Happy three day weekend, friends!
I’ve been wanting to write this post forever. We love visiting Temecula Wine Country and it is such a popular destination for others as well. Since we have been coming here more often lately (and my husband actually commutes here for work everyday) we have become pretty familiar with the area. Here are some of our favorite wineries (for both groups of girls and for family outings) and more fun activities to do around town. I hope this is helpful if you are planning a girls weekend or wanting to visit Southern California’s Wine Country.
Must Visit Wineries
There are over 40 amazing wineries in Temecula! They are all so unique and I know figuring out which to visit can be overwhelming. To help narrow it down for you, I’ve listed my top five favorites!
Longshadow Ranch Vineyard & Winery
This is my favorite family-friendly winery. Longshadow Ranch has a very laid back and country atmosphere. The ranch not only has great wine and live entertainment, but it also offers carriage rides throughout the vineyards, horses, a petting zoo, and a playground. This is a great family fun destination for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
39847 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591 | website
Doffo Vineyard & Winery
Located in the stunning rolling hills of Temecula Valley, this family owned and operated winery is another great options for the whole family. The winery offers a variety of tours that display not only their vineyards and winery, but also The Doffo Family’s vintage motorcycle collection (there is an entire museum area!). Last time we were there they were selling homemade empanadas on the patio, yum! My husband loves this one 😉
36083 Summitville St, Temecula, CA 92592 | website
South Coast Winery
One of the biggest and most popular wineries in Temecula, complete with a resort and spa. The grounds are absolutely stunning and also feature an onsite bar and restaurant. Stop into their tasting room to enjoy their delicious wine while surrounded by rustic beamed ceilings and Tuscan décor.
34843 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591 | website
Akash Winery
The above pictures in this post were all taken at Akash Winery. This is a newer one in Temecula Wine Country, but definitely a must stop on any girls’ trip! It is decorated with Carrara marble, gold accents, and white walls… aka perfect for pictures. Plus, the bathroom is GOALS! Seriously, make sure to stop in there. The wine is excellent, the staff is friendly, and there is a big open patio with stunning views!
39730 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591 | website
Monte De Oro Winery
This is probably our most visited winery. I love all the open space, which means great for large groups or with your family. There is an open back patio area with stunning views, a fountain, and grass area for kids. The tasting room inside is over their barrel storage area and you can look down through the glass floor, so cool! They specialize in reds which are my preferred wines.
35820 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591 | website
*Be sure to look online for coupons such as 2-for-1 tastings before you visit! Sometimes those coupons will dictate which wineries you will want to try out!
Photo Credit Temecula Valley Winegrowers
Transportation
If you are looking for transportation around the vineyards, I highly recommend Grapeline Wine Tours. They were so much fun, on time, and the bus was so nice. When it’s not raining, the entire top comes down and it’s like a giant convertible. So fun! They offer private tour packages, shared tours, and group transportation all over Temecula Wine Country.
If you are visiting a few wineries on your own with a designated driver, they are all very close together. It takes maybe five minutes to drive from one to the next. Plus, almost all of them offer free parking!
More Things To Do In Temecula
Old Town Temecula – This is such a cute part of Temecula, full of small shops and restaurants. The storefronts, buildings, and sidewalks all resemble the Old West circa 1880s. This is the perfect area to grab some dinner or drinks.
Temecula Olive Oil Tasting – One of my favorites in Old Town. They actually host cooking demonstrations (pictured above) which are so fun with a group! Downstairs they offer olive oil tasting of their infused olive oils and you can pick up a bottle to bring home. They are a family owned and operated business with a commitment to only using their high quality olives grown on their ranch about 20 minutes away. Be sure to grab a bottle of their blood orange olive oil, it’s amazing in pancakes and brownies!
Spice & Tea Merchant – We went crazy over all the tea and spices here! The whole store is filled with rows upon rows of tea and spices, specifically over 350 spices and over 100 loose-leaf teas. They even sell the specific spice blends that many local restaurants use on their menus! Allow yourself plenty of time, you could easily spend over an hour smelling and sampling all of the options.
Pechanga – This local resort and casino is right down the street from the wineries. It’s a great place to end your day with a pool party, concert, or some gambling! There are some pretty big names in music and comedy that come through here, be sure to check their event schedule when planning your trip!
We had such a blast spending the day wine tasting and frolicking through Old Town Temecula. It really is a great destination for a girls trip or for a day trip with the family. Please let me know if you have any questions about a specific winery or need more recommendations.
Cheers!
All photos taken by my friend Maggie, check out her Instagram!