Temecula is considered Southern California's wine country. Many people might not think of Cali having a wine country south of Santa Barbara or even Napa, but boy are they wrong. Southern California is teaming with fertile vineyards and and world-class wineries. In only a few short years, Temecula has gone from a sleepy town to a hot/trendy wine destination.
Being in Southern California (SoCal), Temecula lies 22 miles east of the ocean, and is about equidistant from Los Angels and San Diego. Most of the wineries in the Temecula Valley can be found sprawling along the winding Rancho California Road, reached by car from our home in only five minutes. Temecula is now, much like Napa was before it became known around the world.
Another joy of the area is the proximity to excursions, all reached in just about 1.5 hours. From the surf and sun of San Diego, or charm and heat of Palm Springs, or bustle and shopping in Orange County, or culture and arts of Los Angeles - and then return to the sleepy community of Temecula as your retreat away from it all. Or stay closer still, and visit the Avocado Capital of the World, Fallbrook - only a 15 minute drive south - popular for the Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens and Farm. Or head north a short drive up to the Glen Ivy Hot Springs. It’s the type of place where you can spend a full afternoon lounging and sipping cocktails by the pool with friends. Admission grants visitors daylong access to the spa's facilities, from the red-clay outdoor mud baths to the many mineral tubs (if you can stand the stinky sulfur, you’ll experience skin-softening bliss) to the bone-dry sauna. Spa treatments, such as facials and massages add to the ultimate day soaking in all of SoCal's sunny relaxation.
In addition to wine tasting, and excursions to the surrounding areas, Temecula itself boasts some of the best weather in the world, most any time of year, so better plan some outdoor fun! Picnicking in the rolling hills or visit Old Town Temecula, the most popular tourist site in the Valley. The charming, bustling area of town will have you and your guests feeling like you are on the set of an old western: wooden boardwalks, vintage saloons, missions, and historic buildings for touring - still intact from the 1800s. Yet the modern-California flair has swept the town too, and you can find fantastic restaurants like Public House Gastropub, Baily's Fine Dining, Gourmet Italia, The Edge ultra-mod for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Another way to do it is to eat and drink your way through wine country. The restaurants range from fun to fine, and from undiscovered to critically acclaimed. Enjoy farm-to-table tapas at Meritage in Callaway or upscale Mediterranean with sweeping views at The Pinnacle of Falkner. Or if you enjoy golf, or just really good food overlooking the swanky greens of Temecula Creek Inn, as you step into Cork-Fire Kitchen for a flavorful experience!
Temecula has all of the amenities you could want or desire, yet is still isolated enough to feel like you have escaped the hustle and bustle of city life. Returning home each day, you will pass equestrian homes, possibly see hot air balloons dotting the sky, and likely recharge from all your activities with long afternoons by the pool - in a quiet setting and under the warm California sunshine. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful Temecula Valley!
