12 Mediterranean Grapes You Need to Know in Temecula Valley
Tuscany, Provence, Rioja… Temecula? How SoCal Became a Mediterranean Wine Paradise
Warm days, ocean breezes, and adventurous winemakers have transformed Temecula Valley into a hotspot for European grapes. Here are 12 you absolutely need to try.
You’ve heard the classics: Tuscany and Sangiovese. Provence and its Rosé. Rioja and Tempranillo. Mediterranean wine regions all have their signature grapes — and now Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is carving out its place on that list.
Thanks to a climate that could just as easily be mistaken for Southern Italy as Southern California, Temecula has become a natural home for Mediterranean wine grape varieties. Warm days, breezy evenings, cool mornings, and a spirit of experimentation among winemakers mean that these varieties not only grow here, they thrive.
The result? A lineup of wines that transports you straight to the Mediterranean, without the jet lag. Here’s an A to Z of 12 of our favorites that you need to know in Temecula Valley.
Arneis
Italy calls it the “little rascal,” but Temecula has tamed it into a crisp, lively white with pear, citrus, and almond notes. It’s like Pinot Grigio with a bit more oomph and a lot more texture.
Where to try it: BOTTAIA, Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Barbera
A Northern Italian red that’s all about juicy fruit and food-friendly charm. In Temecula, it brings vibrant acidity and structure but often a bit more body than its European counterparts. It’s equally at home as your new favorite pizza wine as it is your fireside contemplative sip.
Where to try it: BOTTAIA, Danza del Sol Winery, Peltzer Winery, Robert Renzoni Vineyards, Thornton Winery, Wiens Cellars, Wilson Creek Winery
Falanghina
This ancient white grape from Southern Italy finds a magical new life in Temecula. Expect citrus, tropical fruit, and a hint of flowers, not to mention mouth-watering freshness for days. And, Temecula Valley was the first to get this tough-to-pronounce but totally delicious grape recognized as a wine grape grown in the United States.
Where to try it: Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Grenache (a.k.a. Garnacha)
One of Spain and France’s most versatile grapes, Grenache is Temecula’s social butterfly — equally delicious on its own or in blends. Bright berries, spice, and endless drinkability.
Where to try it: Danza del Sol Winery, Leoness Cellars, Masia de la Vinya, Miramonte Winery, Raúl Ramírez, South Coast Winery
Mourvèdre (a.k.a. Monastrell)
Bold, earthy, and full of dark fruit, Mourvèdre proves Temecula can hang with any Rhône Ranger. It’s savory, structured, and perfect for slow-cooked dishes. It’s also a must for curling up with a blanket and some Netflix on a chilly evening.
Where to try it: Altísima Winery, Bolero at Europa Village, Masia de la Vinya, Raúl Ramírez
Montepulciano
From Italy’s Abruzzo region to SoCal, Montepulciano sings with juicy red fruit, spice, and refreshing acidity. A crowd-pleaser with pasta or grilled meats.
Where to try it: BOTTAIA, Chapin Family Vineyards, Vienza at Europa Village
Roussanne
This Rhône white is all about texture. In Temecula, Roussanne offers stone fruit, honeyed notes, and a silky mouthfeel — proof that whites can be just as complex as reds.
Where to try it: Peltzer Winery, Somerset Vineyard & Winery
Sangiovese
Tuscany’s flagship grape feels right at home in Temecula. Rich, full-bodied, and packed with ripe fruit, these wines often draw comparisons to some of the more serious and revered takes on this variety — minus the transatlantic flight.
Where to try it: Altísima Winery, BOTTAIA, Danza del Sol Winery, Mount Palomar Winery, Oak Mountain Winery, Robert Renzoni Vineyards, South Coast Winery, Vienza at Europa Village, Wiens Cellars
Syrah
Peppery, bold, and brimming with dark fruit, Temecula Syrah rivals some of the best Rhône bottlings. Built for both the cellar and the grill, it’s one of the Valley’s superstar reds.
Where to try it: Chapin Family Vineyards, Doffo Winery, Leoness Cellars, Lorenzi Estate Wines, Monte de Oro Winery, Oak Mountain Winery, Wiens Cellars
Tempranillo
Spain’s noble red thrives in Temecula’s warmth, delivering savory spice, red fruit, and silky tannins. Pair it with tapas or a sunset.
Where to try it: Altísima Winery, Danza del Sol Winery, Masia de la Vinya, Miramonte Winery, Oak Mountain Winery, Raúl Ramírez, Robert Renzoni Vineyards, Somerset Vineyard & Winery, Wiens Cellars
Vermentino
A seaside favorite from Sardinia and Corsica, and grown as a quaffable white in parts of central Italy, Vermentino thrives inland here with zesty citrus, peach, and a touch of minerality. Summer in a bottle, and plenty of acidity to wash down salty snacks and shellfish.
Where to try it: BOTTAIA, Danza del Sol Winery, Europa Village, Mount Palomar Winery, Robert Renzoni Vineyards, Wiens Cellars
Viognier
Perfumed, lush, and full-bodied, Viognier is one of Temecula’s signature whites. Expect apricot, honeysuckle, and a finish that lingers. This is a red wine drinker’s white.
Where to try it: Carter Estate Winery, Danza del Sol Winery, Doffo Winery, Leoness Cellars, Oak Mountain Winery, Robert Renzoni Vineyards, South Coast Winery
Temecula’s Mediterranean grapes aren’t trying to be Tuscany or the Rhône. They’re too busy being themselves. With the right climate, the right soil, and winemakers willing to take risks on varieties most Americans can’t even pronounce, this valley has become one of the most exciting places to drink Old World grapes in the New World.
So grab a glass of Falanghina, pour some Tempranillo, or try whatever sounds unfamiliar. The best way to understand why these grapes work here is to taste them for yourself.
