, our tour spans a full day. We visit four different wineries and have three tastings, with one winery stop set aside for their fantastic lunch menu. Trust us when we say you’ll get a great feel for the Temecula Valley wine scene with this wonderful tour.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

While any time is a great time to schedule a wine tour, you’re usually best served to visit in the summer months or during the fall. This not only gives you the best weather, but it also allows you to see the vineyards nearby in their full glory. While you can always visit a winery during the winter months, and you may run into fewer scheduling issues by doing this, seeing the vineyards in bloom and fruiting is a hard experience to pass up. Plus, who doesn’t want to see the harvest season first-hand at a California vineyard? 

Who Should Go Wine Tasting? 

While you may associate a certain age group with wine tastings, wine tastings are a great fit for everyone. Not only can friend groups have a great time at a wine tasting, but corporate parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and family get-togethers can be enhanced with a wine tasting. You can even bring children to a wine tasting, though they’ll likely stick to the charcuterie over the wine. With plenty of outdoor space and incredible ambiance, a wine-tasting tour will elevate your next event. 

Should You Eat Before Going Wine Tasting?

With our wine tours, you can expect charcuterie as well as a specific stop for lunch. However, eating something before you go on a wine tasting is always a good idea, as the goal is not to get overly intoxicated but to enjoy some good wine and good company. Eating a light lunch or small meal before a wine tasting is a great way to leave room for charcuterie and wine without putting yourself in the unfortunate position of drinking too much wine on an empty stomach. 

If you’re looking for an exceptional tour of some of the finest vineyards and wineries in Temecula Valley, check out our tour. Not only do we include customer pick-up and drop-off locations so that you can head out right from your hotel, but we also have comfortable climate-controlled transportation to easily travel from one winery to another. We also allow private reservations if you’re looking to host a private event. To find out more, check out our tours tab.