Plan Your Visit

Wine Country After Dark: Your Guide to Late-Night Temecula

Most people think of Temecula Valley Wine Country as a daytime destination, and honestly, they’re not wrong. Mornings in the vineyard are magic. But here’s what the insiders know: some of the best moments in wine country happen after 6 p.m.

Whether you’re planning a date night, extending a weekend trip, or just not ready to call it a day, Temecula has more late-night options than most people realize. Here’s your guide to who’s pouring after dark.

Open Until 8 p.m. (Friday & Saturday)

Akash Winery & Vineyards: A favorite for their patio and views, Akash keeps the doors open on Saturday evenings so you can catch that golden hour with a glass in hand.

Bella Vista Winery, The Cilurzo Speakeasy: Tucked behind a hidden entrance at Temecula’s first commercial winery, The Cilurzo is one of the most unique experiences in the valley. Wine cocktails, elevated bites, live piano, and a Prohibition-era vibe that feels nothing like a typical tasting room. Open Friday and Saturday evenings, 5–8:30 p.m. Reservations required — call 951-676-5250.

Churon Inn Winery: Tucked into a storybook castle setting, Churon Inn and Winery stays open Friday and Saturday evenings, a natural fit for a romantic night out.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery: One of the De Portola Wine Trail’s best-kept secrets, Cougar pours Italian varietals you won’t find anywhere else and keeps things going until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Longshadow Ranch Vineyard & Winery: Every Saturday night (weather permitting), Longshadow hosts a bonfire with live music and barbecue. This free event has been a Temecula tradition for over twenty years now!

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa: One of the valley’s best-known and loved destinations, South Coast extends its hours on Friday and Saturday for guests who want to make a full evening of it.

Wiens Family Cellars: Known for big, crowd-pleasing reds, Wiens stays open until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with live music to match.

Wilson Creek Winery: A Temecula icon, Wilson Creek pours until 8 p.m. on Fridays, with live music and events throughout the year that run even later.

Open Until 9 p.m. (Friday & Saturday)

Fazeli Cellars: Persian-inspired hospitality meets Temecula terroir. Fazeli keeps the experience going late on weekends, with live music to round out the evening.

Miramonte Winery: On Friday and Saturday nights, Miramonte comes alive with live music, dancing, and a bistro serving shareable plates — all the way until 10 p.m. 21+ after 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Oak Mountain Winery: The main tasting room keeps extended hours on weekends, and the Distillery at Oak Mountain stays open until 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday for craft cocktails and a speakeasy-style atmosphere.

Peltzer Family Cellars: Peltzer’s Crush House is one of the liveliest spots in wine country on weekend nights. Friday until 9 p.m., Saturday until 10 p.m., with live music, dancing, and food vendors. Don’t miss Nashville Nights if it’s on the calendar.

Somerset Vineyard & Winery: On the De Portola Wine Trail, Somerset regularly hosts evening music events and stays open until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. A quieter, scenic alternative to the Rancho California corridor.

Thornton Winery: Home to the Champagne Jazz concert series and marquee performances, Thornton hosts some of the most memorable ticketed evenings in the valley. Check their calendar before you go — big names come through regularly.

Vitagliano Vineyards & Winery: A warm, welcoming spot that pours until 9 p.m. on weekends. Thursday bingo nights are a crowd favorite.

Open Until 10 p.m. and Beyond

Truffle Pig Winery, The Pig Pen Lounge: The valley’s best-kept late-night secret. Truffle Pig’s member lounge opens to the public Thursday through Sunday from 6–10 p.m. with bold wines, whisky, craft cocktails, elevated bites, and a vibe that’s genuinely unlike anything else in wine country. 21+

Europa Village: Three distinct venues (Vienza, Bolero, and C’est la Vie) mean there’s always something happening at Europa Village on weekend evenings. From Latin Nights to trivia and live performances, check their calendar for what’s on. Late events regularly run past 9 p.m.

Ponte Winery, The Cellar Bar: The true late-night anchor of Temecula wine country. The Cellar Bar at Ponte Vineyard Inn stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights with live music, a full bar, and elevated bar food. Get there before 7 p.m. on weekends; once the music starts, it fills up fast.

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A Few Things Worth Knowing

Hours shift seasonally, and special events can extend, or occasionally change, what’s listed here. Before you make the drive, check each winery’s website or give them a call to confirm. And if you’re planning to visit more than one spot in an evening, Temecula has no shortage of transportation options to get you there and back safely!

Why Fall is the Most Electric and Exciting Time to Visit Temecula Wine Country

There’s a moment in late summer when something shifts in Temecula wine country. The air smells different, and the energy at the wineries changes with it. Harvest is coming, and everyone who grows grapes and makes wine here feels it before the first cluster is picked. If you want to understand what wine country is actually about, fall is when it’s all on the table.

What’s Happening on the Vines

Harvest in Temecula Valley typically begins in August and runs through October, though the timing varies significantly by variety. The whites and lighter varieties tend to come in first (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Viognier), picked while acidity is still bright and the sugars are where the winemaker wants them. The big reds follow: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel often come in last, sometimes well into October.

Walking a vineyard row during harvest is a genuinely different experience from any other time of year. The clusters are heavy, the leaves are starting to turn, and if you’re there early enough in the morning, you might catch a crew working through a block before the heat of the day sets in.

Once the fruit is in, the crush pad becomes the center of the operation. Grapes are sorted, destemmed, and either pressed immediately (for whites) or left to ferment on their skins (for reds), where they’ll develop the color, tannin, and structure that will define the wine. 

Events Worth Planning Around

California Wine Month runs throughout September and is a natural reason to make the trip. Wineries across the state lean into education, access, and special programming. In Temecula Valley, that often means winemaker-led tastings, library pours, and harvest dinners that don’t happen any other time of year.

Art in the Vines brings another dimension to September in wine country. A celebration of the beauty of wine country, captured by local artists, set against the backdrop of harvest season.

Harvest dinners are worth seeking out specifically. Several member wineries host multi-course dinners paired to current and upcoming releases during the fall season. Intimate, often limited-capacity events where the winemaker is usually at the table.

Grape Stomps are one of the most beloved harvest traditions in Temecula Valley wine country, and several member wineries go all out for the occasion. Callaway, South Coast, Wiens Cellars, Somerset, and Maurice Car’rie all host annual events featuring everything from team competitions and costume contests to live music, harvest dinners, and family-friendly activities.

What to Drink

Fall is the season for big reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Grenache. These are wines built for cooler evenings and food-forward pours.

It’s also one of the best times to ask about library pours. Comparing these older wines to newer vintages can give you a real sense of how Temecula Valley wines age. If you see a library flight on offer, take it! It’s a truly special experience.

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Practical Notes for the Trip

Fall is peak season in Temecula Valley wine country, and it shows. Weekends from September through October fill up fast. Be sure to make your reservations for lodging early. Our lodging partners can be found here: https://www.temeculawines.org/wineries/lodging/

Why Winter Is the Most Underrated Time to Visit Temecula Valley Wine Country

Some of the best days in Temecula Valley wine country happen in winter. The valley quiets down, the tasting rooms open up, and what you’re left with is an unhurried, intimate version of wine country that’s genuinely hard to find during the busier seasons. Cooler temps, fewer crowds, and all the same stunning views.

What’s Happening on the Vines

After harvest wraps, the vines go dormant. The leaves drop, the canes go bare, and the vineyard rows take on a stark, sculptural quality that’s beautiful in its own right, especially on a crisp December or January morning, with fog sitting in the valley as hot-air balloons rise overhead.

Dormancy isn’t inactivity, though. This is when the pruning crews move through the vineyard block by block, making decisions that will directly shape the following vintage. Every cut matters; the number of buds left on each cane determines how much fruit the vine will produce next year. It’s painstaking, skilled work, and it’s one of the least visible but most consequential parts of making great wine.

Events Worth Planning Around

The holiday season brings its own rhythm to the valley; festive tastings, special releases, and winery events that lean into the celebratory end-of-year energy. Several member wineries go all out on holiday décor and programming, making a December visit feel like a destination rather than an afterthought.

New Year’s draws visitors looking for something more intimate than a crowded bar or ballroom, and wine country delivers. Sparkling wines, seated dinners, and vineyard views at midnight are a combination that’s hard to beat.

Barrel Tasting, held the weekend before the Super Bowl, is the insider event of the year. Ticket holders taste wines that are still aging, and some hidden bottled gems, which means you’re getting a look at vintages that won’t hit tasting room menus for months. All paired with bites of chef-crafted food at each stop. It’s one of the most genuinely exciting experiences Temecula Valley wine country offers.

Valentine’s Day falls just after Barrel Tasting, giving winter visitors one more reason to get cozy with a glass in hand. Wineries offer intimate tasting experiences, Galentine’s gatherings, and elevated dinners, making it the perfect holiday to take your honey on a road trip to wine country.

What to Drink

Winter is the season to go deep with bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Mourvèdre. The depth of these styles hit differently when the temperature drops and you’re sitting by a fireplace.

Ports and dessert wines are worth seeking out, specifically in winter. A few Temecula Valley producers make exceptional late-harvest and fortified wines that are easy to overlook during warmer months but feel exactly right in December or January.

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Practical Notes for the Trip

Winter is when we all have a little more time and enjoy a quieter pace. You’re most likely to see the winemaker in the tasting room, getting a pour that isn’t on the menu, or spending an extra twenty minutes at a table because no one is waiting behind you.

Looking for more activities to enjoy during your stay? Keep an eye on our events calendar, and explore special experiences here: https://www.temeculawines.org/wineries/experiences/

Why Summer Is the Most Alive Time to Visit Temecula Valley Wine Country

Summer in Temecula Valley wine country operates on its own schedule. The days are warm, but the evenings cool off fast, the patios have unbeatable views, and somewhere across the valley, there’s live music drifting over the vines. It’s a season that rewards visitors who plan smart and stay late.

What’s Happening on the Vines

By midsummer, the canopy is full, and the vineyard rows have that lush, overgrown quality that makes for great photos, but the real story is happening inside the clusters. Veraison, the moment when grapes begin shifting from green to their final color (deep red for the dark varieties, golden translucent for the whites), typically hits Temecula Valley in July and August, depending on the variety.

It’s one of the more visually dramatic moments in the growing season and one most visitors don’t know to look for. If you’re walking through a vineyard and notice clusters that are mid-transition, half green, half purple, that’s veraison happening in real time. 

Events Worth Planning Around

Summer is concert season in wine country. Almost every single winery will have live music throughout the week, but a few wineries will host special concert series with Grammy award winners and throwback acts to keep the whole crowd dancing.

Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz series is a long-running summer staple featuring national acts, picnic-friendly grounds, and bubbles by the glass. Wilson Creek brings its own consistent lineup of live music throughout the season. And South Coast Winery’s Rhythm in the Vines adds another anchor for summer weekends, with performances set against one of the valley’s larger estate properties.

Beyond the ticketed events, golden hour at a winery patio is its own event. Several wineries have extended summer hours specifically to capture that window when the light goes amber, and the temperature finally drops. Keep an eye on our events calendar for sunset sips programming.

What to Drink

Heat changes what sounds good, and the tasting rooms know it. Expect to see more chilled whites, rosés, and sparkling poured by the glass in summer, and increasingly, chilled light reds that work in the warmth without being heavy.

Summer is also a good time to explore Temecula’s Italian and Mediterranean varieties, which were essentially made for this kind of heat. For crisp whites think Pinot Grigio, and Vermentino. For refreshing reds think Sangiovese and Montepulciano. These grapes evolved in hot climates, and they translate well to a valley that shares a lot of the same conditions. 

Several wineries build wine cocktail menus with summer in mind; spritzes, sangria, and wine slushies all give non-traditionalists something to get excited about without straying too far from the vineyard.

Practical Notes for the Trip

If you need a midday escape from the heat, The Cave at Oak Mountain is a temperature-controlled oasis and one of the more unique experiences in the valley. The Cave is Southern California’s first subterranean wine cave.

Several properties, like BOTTAIA and South Coast Resort, have pools that are perfect for cooling off during the day with a glass in hand and a charcuterie board to snack on.

Spring in Temecula Wine Country Is Fleeting, Here’s How to Make the Most of It

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to finally make the trip, or you’re a regular looking for a reason to come back, spring in Temecula Valley wine country is it! From late February through May, the valley transforms into something that feels too picturesque to pass up. Wisteria climbs the trellises, sheep graze through the cover crops, wildflowers paint the hillsides, and the vines, bare and dormant just weeks before, start showing the first signs of vintages to come.

What’s Happening on the Vines

Spring in wine country starts with bud break, the moment tiny green buds push through and signal that the growing season has officially begun. For visitors, it’s a subtle but genuinely beautiful thing to witness. The vines go from looking like twisted sticks to soft and leafy almost overnight, and by April, the canopy is filling in fast.

Events Worth Planning Around

Easter weekend brings brunches, bubbles, and themed tastings across the valley. Several member wineries offer prix-fixe menus and speciality flights, worth checking temeculawines.org/events as the holiday approaches since lineups vary year to year.

Mother’s Day is one of the busiest weekends in wine country all year, and for good reason. Wineries pull out all the stops — flower arrangements, mimosa packages, multi-course lunches, live music. If you’re planning a Mother’s Day trip, book early and have a backup plan. If you want a quieter version of the same beautiful scenery, come the weekend before.

Spring is also prime time to activate the SIP Passport — TVWA’s self-guided tasting program that lets you explore member wineries at your own pace with built-in perks at each stop. It’s the best way to cover ground without locking yourself into a fixed itinerary, and it fits perfectly into a weekend when the weather is this good.

Spring also coincides with several independent wine trail events across the valley, like Big Red Fest on the De Portola Wine Trail, so there’s rarely a weekend without something happening!

What to Drink

Spring is rosé season, full stop. Temecula Valley producers make rosé from Grenache, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc, and the range is worth exploring.

It’s also the ideal time to revisit Temecula’s whites. Viognier is one of the region’s signature varieties — fragrant, full-bodied, and a natural pairing for the alfresco dining most wineries are leaning into by March. Sauvignon Blanc brings the brightness. And if it’s before noon or you’re celebrating something, sparkling is always the right answer!

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Practical Notes for the Trip

Spring temperatures in Temecula Valley typically run warmer during the day, with cooler mornings and evenings. Layers are your friend.

Most wineries are easy to walk into without a reservation, but some prefer it; check ahead, especially for larger groups or if you have a specific winery on your must-visit list.

Explore spring events and plan your visit at 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.

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.

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.

New Year, New Temecula Wine Country Resolutions

Forget the gym membership you’ll abandon by February. This year, make resolutions you’ll actually want to keep; ones that involve sunshine, award-winning wines, and unforgettable adventures in Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your backyard or planning your first visit, 2026 is bringing fresh ways to experience Southern California’s premier wine destination. Here are five wine country resolutions worth raising a glass to:

Resolution #1: Taste Tomorrow’s Wines Today! Go behind the scenes at Barrel Tasting Weekend (January 31 & Feb 1)

Ever wondered what winemakers taste before anyone else? Barrel Tasting Weekend is your backstage pass to Temecula’s cellars, where you’ll sample wines aging in oak barrels, long before they’re bottled and released to the public. It’s like getting a sneak peek at next year’s greatest hits, plus the chance to chat directly with winemakers about their craft. Fair warning: once you’ve tasted wine straight from the barrel, the regular tasting room experience might feel a little too mainstream.

Tickets Here: https://www.temeculawines.org/events/barrel-tasting-2026/

Resolution #2: Trade Four Wheels for Adventure! Experience vineyards from a whole new perspective

Why settle for a basic vineyard view when you can drive through it? Doffo Winery’s NAV tours take you behind the scenes on an all-terrain vehicle, navigating rows of vines while learning about viticulture and the winemaking process. If you’re craving even more adrenaline, Danza del Sol’s UTV tours take it up a notch with side-by-side vehicles exploring their stunning estate. Both experiences prove that the journey to your wine glass can be just as exciting as what’s in it.

Resolution #3: Find the Hidden Door, Discover Bella Vista’s secret speakeasy

Not all the best experiences in wine country happen in plain sight. Tucked away at Bella Vista Winery, The Cilurzo Speakeasy offers an intimate, Prohibition-era-inspired space where craft cocktails meet wine country sophistication. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special, because you have! Pro tip: make reservations, they don’t let just anyone walk in off the street.

Resolution #4: Run Now, Wine Later! Combine fitness with your favorite refreshment

Who says resolutions have to be all or nothing? Get your endorphins flowing at wine country 5Ks that reward your finish line with, well, wine. Akash’s Run Through the Vineyards (March 1) takes you through scenic estate vineyards, while Vitagliano’s Do It For Her 5K supports a great cause. Both races prove that “running for wine” is not just acceptable, it’s encouraged. Your morning jog has never been this rewarding.

Resolution #5: Explore the New & Reimagined with New Year transformations

Temecula’s wineries are constantly evolving, and 2026 brings fresh reasons to visit familiar favorites. Truffle Pig Winery has unveiled its newly transformed tasting room, offering an elevated experience that’s worth the visit alone. Meanwhile, Baily Family Vineyard has established their new home base on Pauba Road, serving their tried and true Bordeaux-style favorites in a newly revamped space. Sometimes the best adventures come from seeing beloved places with fresh eyes!

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Your Next Move

Whether you tackle one experience or collect them all, Temecula Valley Wine Country is ready to make 2026 your most adventurous year yet.

Ready to start checking off your list? Visit our events page at https://www.temeculawines.org/events/ to plan your next wine country escape.

Cheers to resolutions you’ll actually keep! 🍷

5 Ways to Enjoy Wine and Wellness in Temecula Valley

January loves a hard reset. No sugar. No alcohol. No days off from the gym. New rules, new promises, new personality.

But in Temecula Valley, wellness and wine were meant to peacefully coexist. With such a gorgeous climate that practically begs you to get up and get outside, how could it not?

Wine here isn’t about excess—it’s about place, people, and passion. And that makes January a surprisingly good time to lean in, not opt out.

If you’re not interested in going dry—but still want the month to feel intentional— here’s what that can look like in Temecula Valley.

1. Start With the Obvious (and Often Ignored): Drink Better, Not More

One of the simplest ways to align wine with wellness doesn’t involve cutting wine out—it just means paying attention.

January is a great excuse to skip the autopilot pours and actually sit with a single glass of something well-made. Temecula Valley’s small-production wines are built for this kind of drinking. They have texture. Personality. A sense of place that rewards slowing down rather than refilling.

This is when splurging is encouraged. Spring for a reserve offering. Open that bottle you’ve been laying down for a special occasion—because what could be more special than your heart beating? Quality over quantity isn’t a slogan here. It’s how the wines are meant to be enjoyed.

2. Remember That Wine Country Is Physical

Wine tasting doesn’t have to mean being glued to a barstool. In Temecula Valley, some of the most compelling experiences right now involve movement—walking, exploring, and spending time outdoors before wine even enters the picture.

At Akash Winery, wellness isn’t a buzzword—it’s part of the experience itself, with offerings that connect wine to mindfulness, like Pilates and candlelight yoga. These activities may be followed by wine, but they allow you to find balance in the enjoyment.

At Doffo Winery, the New Adventures in Vineyard Production Tour shifts the emphasis away from the tasting bar and onto the land as you ride through vineyards on Kawasaki NAVs, learning about the history of the Valley and the Doffo family. By the time you taste, the wine feels earned—part of a bigger experience, not the whole point of it.

And yes, that naturally leads to more mindful drinking.

3. Let the Season—and the Alcohol Level—Do Some of the Work

Moderation doesn’t have to mean abstinence. Sometimes it’s just about choosing wines that feel lighter and more refreshing by nature.

Many Temecula Valley wines—especially those built around freshness and acidity—naturally come in at lower alcohol levels while still delivering plenty of flavor. Crisp whites, bright rosés, and more restrained, elegant reds tend to feel easier at the table, more versatile with food, and far more inviting to sip slowly.

Producers like Wiens Cellars and Robert Renzoni Vineyards have leaned heavily into these restrained yet ultra expressive styles. These are wines that don’t demand attention—they reward it. And they make January drinking feel balanced rather a compromise.

4. Get Back to the Land (and the Why Behind the Wine)

January is also one of the best times to slow down and learn something. Cooler weather. Fewer crowds. More space for meaningful conversation and chance encounters with winemakers doing their thing.

That’s what makes experiences like the Regenerative Agriculture Tractor Tour at Wilson Creek Winery or South Coast Winery’s Executive Production Tour especially compelling this time of year. You’re not just tasting wine—you’re learning how healthier soils, thoughtful farming, and long-term stewardship shape what ends up in the glass.

When wine is framed through the lens of land and sustainability, consumption naturally becomes secondary to understanding. And that shift alone can change how—and how much—you drink.

5. Put Wine Back Where It Belongs: With Food

Wine makes the most sense when it’s part of a meal, not a standalone activity. One of the most unique things about Temecula Valley wine country is the robust restaurant scene woven into the wineries themselves. From elevated cuisine at the Restaurant at Leoness Cellars or Domenico’s Italian Chophouse at Truffle Pig Winery to casual comfort food at Sangio’s Osteria at Cougar Vineyard & Winery to BOTTAIA’s seated charcuterie and wine pairing experience, it’s easy to nosh while sipping in Temecula Valley.

When wine is paired with real food, everything slows down. The glass lasts longer. The experience feels integrated instead of indulgent. It’s how wine has been enjoyed for centuries, long before anyone thought to “quit” it for a month.

The Bottom Line

Dry January works for some people. For others, it just creates a rebound in February.

Temecula Valley offers another option—one rooted in intention rather than restriction. Drink less, but better. Choose wines that feel lighter by nature. Move your body. Get outside. Learn something. Eat well.

Wine doesn’t have to be the thing you give up to feel good in January. Sometimes it just needs to be enjoyed more thoughtfully.