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Our Guide to Temecula’s Refreshing Rosés to Beat the Heat

These refreshing pink wines show off this Southern California region’s sunny personality, with bottles built for warm-weather dining, poolside sipping, and easy entertaining.

You slam your laptop shut for the weekend, and your backyard patio beckons you to invite some of the crew over for a few cold ones. And by “cold ones,” you’re envisioning perfectly chilled glasses of rosé or a frosty flute of bubbly.

Summer is the season for wines that know exactly what they are here to do: chill hard, taste great with grilled things, and make a Tuesday afternoon feel like a vacation. Few wines understand this assignment better than rosé. In Temecula Valley, where sunshine is less of a weather pattern than a lifestyle, rosé isn’t just a season. It’s one of the region’s most delicious expressions of the climate and that Southern California state of mind.

Temecula Valley rosé is bright, fruit-driven, versatile, and often made from the exciting Mediterranean and Rhône varieties that thrive here. Think Grenache, Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Primitivo, and more. Some are bone dry and pale pink, like classic Provençal sippers. Others have a touch of sweetness, spice, or snap, always balanced by freshness and crushability. Some even come with bubbles, because who doesn’t love a rosé with some fizz?

Here are some of our favorites to chill, pour, and drink all summer long, whether you’re pairing them with a backyard barbecue, an afternoon by the pool, or, you know, Tuesday.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards Lyric Rosé

Made from certified organically grown Syrah grapes from De Luz, this dry, Provence-style rosé is hand-harvested, gently pressed, and produced with minimal intervention. It is zippy and fresh, with notes of nectarine, wild strawberry, and lime, but still has enough fruit to keep things relaxed and summery. It is exactly the kind of wine you want poolside on a Saturday with grilled shrimp and avocado salad. Bonus: $2 from every bottle sold supports the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Price: $34

Oak Mountain Winery Dry Grenache Rosé

Oak Mountain’s dry Grenache rosé is light, bright, and built for hot days. Made from Temecula Valley Grenache, it shows fresh strawberry and cranberry notes with a smooth, slightly creamy texture and a crisp finish. Think grilled chicken, seafood, salads, light pasta, or a bowl of summer fruit.
Price: $34

Frangipani Estate Winery Rosé

Frangipani’s rosé blends Sangiovese, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, with 24 hours of skin contact giving the wine its deeper purple-pink hue. Semi-sweet in style, it brings ripe watermelon, cranberry, and raspberry flavors, making it a good match for grilled chicken or spice-seared dishes.
Price: $28

Ultimate Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé

Ultimate Vineyards is one of the few wineries in Temecula Valley growing and producing Pinot Noir, and this dry rosé shows a softer, easygoing side of the grape. Smooth, refreshing, and made for pool-party season, it is a natural fit with the winery’s famous sourdough brie bread.

Ultimate Vineyards Mélange de Saignée

This saignée-style rosé offers wild strawberry, sweet cherry, and a hint of lime, with a refreshing balance of red fruit and sweetness that finishes dry. It is a crowd-friendly option for anyone who wants a rosé with a little extra fruit and charm.
Price: $28

Fazeli Cellars Ruby Rosé

Created in honor of Miss Ruby Rose, the first Fazeli grandchild, this estate Grenache rosé is dry, crisp, and Provence-inspired. Expect bright acidity with hints of strawberry, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. It is fresh and celebratory without trying too hard, and pairs beautifully with salmon, halibut or chicken in a creamy sauce.
Price: $35

Truffle Pig Winery Rosé of Barbera

This Temecula Valley Barbera rosé is direct-pressed and fermented in concrete to preserve its fresh fruit character. The result is bright, crisp, and very refreshing, with guava and ruby grapefruit notes and very little sweetness. Pour it by the pool or pair it with grilled shrimp salad with goat cheese and candied pecans.
Price: $34

Wilson Creek Winery Rosé of Grenache

Made entirely from Grenache and fermented in stainless steel, Wilson Creek’s rosé is all about lift, clarity, and sunshine. It bursts with prickly pear, strawberry, and melon, with just enough sweetness to make it feel playful. Pair it with watermelon and feta salad, shrimp ceviche, goat cheese salad with berries, or a summery pasta salad.
Price: $34

Longshadow Ranch Winery Butero Rosé

Named for the Italian word for cowboy, Longshadow’s Butero rosé is made from estate Sangiovese grown hillside on the ranch. Lightly sweet with notes of strawberry and hibiscus, it is a charming nod to both Italian wine tradition and Temecula ranch life.

Price: $39

Europa Village C’est La Vie Cabernet Franc Rosé

This dry, floral rosé blends 76% Cabernet Franc with 24% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Chatterjee and Ramirez vineyards. It is light and refreshing, but with more depth than your average porch-pounder, showing strawberry, white pepper, and a longer finish. Europa suggests pairing it with a wine country salad with walnuts, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.
Price: $46

Danza del Sol Winery Solana Rosé

A blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, Solana Rosé is medium-light in body and bone-dry, with structure from Cabernet Sauvignon and soft red fruit from Malbec. Stainless steel fermentation keeps it fresh and food-friendly. Pair it with grilled shrimp, ceviche, charcuterie, watermelon feta salad, or chicken pesto flatbread.
Price: $39

Callaway Vineyard & Winery Special Selection Rosé Soleil

Callaway’s Rosé Soleil blends Cinsault, Grenache, Malbec, Zinfandel, and Mourvèdre, aged five months in stainless steel. Delicate aromas of strawberry and rose petal lead into a crisp, juicy palate with cherry blossom notes. Crafted in both Provence and saignée styles, this is an elegant but lively rosé that pairs especially well with chorizo and potato tacos from Meritage at Callaway.
Price: $35

Baily Family Vineyards Grandol Rosé

Baily’s Grandol Rosé pays homage to Bandol, the Rhône-adjacent Provençal appellation famous for Mourvèdre-based rosé. Made from 80% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache, this estate-bottled Temecula Valley rosé is dry, light salmon in color and beautifully suited to summer. Expect aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and jasmine, followed by a crisp, refreshing palate, and a clean, lingering finish. Serve it well-chilled on a lazy summer afternoon with an iceberg lettuce salad topped with shrimp or crab.
Price: $35

Leoness Cellars Cellar Series Dry Rosé

Made from Grenache and Syrah, this dry rosé is clean, bright and zippy, with fresh red fruit and a crisp profile. Leoness suggests pairing it with Dungeness crab cake, its signature Caesar salad or a simple crab toast, which honestly sounds like the kind of summer lunch we should all be having.
Price: $32

Wiens Cellars Pink Crowded

A blend of Malbec, Muscat, and Barbera, Pink Crowded is light, floral and fruity, with watermelon, strawberry, and a touch of sweetness on the finish. This is your patio, poolside, party rosé — easy, cheerful, and built for warm weather. Pair it with grilled shrimp tacos, baked brie, herb-roasted chicken, or a strawberry and goat cheese salad.
Price: $30

Wiens Cellars Rosé of Malbec

Made primarily from Waxman Vineyard Malbec with a splash of Waxman Muscat, this rosé offers raspberry, ripe strawberry, rose petal and Meyer lemon, finishing crisp and clean. It is bright, easy-drinking and made for sunny days, with pairing ideas ranging from light seafood and Margherita pizza to buttered popcorn.
Price: $28

Wiens Cellars Dulce Rosé

For those who like their summer rosé a little sweeter, Dulce Rosé blends Malbec, Muscat, Zinfandel, and Viognier. Stainless steel aging preserves its fruit-forward character, while notes of strawberry, melon, rose petals, berries, and tropical fruit make it an especially good match for spicy Thai, Indian, or Mexican dishes.
Price: $27

Cougar Vineyard & Winery Rosa del Vignato

Cougar’s Rosa del Vignato is made from 100% estate Primitivo and carbonated in bright tank for an Italian frizzante-style sparkle. Dry, lightly bubbly, and refreshing, it works beautifully as a palate cleanser but still has enough fruit to handle cheese boards, fruit plates, and spicy Thai food. It is the kind of wine that feels tailor-made for the end of a hot Temecula day.
Price: $26

50+ Reasons to Celebrate Memorial Day in Temecula Wine Country

Memorial Day Weekend is more than just a long weekend; it’s the unofficial start of summer in Temecula Valley Wine Country! From Thursday evening through Monday afternoon, the vines are lush, the patios are open, and nearly every winery in the valley will have live music. Here’s how to make the most of all four days.

Friday, May 22: The Summer Season Starts Here

Kick things off with a proper celebration. Frangipani Estate Winery is hosting a May Wine & Food Pairing Dinner (6:30–9:30pm), a beautiful way to ease into the long weekend with intention. If you’d rather start the evening on a lighter note, Europa Village Wineries & Resort is hosting their In the Loop Self-Care Sunsets Health and Wellness Market from 4:30–9pm, a uniquely relaxed take on a Friday night out.

For those who want the full festive Friday experience, Churon Inn Winery has live music with Diego Mondragon from 4–7pm, and over at Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard, The Cheez Whiz Band takes the stage from 5–8pm. Think high energy, great wine, and the perfect way to dance your way into the holiday weekend. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, Vitagliano Winery is hosting Line Dancing from 6–9pm, a Friday night tradition that’s always worth showing up for. And for something truly memorable, Miramonte Winery closes out the evening with their Cash, Killer & The King tribute show at 7pm. Johnny Cash, The Killers, and Elvis all in one night? That’s a summer opener.

Saturday, May 23: Full Weekend Mode

Start the morning with movement at Akash Winery, where Yoga in the Vineyard begins at 9am and ends at 10 am with your first glass of wine.

Grab a bite to eat at Halter Ranch Temecula at their Neza Eats pop-up from noon to 5pm. On the other end of wine country, head to Raul Ramirez Bodegas y Vinedos for a special performance by Kole Weber from 2 to 5pm.

Wiens Family Cellars brings the afternoon crowd in with Travis Guilliams on stage from 1:30–5:30pm, and South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is going full fiesta with their Tacos & Tempranillo event from 1–7pm. 

This weekend, Peltzer Farm & Winery is the host location for Beach Country Fest, a music and entertainment event featuring Whey Jennings, Dani Rose, a DJ, and a line dance competition, with 100% of proceeds benefiting homeless veterans. It’s a great reason to make Peltzer a stop this weekend!

Oak Mountain Winery is leaning into the holiday with lawn games, BBQ, and Summer Sangria Flights across the full holiday weekend; the kind of easy, festive afternoon that Memorial Day was made for.

Saturday night belongs to Thornton Winery, where Grammy-winning artist Richard Marx will take the stage for the Champagne Jazz Series. Plan ahead and get your tickets early! This is going to be a big show.

Sunday, May 24: Savoring the Weekend

There are no Sunday scaries on a three-day weekend! Enjoy scenic views and music on the lawn with Apryle Dalmacio at Altisima Winery. Just down the road, Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery has Jason Weber performing on the Mama Rosa’s Trattoria Patio from 1–5pm, where Italian-inspired food and estate wines make for the perfect lunch stop.

Fazeli Cellars is keeping the holiday energy going strong with extended hours and Tori Green performing live from 1:30–5:30pm. Cougar Vineyard & Winery offers an intimate afternoon with Jesus Leonardo on stage from 2–5pm, and Somerset Vineyard & Winery wraps up the day beautifully with John Demps performing live from 2–5pm.

Monday, May 25: The Bonus Day

Don’t pack up the cooler just yet. Baily Vineyard & Winery is open all four days of the holiday weekend, and there’s something especially fitting about spending a slow, sunny Memorial Day afternoon at one of the valley’s most welcoming and peaceful spots. 

Linger a little longer before heading home. Doffo Winery is open Memorial Day, with The Brunch House welcoming guests for one last brunch before the drive back home.

In the spirit of the holiday, Leoness Cellars is honoring veterans with a meaningful offer: 2-for-1 wine and 10% off for veterans on Memorial Day. 

Whether you’re planning the full four-day circuit or picking a day and committing, we’ll see you in the tasting room! View the full event lineup at temeculawines.org/events.

How to Celebrate Mom in Style, the Temecula Wine Country Way

Mom deserves the full wine country experience! This year, bring her somewhere with vineyard views, estate sparkling wine, and experiences that go above and beyond. 

Whether she’s the type to bliss out in a yoga session among the vines, spend an evening watching movies with the family, or sip and craft her way through a candle-making workshop, Temecula Valley wine country has something that will make her feel genuinely celebrated.

Here’s what’s happening across the valley, and what to book before her weekend fills up!

If She Wants the Full Brunch Spread

Some of our wineries are pulling out all the stops this year with lavish buffets that go well beyond eggs and bacon.

Falkner Winery | Champagne Brunch May 10 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Consistently one of the most ambitious spreads in the valley. With prime rib and rack of lamb carving stations, a raw bar, omelet station, seafood paella, and a chocolate fountain dessert bar. Learn more here.

Thornton Winery | Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet May 10 | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Waffle station, prime rib and pork ribs, crab legs, poke, pan-roasted salmon, and sparkling wine included. Learn more here.

Wilson Creek Winery | Champagne Ballroom Brunch May 10 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. A full buffet inside the Champagne Ballroom with live music and unlimited sparkling wine. Learn more here.

Doffo Winery | Bubbles & Brunch Buffet May 10 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1–3 p.m. Their inaugural Mother’s Day celebration, partnering with The Brunch House for a made-to-order omelet station, tri-tip with chimichurri, and a Bubble Bar with one complimentary glass of Sparkling Paulina or Martinelli’s per guest. Learn more here.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa | Courtyard Buffet May 10 | 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Fresh pastries and seasonal fruit to carving stations and decadent desserts, a beautiful setting to gather and celebrate. Learn more here.

Oak Mountain Winery | Mother’s Day Tea Party Brunch May 10 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Bottomless brunch and two hours of bottomless mimosas in the Vine Terrace. Learn more here.

Monte de Oro | Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet May 10 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Unlimited mimosas, live music, and one of the sweeter touches in the valley: every mom in your group leaves with a bottle of Monte de Oro wine. Learn more here.

Europa Village | Brunch at Vienza May 10 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. A buffet in the Giardino del Cielo and Tuscany Ballroom, with sparkling wine, coffee, or juice included. Learn more here.

If She Wants Something a Little More Intimate

Some moms just want a beautiful setting, thoughtful food, good company, and a good pour.

Altisima Winery | Mother’s Day Brunch in the Olive Grove May 10 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (last seating 1 p.m.) Outdoor, unhurried, and genuinely lovely. Learn more here.

Masia de la Vinya | Brunch with Chef Moore May 10 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. One glass of wine paired with a brunch prepared by the winery’s chef. Learn more here.

Leoness Cellars | A Toast to Mom Brunch May 10 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Brunch service, vineyard views, and two specialty cocktails created just for the occasion: a Mother’s Day Mimosa with sparkling wine and strawberry lemonade, and a Sangria made with Melange De Ete, strawberry, and watermelon puree. Learn more here.

Miramonte Winery | Mother’s Day Brunch May 10 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. The veranda opens up for brunch with live acoustic music from Lex Borja. Details Here

If She Loves Doing a Fun Activity

Some of the most memorable Mother’s Day options this year aren’t brunches at all.

Akash Winery | Morning Yoga & Candle Workshop May 10 | Yoga 9–10 a.m. | Candle Workshop 12–2 p.m. Two back-to-back experiences, worth planning your day around. Start with a gentle yoga session on the vineyard patio, then spend the afternoon with Kalana Perfumery pouring a custom botanical candle, sparkling wine in hand the whole time. Event info here.

Europa Village | Mother’s Day Paint & Sip May 6 | 6–8 p.m. A self-led painting and craft experience for a fun pre-Mother’s Day outing. Book Here

Frangipani Estate Winery May 10 | 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Live music, a mimosa flight, lunch, and a DIY spa bar from Jimenez Sisters Ranch featuring natural goat’s milk soaps, lotions, and candles. Reservations required by May 5th! Information here.

If the Kids Are Coming Too

Wine country and kids can absolutely coexist, especially at these spots.

Baily Vineyard & Winery | Free Mother’s Day Tastings May 9 & 10 | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free tastings for moms, paired with caprese skewers, a winery tour, and discounted bottles. Details Here

Peltzer Farm & Winery | Mother’s Day at the Crush House May 10th Specialty drinks, complimentary mini bouquets for the first 75 moms, kids’ crafts, and brunch bites. Event Calendar Here

Miramonte Winery | Family Movie Night May 8 | 7:30–9 p.m. Star Wars on the big screen, complimentary popcorn, and hot cocoa for kids 12 and under. A great way to kick off the weekend. Book Here

A Few More Worth Knowing About

Ponte Vineyard Inn | Mother’s Day Brunch at Bouquet Restaurant May 10 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Made-to-order omelets, a chef-attended carving station, a kids’ station, and bottomless mimosas. Details Here

Longshadow Ranch | Mother’s Day Music & Lunch May 10 | 12–4:30 p.m. Mexican food, live music from 1–4 p.m., and estate wines and craft beers. A low-key option if she’d rather skip the fuss. Event calendar here.

Danza del Sol | Charcuterie Brunch with Grazing Theory May 9 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. A grazing-style experience rather than a traditional sit-down. Details Here

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How to Plan Your Day

Be sure to make reservations, several wineries are already noting limited seating. If you’re eyeing Falkner, Thornton, Wilson Creek, or Altisima in particular, don’t wait!

Many wineries offer wine club member pricing, so this might be a good excuse to join a club. We promise, the wine benefits alone are worth it!

For a full list of events across all member wineries, visit temeculawines.org/events

How to Celebrate Earth Day in Temecula Wine Country

Wine is a product of the earth, and the winegrowers of Temecula take that seriously. Healthy soil, thoughtful farming, and a genuine commitment to the land aren’t just talking points out here; they’re the way a lot of our wineries have chosen to do business.

If you’re the kind of person who wants to understand what’s actually in your glass and how it got there, we’ve got some experiences worth planning your trip around.

Ride Through a Living Vineyard at Wilson Creek

Wilson Creek’s Regenerative Agriculture Tractor Tour is one of those only-here experiences. You’ll hop on a guided tractor ride through their regenerative vineyard blocks, with five wine tastings poured right out in the vines. Along the way, keep an eye out for the sheep doing their job as natural cover crop managers, and the hawks and barn owls keeping the rodent population in check. It’s a working ecosystem, and you’ll taste the difference!

Sip Certified Organic, Sustainable Wines

Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing isn’t a vibe; it’s a third-party-verified certification that requires wineries and vineyards to meet over 200 best practices across farming, water use, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and land stewardship. An annual audit is required to keep it. It’s one of the more rigorous sustainability certifications in the industry, and five Temecula wineries have earned it: BOTTAIA, Carter Estate, Ponte Winery, Robert Renzoni, and South Coast Winery.

BOTTAIA is a good example of what that commitment looks like in practice. Certified since 2018, they farm with compost, install owl nesting boxes for natural pest control, and practice responsible watering, plowing, and harvesting. As they put it, every experience at the winery is part of a bigger commitment: crafting exceptional wine while caring for the land. That’s not marketing copy, it’s a standard they’re audited against every year.

When you’re choosing where to spend your afternoon, that’s all worth factoring in.

Get Into the Details with a Winemaker

Sustainable farming is one half of the story. The other half is the person who takes what the land produces and decides what to do with it. Fortunately, a few of our winemakers are more than willing to walk you through that part! Here are a few standout experiences:

Baily Winery offers vertical tastings that let you walk through multiple vintages of the same wine, you’ll hear the vintage story and see how the wine has evolved in the bottle. Altisima Winery’s Meet the Winemaker experiences go deep on technique and terroir. And Doffo’s Wine Tasting Masterclass with Marcelo is exactly what it sounds like: an hour-plus deep dive with one of the region’s most respected winemakers.

These experiences book fast! Check each winery’s website for current availability.

A Fully Personalized Tasting, on Your Terms

Want to go even deeper? Beyond the Sip designs personalized wine experiences that answer any questions you have about Temecula wine and will build a full tasting around them! Betty is a Temecula local who really knows the region and the wines made here. It’s a different model than just showing up to the tasting room, and a great option for a special occasion or a group that wants something more curated.

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Head to temeculawines.org/events for a full look at what’s happening across the valley and plan your next visit.

How Temecula Valley Is Cultivating a More Sustainable Future

Across the region, wineries are embracing thoughtful farming practices, from cover crops and soil health to water stewardship and biodiversity, that are helping the Temecula Valley thrive.

Spring is one of the prettiest times of year in Temecula Valley wine country. The vines are waking up with bud burst, wisteria blooms, winery patios come alive, and everything has a distinct, almost buzzy energy as the season gets underway.

But look a little bit closer, and something else is flourishing in The Valley: a deepening commitment to sustainability.

The word can sometimes read a little bit dry on the page, but in Temecula, it’s actually pretty exciting in real life: it looks like healthier soils, smarter water use, cover crops between the vines, and increased biodiversity in the vineyard. It also looks like a culture of stewardship—one that supports the people who farm this land, the businesses rooted here, and the long-term viability of the community around them. It’s about growers thinking not just about this vintage, but vintages still to come.

Across the region, wineries are embracing more environmentally conscious farming and winemaking practices that help protect the land, support vineyard health, and strengthen Temecula Valley’s future as a vibrant winegrowing region. It is serious work, yes. But it is also part of what makes this place such a dynamic and important California winegrowing region.

A Region Thinking Long-Term

At its heart, sustainability is about taking the long view. In wine, that can mean everything from reducing inputs and conserving water to improving soil health, encouraging biodiversity, and making thoughtful operational choices beyond the vineyard. In Temecula Valley, many wineries have been committed to this work for years, and that momentum continues to build.

Ponte Winery, for example, was the first winery in Temecula Valley to earn Certified California Sustainable status in 2011. Their approach includes reduced tillage, native cover crops, and allowing soils time to rest before replanting—all practices that support the long-term health of the vineyard. They have also maintained recycling efforts throughout their operations, underscoring that sustainability is not just about farming but about how a winery functions as a whole.

Other local wineries have made similar commitments. South Coast Winery and Carter Estate Winery have both earned Certified California Sustainable recognition, with a strong emphasis on responsible vineyard management and resource conservation. More than 100 acres of vineyards rely on water sourced from the estate reservoir. In a warm Mediterranean climate like Temecula Valley, that kind of care matters. Water stewardship in particular is not just a nice idea here; it’s essential.

Healthy Vineyards Start from the Ground Up

So much of the sustainability conversation begins with the soil, and for good reason. Healthy soils support healthier vines, better balance in the vineyard, and greater resilience over time.

That philosophy is central at Robert Renzoni Vineyards, which became certified sustainable in 2023 and was the first fully solar-powered winery in the region. Here, sustainability efforts include compost use, cover crops, rainwater collection, and a focused approach to soil health, reflecting a broader understanding that sustainability isn’t separate from making their consistently top-scoring wines. It is foundational to it.

Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery has long taken a similarly holistic approach. As one of the earlier participants in the California sustainable winegrowing movement, the winery has emphasized that sustainability is not simply an environmental checklist. It’s also about being socially responsible and economically sound—a model that actively goes beyond the vineyard to support the community that surrounds it. As owner-winemaker Nick Palumbo notes, that mindset is deeply personal for a family that lives on the property, raised their children there, and sees being good stewards of the land—and good neighbors—as part of the job.

The Owls of Wilson Creek

And then there is Wilson Creek, which has one of the most charming—and rigorous—sustainability stories in the region.

One of the winery’s resident barn owls, Hoot, is currently sitting on eggs inside a vineyard owl box. At the same time, her partner, Holler, comes and goes under the cover of darkness, hunting vineyard pests and keeping watch over the property. The winery has actually set up a livestream so viewers can follow along in real time as the eggs hatch and the young owls eventually leave the nest.

It is the kind of story people naturally love because, well, baby owls. But it also offers a surprisingly vivid window into what thoughtful farming can look like. These owls are part of the vineyard ecosystem and play an important role in natural pest management, one piece of Wilson Creek’s broader regenerative farming efforts. It is a reminder that the healthiest vineyards are not just planted and maintained; they are alive, interconnected places where farming and ecology can support one another.

Beyond Sustainability

Wilson Creek has been especially focused on regenerative agriculture thanks to the efforts of vineyard manager Greg Pennyroyal, who has long served as a thought leader in the space. If sustainability is about minimizing harm, regenerative farming is about actively improving the health of the land.

That work includes soil health assessments, beneficial insects, flowering plants that support biodiversity, and careful monitoring of how these systems function over time. At Wilson Creek, that monitoring also includes plant sap analysis and vineyard pest tracking, helping connect regenerative farming not just to philosophy, but to measurable results. It is detailed, hands-on work, but the goal is simple enough: create vineyards that are more resilient, more balanced, and better equipped for the future. Quality wine naturally follows.

It’s an ethos that feels very much in line with where Temecula Valley is headed as a region. This is not a place content to simply keep up. It’s a region willing to innovate, adapt, and lead.

Why It Matters to Visitors, Too

For consumers, sustainability can sometimes feel like a buzzword… until you see it up close.

In Temecula Valley, visitors are in a unique position to connect the dots. You can taste wines grown in vineyards farmed with care, but you can also experience the landscape itself: the cover crops, the wildlife, the sense of life in and around the vines. You can feel that this is a region not just producing wine, but actively investing in its future.

All of this adds something meaningful to the experience of visiting wine country. It’s not just about what’s in the glass, though, of course, that matters. It’s about understanding the choices behind it as well.

Great wines begin long before the bottle hits your table. They begin in the soil, in the farming, in the careful use of resources, and in the hearts of the region’s stewards, who believe that winegrowing should leave a place stronger, not depleted.

Raising a Glass to What’s Ahead

Earth Month is a natural moment to celebrate this kind of work, but Temecula Valley’s sustainability story is not limited to one season. It is ongoing, evolving, and increasingly woven into the identity of this exciting Southern California region.

Discover Earth Month events here: https://www.temeculawines.org/events

Easter Brunch in Temecula Wine Country: Where to Celebrate

Easter Sunday in Temecula wine country means one thing: a really good excuse to enjoy brunch with a view. Whether you’re looking for a lavish buffet, a family-friendly egg hunt, or bottomless mimosas on a vineyard patio, the valley has you covered. Here’s where to celebrate this year.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery: Easter Brunch at Meritage

Seasonal dishes, vineyard views, and a glass of something bubbly to toast the holiday. Reservations recommended: (951) 587-8889 | meritage@callawaywinery.com

Cougar Winery: Easter Brunch

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Easter brunch with a view. Choose your seating preference in their upper pario adirondacks, patio, picnic area, lower Adirondacks, or indoor dining room, and enjoy a special brunch menu alongside Osteria’s regular menu.

Europa Village: Sunrise Service + Easter Brunch

6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Start the morning with an inspirational Sunrise Service in the Piazza at Vienza with Pastor Charles Graham, followed by pastries, coffee, and hot chocolate.

10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Then settle in for Easter Brunch at Bolero Restaurante. Reservations are highly recommended: 📞 951.414.3802

Falkner Winery: Champagne Easter Brunch

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Easter brunch starts with a glass of Champagne or a mimosa. Then choose from a wide assortment of brunch items, like Miso-Marinated Salmon and Blueberry Waffles. Make reservations by calling: 📞 (951) 676-8231, Option 4

Maurice Car’rie Winery: Easter Eggstravaganza

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free kids’ Easter egg hunt, a visit from the Easter Bunny, live music, and drink and food specials. Be sure to reserve your spot for the easter egg hunt at www.ultimatevineyards.com

Miramonte Winery: Easter Brunch with Caylie Gregorio

11:00am to 2:00pm (Brunch) | 12:00pm to 4:00pm (Live Music) American Idol alum Caylie Gregorio performs live while you brunch. Mimosas, cold brew, and specialty Easter cocktails are all on the menu.

Ponte Winery: Easter Brunch

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Brunch, bubbles, bottomless mimosas, and breathtaking vineyard views. Be sure to make your reservations early; space is limited.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa: Easter Brunch

Enjoy either an à la carte brunch at The Vineyard Rose (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or an Easter Buffet in the Courtyard (10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) Make your reservations by calling: 📞 888-362-4879

Thornton Winery: Easter Buffet

11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thornton does Easter right with a massive buffet spread, their trademark sparkling wine, live music from Jimmy Hewitt, and Trixi the Clown on-site for face painting and balloon art.

The Cave at Oak Mountain: Easter Brunch & Garden Party

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Enjoy two hours of unlimited mimosas, live music, delicious food, and an Easter egg hunt. Make your resernations at: 📞 951-699-9102 info@oakmountainwinery.com or through OpenTable

Wilson Creek Winery: Easter Brunch

11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Brunch buffet will include sparkling wines, coffee, iced tea, and lemonade. Purchase tickets in advance.

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Looking for more wine country dining experiences? Check out our restaurant listings here: https://www.temeculawines.org/wineries/restaurants/

The Perfect Girls’ Getaway to Temecula Wine Country

Some trips are planned months in advance. Others come together over a group chat and a “who’s free next weekend?” We think Temecula deserves both kinds. Whether you’ve been dreaming about this one or you’re winging it, here’s your blueprint for a girls’ trip that covers all the bases: great food, incredible wine, live music, dancing, and a little self-care to send you home feeling like a new person.

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Friday: Set the Right Tone

Lunch at Robert Renzoni’s Mama Rosa’s Trattoria

Start the weekend the way every good girls’ trip should: with food you can share as you catch up on the tea. Mama Rosa’s at Robert Renzoni Vineyards is the kind of place where the portions are made for sharing, so order generously and try it all. The Eggplant Parmigiana Shoots are non-negotiable. Fried eggplant parmigiana with homemade bleu cheese and marinara sauce? Trust us, just get them.

After lunch, step into the tasting room to sample wines made by the Renzoni team led by Olivia Bue, one of Temecula’s most talented winemakers. In a region with a growing legacy of women shaping the industry, Olivia is a name worth knowing, and her wines are even better than her story. March is Women’s History Month, and raising a glass poured by one of Temecula’s finest female winemakers feels like exactly the right way to kick things off.

Wine Tasting at Wiens Family Cellars

If anyone in your group is a Real Housewives of OC fan, prepare for some serious squealing. Wiens Family Cellars appeared in Season 19 when the ladies vacationed in Temecula Wine Country. Beyond their reality-show bragging rights, Wiens delivers a genuinely excellent tasting experience in one of the valley’s most welcoming tasting rooms. We highly recommend their cellar tasting for a behind-the-scenes look into how the wine gets made. 

Line Dancing at Vitagliano Winery

Friday nights at Vitagliano Winery mean one thing: line dancing! No experience necessary, just a willingness to have a great time. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s open to all ages. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere every Friday night.

Nightcap at The Cellar at Ponte Vineyard Inn

When the dancing winds down, and someone inevitably says “just one more,” The Cellar at Ponte Vineyard Inn is your answer. Open late, cozy vibes, food if you’re hungry, and exactly what the end of a great Friday night should feel like.

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Saturday: The Full Day

Breakfast at Mercato Vienza at Europa Village

Saturday starts at Europa Village’s Mercato Vienza, a charming European-inspired breakfast spot that feels like a mini vacation within your vacation. Ease into the morning and fuel your day here before heading out to explore.

Akash Winery

Akash Winery is one of those places with positive energy and phenomenal views. Their weekend schedule changes often – there might be yoga on the lawn, soul music, a DJ, or an art class. Better yet, their wines are just as approachable as their tasting room. Check their calendar before you go so you can plan around whatever fun activity catches your eye.

Happy Hour at Falkner Winery

Falkner Winery‘s Pinnacle Restaurant has one of the best views in the valley, and their weekend happy hour is a genuinely good deal. If you haven’t been, add it to the list. If you have been, you already know this is a gem!

Evening Show at Miramonte Winery

Wrap up Saturday night with live entertainment at Miramonte. Their event lineup tends to be eclectic and well-curated. Check their calendar to see who’s playing during your visit.

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Sunday: Self-Care Sunday

Brunch + Spa at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

You’ve earned this one. Sunday is for slowing down at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, where you can start with weekend brunch at The Vineyard Rose, sparkling wine very much included, and follow it up with treatments at the Grapeseed Spa. It’s the kind of morning that makes heading home feel almost bearable.

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Temecula wine country has a way of surprising people, even those who’ve visited before. A weekend like this one reminds you that the valley isn’t just a day trip destination. It’s a place worth building memories in. So pack a bag, rally the group chat, and make it happen!

Looking for a place to stay? Find our lodging partners HERE.

Five of The Unstoppable Women of Temecula Valley Wine Country

Temecula Valley’s story isn’t just told through vistas and grape varieties. It’s built, sustained, and advanced by the people who do the daily work of making wine country such a singular place. The women featured here represent different parts of the ecosystem: winemaking, ownership, distribution, operations, and the front lines of hospitality. What connects them isn’t a single job title. It’s the way they lead — through steadiness, care, ambition, empathy, and resilience.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” surfaces in their responses in ways that lean more sincere than slogan: opening doors for colleagues, investing in teams, holding a long vision through uncertainty, and refusing to confuse kindness with weakness.

Across these stories, “giving” isn’t about self-erasure. It’s about building something bigger than yourself — and gaining confidence, clarity, and community in return.

Meet a few of the women shaping Temecula Valley wine country right now.

Aspen Mosby, Wine Club Coordinator, Altisima Winery

In a role where emotions can run high and expectations can spike fast, Aspen Mosby leads with composure and intention, and has the kind of steadiness that protects both guests and team culture. She describes a moment that would shake anyone: “When a member has yelled at me, there have been moments I’ve felt defeated.” Instead of reacting, she focuses on de-escalation and dignity. “What helps is pausing, actively listening, and making sure they feel heard instead of reacting emotionally.” She also credits support from her manager: “My manager, Sharon, also helps to ground and refocus me.”

Aspen is most proud of work that’s designed to be invisible: preparation, systems, and the unglamorous details that make a day feel seamless. “I’m most proud of my organization and preparation. Making sure everything is set up for the day saves time, reduces stress, and helps the team run more smoothly — even if it’s not always visible.”

Her perspective on strength is clear and modern. “You can be hospitable, efficient, and still remain humble and kind,” she says. “You don’t have to be harsh to be strong.” And her message to other women lands with the kind of simplicity you can build a whole month around: “I want women to know that you can be kind and still be powerful.” For Aspen, “Give to Gain” is about the real returns of showing up well for others: “When you give your time, support, and kindness to others, you gain growth, trust, and stronger relationships in return.”

Olivia Bue, Winemaker, Robert Renzoni Vineyards; Director of Winemaking & Co-owner, Truffle Pig Winery

Olivia Bue’s answers carry the imprint of someone building in multiple directions at once — career, family, and a long-term winemaking vision. She points to a season after her second child as one of the most challenging of her life. “Balancing a toddler, a newborn, a growing, high-performing winery stretched me in ways I never anticipated,” she says. “It was mentally exhausting, a heck of a lot of mom guilt, and there were moments I questioned whether I could continue at the level I expected of myself.”

What kept her going wasn’t a neat solution. “What kept me going was my sense of purpose,” she explains. “I had invested too much heart into my work, and I wasn’t going to let exhaustion take that from me. Bringing my kids to work with me, watching their excitement through the years as they come ‘help’ me work during harvest season, fuels me still to this day. I want them to grow up remembering a mom who built something meaningful, pushed through the challenging moments in life, and made it to the other side.”

She describes this as a pivotal perspective shift that had a major impact on her outlook: “Ultimately, that moment in life reshaped me, strengthened my resilience and gave me a deeper outlook and sense of pride as both a mother and a leader.”

Olivia is also proud of a less obvious part of winemaking: the moment the tasting room becomes a true extension of the cellar — when the team understands not just what a wine tastes like, but why it exists. “One of the parts of my job I’m most proud of, that people don’t always see, is when the tasting room team truly connects with a wine I’ve made,” she says. “That full circle moment means everything and it tells me the wine is doing what it’s meant to do.”

Her message to women is urgent in the best way — don’t wait for “someday.” “I want women to know that there’s no better time to pursue your career than now,” she says. “It won’t magically get easier if you wait. Build it while you’re in it. Live in the moment and make it happen.” And her “Give to Gain” is framed like a winemaker would frame it: the return comes from what you invest over time. “The more I pour into what matters most, the more I grow and the more purposeful my life becomes,” she says. “Whether it’s nurturing in the vineyard long before harvest or investing in the people who help bring our vision to life, the return always comes back stronger.”

Cassidy Wilson, Director of Distribution, Wilson Creek Winery

Cassidy Wilson’s leadership story is rooted in pressure — and what it means to keep showing up when everything feels unstable. She points to March 2020 as a moment that tested her sense of purpose. “I was working for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in grocery stores throughout Los Angeles, and it was complete chaos,” she recalls. “We shifted to overnight schedules so we could stock shelves while stores were closed, and, at the same time, the city was experiencing protests and uncertainty. There were moments when I questioned why we were considered ‘frontline workers’ and whether I was truly making an impact.”

What brought her through was community and her team. “We leaned on each other through long nights, unpredictable demand, and constant change.” It changed the way she defined leadership: “It stopped being about individual brands or personal wins and became about showing up for one another and serving our communities.”

Now, she’s proud of the long, dedicated work behind relationships and growth — the years of trust that sit beneath any one big moment. “People often see the finished product … but they do not always see the years of trust, communication, and problem-solving that go into it.” As part of a family business, she carries the dual responsibility of honoring the past while moving forward: “That means having hard conversations, listening first, and showing up consistently even when no one is watching.”

Her message to young women is liberating. “I hope they see that you do not have to fit into a traditional mold to be successful,” she says, pointing to her own non-linear career path. “I left a volleyball scholarship, moved across the country, worked in music, started at the bottom in distribution, and eventually found my place back at our family winery. Each step shaped the leader I am today. I want young women to know that confidence is built through experience, not perfection.”

She also underscores that leadership doesn’t require becoming someone else: “You can be warm, collaborative, and authentic while still being strong and decisive. Leadership does not have to look one way.” And her “Give to Gain” is about momentum: “Giving your time, knowledge, or encouragement does not diminish your own growth. It expands it.”

Carrie Peltzer, Co-owner, Peltzer Farm & Winery

Carrie Peltzer has helped build a Temecula institution by doing something a lot of people romanticize, but few can sustain: holding a vision together for years longer than expected. She describes the tasting room design and entitlement process as a stretch that nearly broke her resolve. “It became clear that our two-year timeline was quickly reaching five or six years,” she says. “It was exhausting, uncertain, and at times overwhelming. There were many days that I figured we would not reach the finish line.”

The turning point was the kind of support women remember for life — encouragement from local owners and winemakers who helped her keep going. “I was lucky enough to have met many local business and winery owners, along with local winemakers, who gave me the encouragement and guidance to persevere,” she recalls. “This is something I will never forget and will pass forward to any newcomers to the Valley.”

Carrie’s pride lives in the behind-the-scenes work that most guests never notice, but every guest benefits from. “The part of my work I am most proud of is something people don’t always see: the steady, behind-the-scenes concepting and continued building of this dream.” She names the invisible labor too — the emotional weight of staying consistent through uncertainty: “The emotional labor of holding a vision together during uncertainty, growth, and change — and continuing to show up with consistency, care, and resilience.”

Carrie cites a mentor who opened a door for her when she was in her early twenties, and helped lead Carrie into design, marketing, and ultimately owning a business, as playing a role in how she manages others today. “She showed up for me – offering encouragement, sharing hard-earned wisdom and reminding me of my own strength when I doubted it,” she says. “Because of that, I try to lead with an open heart. I try to share what I’ve learned, be honest about the struggles, and create opportunities for others. Not because I expect anything in return, but because I know firsthand how life-changing that support can be.”

For Carrie, “Give to Gain” is a statement of values — not scarcity, not competition, not gatekeeping. “It means believing that there is enough room for all of us to succeed and that when one woman rises, she makes space for others to rise also.”

Karena Leon, Director of Operations & Marketing, Oak Mountain Winery; Founder, SOM Program

Karena Leon’s work lives at the intersection of business and service — running the operational engine of a winery while also building nonprofit impact through the SOM Program. She describes seasons where the weight of juggling it all felt intense: “There have been moments when balancing nonprofit leadership, family, and a growing business felt overwhelming, especially when resources were limited and expectations were high.”

What kept her moving wasn’t ego; it was purpose. “Purpose has always been my anchor, and knowing that others were depending on me pushed me forward even when the path felt uncertain.” She’s proud of what she describes as quiet impact — the connective work that doesn’t always get credit but changes outcomes. “I’m most proud of the connections I help create behind the scenes,” she says. “Seeing those relationships grow into long-term impact is incredibly rewarding, even if it’s not always visible.”

She credits mentors and community leaders for believing early, and she’s intentional about giving that same kind of support forward. “They offered guidance, trust, and opportunities to lead,” she explains. “I try to do the same by mentoring young leaders, advocating for nonprofits, and creating space for others – especially women – to step into roles where they can grow, be seen, and succeed.”

Her message to women is direct and affirming: “Their voice matters, their vision is valid, and they don’t have to choose between success and kindness.” For Karena, “Give to Gain” is a lived philosophy: “When you give your time, your knowledge, and your heart to others, the return is far greater than anything tangible.”

Your Best Itinerary for 24 Hours in Temecula Wine Country

What to do, what to order, and the little things that make all the difference.

Welcome to Temecula Valley Wine Country, we’re so glad you’re here! This is your guide to an unforgettable 24 hours in Temecula Valley.

Before you go, grab a SIP Passport HERE, which gets you discounted tastings at 30+ participating wineries on weekdays, including several stops on this very itinerary.

Cheers!
The Temecula Wines Team

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A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go

Two or three wineries per day is the sweet spot: The magic of wine country happens when you slow down enough to really take it in and relax. Give yourself permission to linger.

Remember to Eat: Be sure to eat before drinking. A proper lunch between tastings makes the whole day better. A list of wine country restaurants can be found HERE.

If you fall in love with a winery, ask about their wine club. Many offer great same-day perks when you join, including free tastings, member events, and discounts on bottles. Just take a look at the details before signing up so you know what you’re committing to.

Staying Overnight?: A list of wine country hotels can be found HERE.

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DAY ONE

Wine Tasting: Callaway Winery & Vineyard

Callaway Winery is the perfect place to start your visit, because this is where it all began! Callaway opened Temecula’s first tasting room back in 1974.

What to order: The Sangiovese shines here in Temecula, and be sure to ask about their Reserve Chardonnay, which took Double Gold at the OC Fair and deserves way more attention than it gets.

The move: If there’s live music on the patio, grab a bottle instead of doing the tasting and stake out a spot overlooking the vines. Callaway has a gorgeous vineyard view, perfect on a sunny SoCal day.

Grab a Bite at Miramonte Winery Bistro

Miramonte Winery sits on a hill with a breathtaking view. With vineyard rows stretching out below you and the mountains in the background, it’s one of the most beautiful places in wine country. Make your reservation for golden hour, and you’ll see exactly what we mean!

What to drink: Miramonte shines with Rhône-style blends, but be sure to sample their award-winning Touriga Nacional.

Pro Tip: Miramonte often stays open later on weekends for concerts. Be sure to check their events calendar!

Enjoy the Night Life at Peltzer Winery

Here’s a wine country secret: some of the best nights in Temecula happen on a Thursday. Peltzer Winery regularly hosts live concerts and movie nights under the stars, complete with food trucks, award-winning wine, and the kind of easy, everyone’s-welcome energy that’s just really fun to be around.

What makes it special: It’s less tasting room, more backyard party with really great wine.

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DAY TWO

Breakfast: Ponte Vineyard Inn Restaurant

Take your time and savor brunch at Ponte Vineyard Inn’s Bouquet Restaurant. Morning light on the vineyard is one of those simple pleasures worth actually sitting with. If the morning is nice (and in
Temecula, it usually is), take your coffee and sit on the terrace. You’ll be surrounded by manicured gardens with vineyard views on one side and a private one-acre pond on the other.

Pro Tip: Order bubbles to go with your California Benedict. Morning mimosas are a wine country necessity.

Wine Tasting: Chapin Family Vineyards

Chapin Family Vineyards is a gem that locals tend to keep quietly to themselves. Chapin offers an intimate, seated tasting experience overlooking their estate vineyard, and the Chapin family is genuinely hands-on in the best possible way. This is a real family winery with real passion behind it, and you feel that the moment you sit down.

What to order: Be sure to try their Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s the wine that started it all for Steve Chapin.

Book ahead: Chapin requires reservations for seated tastings, especially on weekends.

Final Stop: Lunch at Leoness Cellars

The restaurant at Leoness Cellars has been named Best Winery Restaurant by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards two years running. Once you taste what Executive Chef Johnathan Gelman is creating using classic French techniques applied to modern California cuisine, you’ll understand why!

Think inventive flatbreads, fresh seasonal salads, beautifully executed seafood and pasta, and desserts worth saving room for. All of it is designed to pair perfectly with Leoness’ award-winning wines.

Winery Power Couples: Dynamic Duos Crafting Temecula’s Best Wines

On Valentine’s Day, who doesn’t love to celebrate a great power couple? In Temecula Valley wine country, dynamic duos abound. Not all of them share a last name, and not all of them started with a first date. Some started in a cellar. Some over karaoke. Some have been going strong for 40 years. But all are fueled by a love of region, craft, hospitality, and the importance of pouring every ounce of passion into every bottle.

This February, we’re celebrating six of these extraordinary partnerships: winemakers and hospitality directors, mentors and cellar rats, and spouses who’ve somehow managed to build a thriving wine business without killing each other.

Walter Carter & Justin Knight, Danza del Sol Winery, and Masia de la Vinya Winery

The Partnership: Walter Carter, Director of Hospitality, and Justin Knight, Winemaker

Walter and Justin’s partnership is built on a simple truth: great wine is only half the story. The other half is how it’s experienced. Coming from different sides of the winery world—Justin from the cellar and vineyards, Walter from hospitality and guest experience—they discovered their strengths were undeniably complementary.

“The magic is balance,” they explain. Justin leads with intention, precision, and respect for the land, while Walter brings heart, storytelling, and an unwavering focus on the guest experience. Together, they bridge what happens behind the scenes with what guests feel at the table, turning wine into an experience, not just a pour.

They’re united in their belief that quality and integrity can never be compromised, and that Temecula Valley fruit should always be celebrated. But don’t ask them to agree on the region’s flagship grape. Walter champions Tempranillo as the crown jewel, while Justin argues Sangiovese is the true belle of the ball. The upside? Danza produces exceptional examples of both, each with a cult-like following.

When asked what wine best represents their partnership? Grenache. Expressive, versatile, and deeply connected to place, it rewards intention and balance—just like their partnership. It reflects Justin’s thoughtful winemaking and Walter’s ability to translate that craft into stories guests remember long after the last sip.

Nick & Cindy Palumbo, Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery

The Partnership: Nick Palumbo, Owner/Winemaker, and Cindy Palumbo, Owner/ “Everything Else”

Nick and Cindy’s love story began over 25 years ago at karaoke night at Texas Lil’s in downtown Temecula. “It was a little sleepier downtown back then,” Nick recalls. After a stop at the Stampede—the only other place open at night—it took a couple of months to click. “But after that, it was game on, and we never looked back.”

Their approach to building the winery fell into step with their relationship, a natural fit with their commitment to family, lifestyle, and creating a healthy environment to raise their kids and contribute to the community. “If we have learned anything in this business over the years, it’s that sticking to who you are and being authentic is the secret sauce to long-term success,” Nick says.

Family has always come first, and their biggest disagreements? “Whether to lie in the sun or stay in the shade,” Nick jokes. “Cindy likes the sun!” But seriously, they’ve mastered the art of stepping back, taking a breath, and letting things go. What they agree on is far more important than what they don’t.

The wine that represents their partnership: Sparkling Wine. “After all, a great bottle makes Cindy happy,” says Nick, “and if Cindy is happy, then Nick is happy.”

Johnny & Karena Leon, Oak Mountain Winery

The Partnership: Johnny Leon, Owner/President, and Karena Leon, Director of Operations and Founder & Director of the S O M Program

Johnny and Karena’s story has all the romance of a great wine: an instant connection rooted in shared values, passion, and purpose. They met at the winery, where what began professionally quickly became deeply personal. They married on May 17, 2025, at the very place where they first met—Oak Mountain Winery.

Together, they’ve built both their life and their business side by side. Their journey hasn’t been without challenges, but through unwavering support for one another, they’ve grown stronger, transforming a shared dream into a winery grounded in love, resilience, and community.

According to the couple, Johnny is the visionary, deeply passionate about wine, history, and creating meaningful guest experiences. Karena brings clarity, strategy, and heart to operations and community outreach. They say their magic lies in balance: honoring each other’s strengths, supporting one another through challenges, and always moving forward with intention and love.

They almost always agree on the importance of family, community, and giving back. Where they sometimes diverge is on pace—Johnny dreams boldly and quickly, while Karena focuses on thoughtful execution and long-term sustainability.

The wine that represents their partnership: Amor Eterno, a sweet Muscat Canelli, released on their wedding date. The name means “eternal love” in Spanish and honors their Mexican roots, symbolizing a bond that is deeply rooted, enduring, and meant to be shared—much like their marriage and the life they continue to build together.

Robert Renzoni & Olivia Bue, Robert Renzoni Vineyards

The Partnership: Robert Renzoni, Owner, and Olivia Bue, Winemaker

Back in 2013, Olivia was working as an assistant winemaker in Temecula Valley, and Robert was storing his finished wine at the same warehouse. When Robert began looking for an assistant winemaker a year later, Olivia immediately jumped at the opportunity.

“It turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made,” Olivia reflects. “Little did I know at the time that I was beginning a journey that would shape my future as a winemaker for the next 12+ years.”

Their secret sauce? Have fun doing it. “In the midst of the stress and the many tasks at hand, we always remind ourselves how lucky we are to blend and make wine for a living,” they say. “We aren’t curing cancer, we are creating something that brings joy and helps people celebrate and remember life’s special moments.”

Olivia says Robert understands the wine business better than anyone she’s met and always prioritizes reinvesting in the company over personal profit. In the meantime, Olivia’s attention to detail produces consistently high-quality wines year after year. “I feel our synergy allows us to push each other creatively, stay grounded in our values, and ultimately create wines that truly reflect who we are and what we want to drink.”

They always agree on the final blend—no blend is complete until both give their stamp of approval. But spending money? That’s where they diverge. Robert invests boldly (think $18,000 handmade specialty tanks), while Olivia is a self-described minimalist. “You can probably guess who typically gets his way,” she laughs. “His intuition has proven invaluable as I’ve had the front row seat to the tremendous growth of Robert Renzoni Vineyards.”

The wine that represents their partnership: 1886, their Wine Club exclusive red blend. Like all their blends, it mirrors how they work together—each brings something distinct (palate, precision, vision, business sense), but it’s the harmony that creates something beautiful. As they put it, “Like any great blend, our partnership is built on trust, patience, and the belief that the best results come from harmony, not ego.”

Chris Johnson & Zach Smith, Altísima Winery

The Partnership: Chris Johnson, Winemaker, and Zach Smith, Assistant Winemaker

Three years ago, Zach began at Altísima as a barback in the tasting room. But before his shifts, he’d stop by the production area to watch Chris work and learn about winemaking. His curiosity, work ethic, and genuine passion quickly stood out, and Chris offered him a chance to step into a “cellar rat” role.

Zach immediately proved he had the drive to succeed, and, just three years later, he and Chris operate as the dynamic duo leading Altísima’s winemaking program. It’s a modern-day mentorship success story that would make any superhero proud.

Chris brings visionary expertise and a deep understanding of the vineyard, while Zach complements it with meticulous precision and creative problem-solving in the cellar. What makes the partnership work is their shared passion for crafting wines that are expressive, balanced, and unforgettable. Every bottle reflects their teamwork and individual strengths.

They almost always agree that great wine starts in the vineyard. What do they disagree on? How many sips it takes to know if a wine is just right. Chris says five. Zach says, well, many more. “And somehow, they’re both always ‘still deciding,'” the team jokes.

The wine that represents their partnership: Opulento, the first wine they crafted together. It blends Chris’s bold vision with Zach’s precision, and every sip tells the story of their teamwork, balance, and shared passion for creating something truly exceptional.

Ken & Christina Falik, Gershon Bachus Vintners

The Partnership: Ken and Christina Falik, Owners

Ken and Christina married in 1986 after five years of friendship and immediately became business partners. They’ve owned and operated merchandise marketing companies for 40 years, but the winery was their passion project—a chance to brand something from inception to end, entirely their own vision.

“First, we found the land in 2001, then we established the brand in 2005 and began the winemaking process along with our key consultants who knew the terroir and could realize our dream,” Christina explains. “A piece of Italy in Temecula. Tuscany-meets-Temecula at Gershon Bachus Vintners.”

Their secret to 40 years together? “We believe that we are in it together always,” they say. “Laughter and humor will take the edge off of any of the sharpness that comes with being a partner and a spouse. We are in it to win it.”

They agree on quality over quantity, always. What do they disagree on? How much is too much. But that creative tension keeps things interesting and has clearly served them well through four decades of partnership.

When asked what wine represents their partnership, the answer is obvious: Aeolus, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, and Grenache designed during their first harvest in 2008. Each year, the formula changes, but the wine’s overall appeal and strength in their portfolio best describe their partnership in life and love. “If something doesn’t feel right, make a change, whether large or small, but keep the foundation intact.”

From romantic partners who’ve built family legacies together to mentorships that have blossomed into creative partnerships, these power couples prove that great wine is always a team effort. Whether they’re finishing each other’s blends or playfully disagreeing about flagship grapes, these dynamic duos are the heart of Temecula Valley wine country. This Valentine’s season, raise a glass to partnership in all its beautiful forms.

Meet more of our winemakers here: https://www.temeculawines.org/wineries/experiences/meet-the-winemakers/