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Sip & Spa: The Ultimate Wine Country Wellness Retreat

Escape to Temecula Valley Wine Country for a day of relaxation, indulgence, and wine-filled serenity! Here’s your perfect itinerary to pair wine tastings with luxurious spa treatments for the ultimate self-care escape.

Morning: Check-In at Ponte Vineyard Inn

Start your journey with a peaceful stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn, a Spanish-style boutique hotel offering vineyard views, upscale amenities, and charming guest rooms. Elevate your experience with one of their exclusive packages, like the Vineyard Romance or Grapeline Stay & Taste package for extra indulgence.

Late Morning: Relax at GrapeSeed Spa

Head over to South Coast Winery Resort & Spa for a rejuvenating spa experience at GrapeSeed Spa. Indulge in a vineyard-inspired facial, deep-tissue massage, or therapeutic body treatment, and soak in the saltwater pool while sipping on a glass of South Coast’s award-winning wine.

Early Afternoon: Wine Tasting at a Local Winery

After your spa session, enjoy a curated wine tasting at one of Temecula’s renowned wineries, like Miramonte Winery, Leoness Cellars, or Europa Village. Savor crisp whites, refreshing rosés, and bold reds while soaking in the vineyard views.

Late Afternoon: Lounge Poolside at Bottaia Winery

For the perfect midday escape, unwind at Bottaia Winery’s luxurious pool with a private cabana or shaded lounge. Enjoy a wine flight, charcuterie board, or refreshing spritz cocktail while embracing the tranquil ambiance.

Evening: Sunset Dining at Altisima or Robert Renzoni

Wrap up your wellness retreat with outdoor sunset dining at Altisima Winery or Robert Renzoni Vineyards. Enjoy beautiful patio seating, panoramic vineyard views, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine paired with award-winning wines for the perfect end to your day.

Plan Your Perfect Sip & Spa Retreat!

Whether you’re seeking solo relaxation, a romantic escape, or a group retreat, Temecula Wine Country offers the ultimate combination of wine, wellness, and indulgence.

Ready to sip, spa, and savor your way through Temecula?

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Temecula’s Most Unique Wine Experiences

Temecula Valley isn’t just a place to sip, it’s a place to explore, engage, and connect with the heart of wine country. Whether you’re blending your own bottle, strolling the vineyards, or chatting with the winemaker, there are plenty of ways to go beyond the tasting room. While some experiences are bookable, others unfold organically, making every visit a little different, and all your own.

Blend Your Own Wine

If you’ve ever wanted to play winemaker, this is your moment. These hands-on experiences let you create your own custom blend and walk away with a bottle to prove it.

Bottaia Winery
Ever dreamed of being a winemaker for a day? At Bottaia’s Wine Blending Lab, you’ll suit up in a lab coat, mix your own custom blend, and take home a bottle with your name on it. Science never tasted so good.
Visit Bottaia

Tour the Vines, Not Just the Wines

For wine lovers who like to see where it all begins, these vineyard and winery tours give you a behind-the-scenes look, plus some fresh air and great views along the way.

Danza del Sol
Hop aboard a UTV and cruise through the vineyard at Danza del Sol. Their guided tours weave together vineyard views, wine education, and a splash of Temecula charm.
Visit Danza del Sol

Chapin Family Vineyards
Chapin’s Tour dei Vigneti walks you through the vines with a glass in hand, just the way nature (and the winemaker) intended. Afterward, settle in for a tasting overlooking the Syrah block.
Visit Chapin

Winemaker Moments

Temecula’s wine scene is deeply rooted in family and community. Many of the wineries here are still owned and operated by the original families, and you’ll often find them pouring behind the bar, checking in on guests, or walking the property. These personal moments aren’t always scheduled, but they’re part of what makes a visit here feel so genuine.

Doffo Winery
This isn’t just a tasting, it’s a family affair. You might find winemaker Damian Doffo pouring your glass or sharing stories between sips. With motorcycles lining the walls and generations of passion in every bottle, it’s one of the most personal wine experiences in the valley.
Visit Doffo

Wiens Cellars
At Wiens, great wine comes with a personal touch. It’s not uncommon to spot the winemaker roaming the property, stopping by tables to say hello. These casual moments often become guests’ favorite memories.
Visit Wiens

A Taste of What’s to Come… Straight from the Barrel

Barrel tasting is like a sneak peek into the future of wine. While this experience isn’t offered daily, there’s one weekend every year when it takes center stage.

Barrel Tastings
Every February, Temecula Valley’s wineries offer rare access to young wines during the annual Barrel Tasting Weekend, an exciting look into what’s coming next. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for dates and ticket info closer to the event.

Ready to Explore?

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a local looking for something new, these experiences let you dig a little deeper into Temecula’s winemaking soul. Check with individual wineries for availability and tour details, then raise a glass to making your visit unforgettable.

Check out all Temecula Valley wineries

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Hidden Gems of Temecula Valley Wine Country – Have You Discovered Them Yet?

Temecula Valley is home to breathtaking vineyards, award-winning wines, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, this itinerary will guide you through four unique wineries and a delicious lunch spot, ensuring an unforgettable day in Southern California’s wine country.

Stop 1: Monte De Oro Winery

Kick off your wine adventure at Monte De Oro Winery, a hidden gem known for its stunning barrel cellar and award-winning wines. Here, you’ll experience a guided tasting featuring their signature Vigna Vicini red blend, aged in French oak barrels for a rich, complex flavor.

📍 Location: 35820 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA

Must-Try Wine: 2020 Vigna Vicini Reserve

Stop 2: Briar Rose Winery

Next, step into a fairy tale at Briar Rose Winery, a boutique winery featuring a Snow White-inspired cottage and handcrafted wines. This family-owned estate offers a cozy, intimate tasting experience with limited-production varietals that you won’t find anywhere else.

📍 Location: 41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula, CA

Must-Try Wine: 2018 Estate Viognier

Lunch Break: The Restaurant at Ponte

After two tastings, it’s time to refuel with a delicious meal at The Restaurant at Ponte. This farm-to-table eatery offers fresh, locally sourced dishes that pair beautifully with Temecula wines. Enjoy a seasonal menu featuring grilled seafood, artisan salads, and house-made pasta.

📍 Location: 35053 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA

Must-Try Dish: Pan Seared Salmon

Stop 3: Vitagliano Winery

Continue your journey at Vitagliano Winery, a hidden gem known for its Italian-inspired ambiance and picturesque lake views. This family-run winery specializes in bold reds and crisp whites, offering a relaxing escape from the more crowded tasting rooms.

📍 Location: 36150 Pauba Rd, Temecula, CA

Must-Try Wine: 2017 Grenache

Stop 4: Lorenzi Estate Wines

End your day at Lorenzi Estate Wines, a small-batch winery producing highly rated reds with a focus on quality over quantity. Their intimate tasting room allows for a personalized experience, where you can chat with the winemakers and learn about their craft.

📍 Location: 36095 Monte De Oro Rd, Temecula, CA

Must-Try Wine: 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

Final Thoughts

Temecula Valley is filled with hidden treasures, and this itinerary offers a perfect blend of boutique wineries, scenic views, and delicious food. Whether you’re looking for award-winning wines, unique tasting experiences, or a relaxing day in wine country, this journey will leave you sipping happily.

Ready to explore? Grab a glass and let the adventure begin!

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Raise a Glass to Mom: Unforgettable Brunch Experiences

Briar Rose Winery 
Mother’s Day Brunch | May 10th |11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Tickets $79 per person. Pop-up vendors will be at the Shop and Sip event 12:00pm – 5:00pm. 

Callaway Winery
Mother’s Day Brunch at Meritage | May 11th | Indulge Mom this Mother’s Day with a lavish brunch experience, featuring gourmet selections artfully paired with the finest Callaway wines. Bask in the elegance of sweeping vineyard views as we celebrate the women who deserve nothing but the best | Adults: $60 per person, Children (12 & under): $25, Bottomless Mimosa or Wine Pairing: $22 | Reservations are highly recommended | View the menu and make reservations HERE. 

Churon Inn & Winery 

Mother’s Day Brunch | 10:00 am & 12:00 pm seating times | $70 Adults, $30 Children | Click HERE to reserve your spot. 

Cougar Vineyards & Winery 
Mother’s Day Brunch | May 11th | Seatings at: 11:00am, 11:15am , 1:30pm  and 1:45pm.- 2 hour dining time | Cost: $74.95pp, $64.95 members, $24.95 13 & younger | Bottomless mimosas $20pp, bottomless OJ $10pp. |  For tickets, click HERE , for menu, click HERE

Europa Village Winery & Resort
Mother’s Day Brunch at Vienza | May 11th | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Treat Mom to a taste of Europe this Mother’s Day with a charming Mother’s Day brunch in the Giardino del Cielo and Tuscany Ballroom | Savor a bountiful buffet surrounded by lush gardens, enjoy live music, and capture the moment at our photo op all while sipping on a glass of sparkling wine, coffee, or juice included with your ticket | Adults: $99 per person, Children (5-12): $49 | Members: $89.10 per person, Children (5-12): $44.10 | For tickets, click HERE 

Leoness Cellars 
Mother’s Day Brunch | May 11th | Oak Tree Courtyard and Vineyard Terrace Brunch 10:30 am – 2:00 pm, $85 Adults, $30 Children | or 3-Course Pre-fixe Restaurant Menu 10:30 am – 4:00 pm | For complete menus and reservations, click HERE 

Oak Mountain Winery
Mother’s Day Brunch | May 11th | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | $40 – $85pp | For reservations, click HERE 

Peltzer Family Cellars 
Mother’s Day Brunch | May 11th | Seatings at 10am and 1pm | Brunch Buffet set under a canopy of Mulberry Trees on the Farmstead. Live Pianist Brian Stoddart. Welcome glass of Prosecco Mimosa.| $110 per guest | $48 ages 12 and under | Under 2 are free | For tickets, click HERE | All Ages

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Explore Dog-Friendly Wineries in Temecula Valley Wine Country

Temecula Valley Wine Country is not just a haven for wine enthusiasts—it’s also a paradise for dog lovers! With picturesque vineyards and welcoming atmospheres, several wineries in the region offer dog-friendly experiences that make your visit even more special. Here’s a spotlight on three standout wineries where you and your furry friend can enjoy the best of Temecula.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Known for its rare Italian varietals, Cougar Vineyard & Winery is a must-visit for wine lovers seeking unique flavors. Their outdoor patio is dog-friendly, offering shaded seating and misters for warm days, as well as heaters for cooler weather. You can sip on their estate wines while your pup relaxes by your side, enjoying the serene vineyard views. Cougar even has a small grassy area for your dog’s convenience, complete with poop bags for easy cleanup.

Akash Winery
Akash Winery combines stunning views with a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and dogs. Their open-air patio is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine while your well-behaved pup lounges nearby. With a rotating selection of food trucks and live music, Akash creates a lively yet relaxed environment that’s ideal for a day out with your furry companion.

Wiens Family Cellars
Wiens Family Cellars is renowned for its “Big Reds” , but it’s also a favorite among dog owners. Leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, where you can savor their award-winning varietals while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. Wiens even hosts pet-friendly events like “Woof, Wags & Wine,” making it a great choice for dog lovers looking to connect with the community.

Whether you’re a local or visiting Temecula Valley for the first time, these wineries offer the perfect blend of exceptional wine and dog-friendly hospitality. So grab your leash, pack some treats, and head out to explore the charm of Temecula Valley Wine Country with your four-legged friend!

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Plan Your Mid-Week Visit

Whether you can get away overnight, or just want to take a day trip, a mid-week visit to Temecula Valley Wine Country should prove to be a relaxing and enjoyable break.

There are many advantages to visiting wine country during the week. Much less busy weekdays are the perfect opportunity to allow yourself time to enjoy our 35+ member wineries’ offerings. At a slower pace, you’ll be able to enjoy more one-on-one time with the knowledgeable wine servers (or even the winemakers and/or winery owners themselves if you’re lucky) at each of your stops.

For a less expensive wine tasting experience, take advantage of the weekday SIP Passport. This passport allows you to visit any five wineries (of the 30 participating wineries) of your choice for $45. Visit our website at www.temeculawines.org to purchase your passport.

And, if we haven’t convinced you yet….there’s no waiting in line to dine at our wonderful wine country restaurants that are very busy on the weekends. If you’d like to spend the night you’ll be pleased with the selection of hotels and their reduced mid-week rates. Go here to how to play craps information Hotels in the area are generally booked months in advance on the weekends.

While we’d love to see you at any time here in Temecula Valley Wine Country, give us a try on a Wednesday sometime….we think you’ll be glad you did!

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5 Reasons to Visit Temecula Valley During the Week

Your favorite Southern California wine region is getting busier by the year. What’s a loyal visitor to do? Here are 5 great reasons to visit Temecula Valley wine country on a weekday:

 

1.  10% Off Your Lunch.

Temecula wine country is home to 12 delicious eateries (and counting) and most of these restaurant spots are hot come Saturday & Sunday. Reservations are required and tables are at a premium. Why not dine Monday-Friday and take advantage of the region’s coupon page which offers 10% off your al fresco favorites; including Meritage at Callaway, Creekside Grille at Wilson Creek, Cafe Champagne at Thornton and many more. Bon appetit!

Cafe Thornton, Thornton Winery

 

2.  No Lines. Anywhere.

Weekday visitors don’t miss waiting in line for anything in wine country. Forget lines to get into (or out of) the parking lot, waiting for the tasting room staff to come back with your next pour, putting your name in for a table or even the cue for the bathroom. Hello, weekday – goodbye, lines.

Miramonte Winery Patio

 

3. One-on-One Attention in the Tasting Rooms.

Weekends in any California wine country is always the most popular time to taste. But wine lovers come to the vineyards to experience what they can’t at home in their dining room: a personal, one-on-one experience. When the pace is slower at Temecula Valleys’ wineries, it’s common to strike up a conversation with the tasting room manager who ends up pulling in the winemaker from the barrel room to answer your random question about oak vs. stainless steel aging. On slower afternoons, your server might call the chef out of the kitchen to let you know what local farm your chicken came from. And there’s more time to bond in the tasting room with new friends over your shared love of good vino.

Damian Doffo, Doffo Winery

 

 

4.  Less Expensive Tastings, 2 for 1 Coupons and Happy Hours.

When it comes to wine tasting, the Monday through Thursday crowd can taste some of the same weekend wine flights for a little less. Alternatyvi medicina, sveikata, bičių duonelė, masažas, dietos, imuniteto stiprinimas, gintaras, alijošius, sveika mityba, nevaisingumo gydymas netradicinemedicina.com Indulge in weekday happy hours at favorites like South Coast, Danza del Sol and Ponte; and don’t forget your weekday 2 for 1 tasting coupons to a whole slew of top Temecula wineries.

 

5.  Great Hotel Rates.

Go ahead and spend the night on a Wednesday. Temecula hotels are eager for your mid-week business and they show it with their low weekday rates. Even though Temecula Valley is conveniently located near all major SoCal cities, after a day of touring and tasting, you’ll be safe and sound knowing your hotel room has already been booked – instead of having to gear up for a late-night drive home.

Ponte Vineyard Inn

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55 Festive Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Temecula, CA

“With a wonderful Winterfest window of 30 days and nights between November 29 and December 29, VisitTemecula.org is happy to share 55 Fun and Festive Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country,” announced Kimberly Adams, Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau president and CEO. “Sunday-through-Thursday-night stays make for especially appealing experiences of Temecula Valley holiday spirit; Temecula hotels and resorts offer special, better-than-weekend nightly room rates.”

THERE’S SNOW IN TEMECULA!

*1-Catch the Magic Snow flurry at Promenade Temecula. [FRI and SAT nights, Nov. 29 and 30, and Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28, at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and SUN nights, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.]

*2-Watch the new Snow Bell Rockin’ Nights show at the California mission-revival style Temecula Civic Center in Old Town Temecula. [Debuts FRI night Nov. 29, 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.; thenTHU, FRI, and SAT nights, Nov. 30, and December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28, at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.]

*3-Play in tons of snow at Winter Wonderland by Pennypickle’s Workshop in Old Town Temecula. [FRI night, Dec. 13, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.]

 

HOLIDAY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS TO EXPERIENCE TOGETHER

*4-The Nutcracker Ballet with music by Tchaikovsky; Old Town Temecula Community Theater. [FRI Nov. 29, 7 p.m.; SAT Nov. 30, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; SUN Dec. 1, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; WED Dec 18, 7 p.m.; THU Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; FRI Dec. 20, 7 p.m.; and SAT Dec. 21, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.]

*5-Christmas Carol: the Musical with the heartwarming story of Scrooge’s transformation; Old Town Temecula Community Theater. [THU Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.; SAT Dec. 7, 2 p.m.; SUN Dec. 8, 6 p.m.; WED/THU/FRI/SAT Dec. 11, 12, 13, and 14, 7:30 p.m.; and SUN Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.]

*6-The Game’s Afoot with a Sherlock Holmes-style whodunit on a glittering December 1936 holiday weekend; Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery. [THU/FRI/SAT/SUN Dec. 5, 6, 7, and 8; and THU/FRI/SAT Dec. 12, 13, and 14.]

 

CLASSIC HOLIDAY SPIRIT

*7-Lorimar Vineyard & Winery’s Tree Lighting Celebration: the holiday season begins at the Tuscan-style wine estate known for its fusion of wine, art, and music. [SUN night Dec. 1, 6 p.m.]

*8-South Coast Winery’s Tree Lighting Celebration: Christmas carolers, a Nutcracker ballet performance, holiday movies, and tractor rides through the vineyards decked out with holiday lights. [SUN night Dec. 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

*9-Christmas Carolers in vintage attire singing and strolling; South Coast Winery and Vineyard Rose restaurant. [Begins SUN night Dec. 1, 6 to 9 p.m.; then FRI, SAT, and SUN nights, Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

*10-Christmas in the Air: women’s chorus sings baroque to gospel and sacred to secular; Old Town Temecula Community Theater. [SAT night Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.; and SUN night Dec. 8, 2 p.m.]

*11-Bel Vino Winery Jingle Mingle: holiday cheer including hors d’oeuvres, wine, and live entertainment. [SAT night Dec. 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

 

OLD-SCHOOL AND A LITTLE ECLECTIC

*12- Europa Village Winery Vivi Bene: antidote to Black Friday with strolling carolers, old-world bread pudding. [FRI evening Nov. 29, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

*13-Holiday Advent Calendars exhibit; Temecula Valley Museum, Old Town Temecula. [TUES-SAT, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; SUN, 1 to 4 p.m.]

NEW-SCHOOL AND ECLECTIC

*14-Monte de Oro Winery Black Friday:  hot air balloon glow and entertainment. [FRI evening Nov. 29, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

*15-Callaway Vineyard & Winery’s Barrel Tree Lighting: unique stacked-barrel lighting celebration; wine tasting for adults, Santa, and hot cocoa for children. [SUN afternoon and evening, Dec. 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.]

*16-Jingle and Mingle after-hours singles mixers; South Coast Winery’s new Wine Press Tasting Room. [THU nights, Dec. 5, 12, 19, and 26, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

*17-Santa’s Electric Light Parade: illuminated floats, equestrians, and bands; Old Town Temecula. [FRI night December 6, 7 p.m.]

*18-Doffo Winery Holiday Polenta Party: wear your ugliest holiday sweater. [SAT afternoons December 7 and 14, 1 p.m.; reservations required]

*19-Terra Madre: holiday farm-to-plate celebration with heritage dishes of Spain, France, Italy; Europa Village Winery. [THU evening December 12, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

*20-Christmas with Elvis and Friends: musical tribute to Elvis’ favorite time of year; Europa Village Winery. [THU night Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; SAT night Dec. 21, 7 p.m.; SUN evening Dec. 22, 5:30 p.m.; tickets: Old Town Temecula Community Theater box office]

*21-Christmas Movie in the Vines: Christmas Vacation; Lorimar Vineyards & Winery. [MON Dec. 23, film starts at sunset]

 

VISITS WITH SANTA CLAUS

*22-At Promenade Temecula. [FRI/SAT Nov. 29 and 30, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; SUN Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; MON/TUE/WED/THU, Dec. 2, 3, 4, and 5, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; FRI Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; then daily Dec. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.]

*23-On Main Street, Old Town Temecula. [FRI Nov. 29, 6 to 9 p.m.; Sat/Sun, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7, and 8, 1 to 5 p.m.; FRI Dec. 13, 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Sat/Sun Dec. 14, 15, and Sun Dec. 21, 1 to 5 p.m.]

 

HOLIDAY EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCES

*24-Horse-drawn trolley rides simulate sleigh rides through vineyards adorned with twinkling lights; Temecula Carriage Company. (Nightly; reservations required.)

*25-Horses dressed as reindeer (including Rudolph): trail rides and arena rides; Saddle Up Ranch. (Daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; reservations required.)

NEW TRADITION: THE BUCKET LIST HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE TO SHARE

*26-An ultimately memorable flight together in a hot air balloon over Temecula Valley Wine County; A Grape Escape can accommodate up to 14 people all in the same basket.

 

HOLIDAY SPA INDULGENCES

*27-GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery: seasonal specials like La Dolce Vita: lush, anti-oxidant rich, aromatic chocolate massage. 

*28-Spa Pechanga at Pechanga Resort & Casino: seasonal specials like Liquid Gold Facial, 24-Karat Gold Masque.

NIGHTTIME SITES TO SEE: HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND DÉCOR

*29-Old Town Temecula: along Old Town Front Street from the northern gateway arch to the southern gateway arch, more than 30,000 twinkling lights.

*30-Temecula Valley Wine Country: vineyards and wineries decked out for the holidays; Thornton, Europa Village, Lorimar, Ponte, and South Coast along Rancho California Road; Keyways on the De Portola Wine Trail.

*31-Pechanga Resort & Casino: remarkable holiday magic from the luminous hotel tower to the festive, porte-cochere.

 

SWIRL AND SAVOR: TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY

*32-Wilson Creek Winery: limited Holiday Edition proprietary red blend of estate-grown Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc; available only in 1.5 liter magnums, autographed by The Wilsons, and ideal for entertaining; only available at the winery; wine tasting upon request.

*33-Ponte Family Estate winery: Temecula Valley estate, 2010 Holiday Reserve Zinfandel.

*34-Holiday Dinner at Meritage at Callaway Vineyard & Winery: festive five-course wine-paired dinner. [THU evening Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m., reservations required.]

 

SWIRL AND TASTE: OLD TOWN TEMECULA

*35-Fazeli Cellars: Yalda, heralding the shortest day and longest night traditionally celebrated as the Winter Solstice; Yalda is a propriety blend of Temecula Valley estate-grown Grenache, Shiraz, and Movedre.

*36-Lorimar Loft: 2008 Dolce Vita, a limited production, Temecula Valley port-style dessert wine.

 

SAVOR THE OLD TOWN TASTING TRAIL

*37-Temecula Olive Oil Company: fresh, 100% California, 100% extra-virgin, hand-blended, artisanal Temecula olive oil and balsamic vinegars at the complimentary-daily tasting bar; holiday favorites, fresh basil olive oil, pomegranate vinegar.

*38-Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants: vendor of herbs, spices, salts, blends, and loose teas; also sells hot and iced tea-to-go like Figgie Pudding, Snow Berry, Cinnamon Spice, and Winter Wonderland.

*39-Old Town Sweet Shop: purveyor of fresh chocolates, fudge, nut clusters, chocolate barks, chocolate-covered bacon; hand-scooped ice cream in flavors like peppermint.

*40-Holiday Taste of Old Town Temecula: restaurant samples, wine tasting discounts, goodie bags; tickets will be at Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants and The Bank Mexican Restaurant.[WED afternoon and evening Dec. 11, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

 

CULINARY CLASSES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

*41-Cookies and Hot Cocoa: epicurean cooking demo and wine pairing; Lorimar Vineyards & Winery. [WED afternoon Dec. 4, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.]

*42-Holiday Entertaining: with Café Champagne’s executive chef and sous chef; homemade eggnog, quick and easy appetizers, Christmas cupcakes; Thornton Winery. [SAT afternoon Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m.]

 

TAKE A SPIN: OUTDOOR ICE SKATING

*43-Temecula on Ice: state-of-the-art ice rink, colorful lights, rental skates that are contemporary and comfortable; coolest place in Old Town Temecula! [Daily and nightly, December 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29.]

 

HOLIDAY TRADITION: NEW MOVIE PREMIERES

*44-Saving Mr. Banks with Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson tells the story of how Disney’s classic, Mary Poppins, made it to the movie screen; film opens FRI Dec. 13, Promenade Temecula Theater.

*45-In The Hobbit: The Desolution of Smaug,Bilbo Baggins and Gandolf continue their Middle Earth journey and discover the deadly dragon Smaug; film opens FRI Dec. 13, Promenade Temecula Theater.

 

HOLIDAY DINING IN TEMECULA VALLEY

*46-Christmas Eve dining: Palumbo’s Ristorante, Old Town Temecula; authentic Italian cuisine with modern twists. [TUE Dec. 24, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*47-Christmas Eve dining: Farm House Kitchen, Temecula Creek Inn; special 3-course Christmas Eve prix-fixe menu. [TUE Dec. 24, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., reservations required.]

*48-Christmas Eve dining: The Gambling Cowboy, Old Town Temecula; contemporary steaks, chops, seafood. [TUE Dec. 24, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*49-Christmas Eve dining: Baily’s fine dining, Old Town Temecula; seasonal-December menu. [TUE Dec. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*50-Christmas Eve dining: Great Oak Steakhouse, Pechanga Resort & Casino; AAA Four Diamond dining, amazing wine list. [TUE Dec. 24, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*51-Christmas Eve dining: Vineyard Rose restaurant, South Coast Winery; special holiday menu. [TUE Dec. 24, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., reservations required.]

*52-Christmas dining: Café Champagne, Thornton Winery; special holiday menu. [WED Dec. 25, 12 p.m. to  5  p.m., reservations required.]

*53-Christmas dining: Farm House Kitchen, Temecula Creek Inn; special 3-course Christmas prix-fixe menu. [WED Dec. 25, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., reservations required.]

*54-Christmas dining: Great Oak Steakhouse, Pechanga Resort & Casino; AAA Four Diamond dining, amazing wine list. [WED Dec. 25, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*55-Christmas dining: Vineyard Rose restaurant, South Coast Winery; special holiday menu. [WED Dec. 25, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., reservations required.]

*Information is believed accurate but may be subject to change. The Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors, is online including complete daily Events Calendar at VistTemecula.org.

 

 

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