A Simple Way to Reach Top Talent — and Automatically Boost Your Visibility on Our Website
The wine industry thrives on great people. From vineyard stewards to tasting room hosts to seasoned winemakers, every role shapes the experience your winery delivers. But finding the right talent can be challenging — especially when job seekers are scattered across multiple platforms.
That’s exactly why we’ve partnered with WineJobs.com, the leading job board dedicated exclusively to the wine industry. This partnership makes it easier than ever for wineries to post openings, reach qualified candidates, and gain additional exposure through our website.
If you’re not already using WineJobs.com to list your open positions, now is the perfect time to start.
🍷 What Is WineJobs.com?
WineJobs.com is one of the most trusted and widely used employment platforms in the wine world. Thousands of job seekers visit the site every month looking specifically for opportunities in:
Winemaking
Viticulture
Sales & distribution
Hospitality & tasting rooms
Marketing & operations
And more across the entire wine value chain
Because the platform is industry‑focused, your listings reach people who already understand the unique demands and culture of winery work.
🔗 How Our Partnership Benefits You
Our partnership with WineJobs.com means your job postings don’t just live on their site — they automatically sync to ours as well.
That means:
You only post once. No need to upload your job to multiple places.
Your listing appears on WineJobs.com AND our website. Doubling your visibility without doubling your workload.
Job seekers browsing our site see your openings instantly. You reach both active job hunters and people already engaged with our winery community.
Your hiring process becomes more efficient. More qualified applicants, less time spent searching.
This integration is designed to make hiring easier for you while strengthening the talent pipeline across our entire region.
🌟 Why Wineries Love Using WineJobs.com
Wineries that consistently post on WineJobs.com report:
Higher‑quality applicants
Faster hiring timelines
Better visibility among industry professionals
A more streamlined recruitment process
Because the platform is so well‑known in the wine community, job seekers trust it — and they check it regularly.
📤 How to Get Started
Posting your job is simple:
Visit WineJobs.com
Create an employer account (if you don’t already have one)
Upload your job description
Once published, your listing will automatically sync to our website
If you ever update or close a job on WineJobs.com, those changes sync too — keeping everything clean and up to date.
🍇 Let’s Strengthen Our Wine Community Together
Our goal is to support wineries with tools that make operations smoother, hiring easier, and the entire region stronger. By using WineJobs.com, you’re not only helping your own business — you’re contributing to a more connected, professional, and thriving wine industry.
If you have questions about how the integration works or need help getting started, we’re always here to support you
The holidays, like life, move fast—too fast (Ferris Bueller warned us!). One minute you’re debating Halloween costumes; the next you’re panic-Googling whether prime rib should be salted the night before and hoping you bought enough wrapping paper. Fortunately, Temecula Valley’s winemakers approach this season with the kind of grounded, generous energy we all secretly crave. Their collective message? Take a breath. Pour something delicious. Enjoy your people.
And if there’s a theme this year, it’s simplicity—the kind that feels refreshing rather than pared-down.
The Secret to Great Holiday Hosting: Don’t Overthink It
Across the Valley, winemakers agree that lower pressure equals higher joy. “The best gatherings are the ones where people actually relax,” says Wilson Creek’s Wendy Holder. “When the host is calm and enjoying the moment, everyone else follows.” We’ve all been there when things devolve into chaos, and the tension turns palpable. Her recommendation? “Pick a few things you can do well, pour the good wine, and let everyone help themselves.” Taking a breath and recognizing this is holiday entertaining, not solving world peace also helps.
South Coast and Carter Estate winemaker Jon McPherson takes a similarly heartfelt approach, reminding us that the real point of the holidays is connection. With so much emphasis on details, he says it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that guests “aren’t judging your house or your tablescape—they want to laugh, share stories, and savor the moment.”
Over at Churon Winery, Brittany Mastin leans into warmth and welcome over perfection. For her, a successful gathering comes down to choosing a few dishes you know you can execute well and setting out plenty of wine. “Guests remember how they felt more than they remember a perfectly folded napkin,” she says.
Altisima’s general manager, Sharon, channels a distinctly Australian take—laid-back, communal, and refreshingly pressure-free. “Back home in Australia, gatherings are all about easy vibes, shared plates, and enjoying each other’s company,” she says. “The rest will sort itself out.”
And then there’s Carol Baily of Baily Winery, who offers the sort of wisdom only earned through decades of celebrations: “Relax and enjoy the day. These are the times you’ll remember when you’re old and gray.”
Even the unofficial “Chief Holiday Cheer Officer” himself, Danza del Sol and Masia de la Vinya’s Walter Carter, boils it down simply: hospitality is about how people feel. “Create a space where people feel celebrated, put on GOOD music that makes you smile, pour generously, and be fully present,” he advises. “The magic is in the moments, not the menu.” In short: vibes first, menu second.
What Wine Pros Bring to Holiday Gatherings
If you’ve ever wondered what someone in the wine business deems “host-worthy,” Temecula’s best have you covered—and they’re not shy about showing up with the good stuff (and often more than one bottle).
At Wilson Creek, Wendy reaches for the winery’s Petite Sirah, a bold, blackberry-and-dark-chocolate beauty she loves because it’s “a little unexpected in a good way.” It stands up to rich holiday fare and always gets a reaction.
Jon from South Coast and Carter Estate is steadfastly a two-bottle guest, because the holidays “always call for Beaujolais Nouveau and plenty of sparkling wine.” If you see him walk into a party, expect bubbles under one arm—likely a Blanc de Noir from Carter Estate, and the first wine of the new vintage under the other.
Churon’s Brittany brings a bottle designed to please just about everyone: their 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, which she calls rich, smooth, and versatile enough for everything from roast beef to a cheese board.
For Altisima’s Sharon, it’s not the holidays without their Sparkling Brut—“festive, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to kick off the holiday vibes the right way.”
Carol at Baily Winery goes rosé for the season, choosing the Grandol Rosé—a blend of Mourvèdre and Grenache—because it shines with turkey and all the classic holiday trimmings.
Walter at Danza del Sol and Masia fully embraces his reputation as the guy who refuses to show up with just one bottle. His picks? Danza’s GSM—“everyone’s new favorite”—and Masia’s bright, refreshing Albariño to open the night.
Cougar Vineyard’s Jennifer opts for something memorable: their estate Ciliegiolo. “It’s a beautiful red and it’s highly unlikely that anyone at the gathering has heard of or had the wine before,” she says. “Plus my pup is on the label!” If ever there were a reason to pick up a bottle…
And over at Falkner Winery, operations manager Raymond Murgo leans proudly into their 2023 Amante—an award-winning Super Tuscan style red that’s become a staple at their own celebrations.
These are winemakers who take gifting seriously—and happily.
Their All-Time Favorite Holiday Pairings
If you really want to understand wine professionals, ask them what they like to eat and drink during the holidays. Their answers are a combination of classic, nostalgic, and—occasionally—delightfully indulgent.
Wendy from Wilson Creek is a firm believer in the power pairing of Petite Sirah and prime rib, calling it “the ultimate holiday power couple” and admitting that the combination is so good it makes her stop mid-bite.
Jon from South Coast starts his feast before the feast, usually with a glass (or two) of sparkling wine alongside salty kettle chips topped with sour cream or crème fraîche and a hit of caviar—a ritual he describes as “the perfect pre-holiday treat.”
For Brittany at Churon, nothing beats a charcuterie board piled high with aged cheeses, cured meats, dried fruit, and nuts, especially when paired with one of their estate reds like their award-winning Paso Doble or Syrah.
Sharon at Altísima carries her Australian traditions with her, swearing by prawns with crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc—it is summer this time of year across the pond after all. But here in the States, she happily shifts to Pinot Noir with roasted turkey.
Carol at Baily refuses to commit to a single favorite after more than 60 years of wine-and-food memories. Her only recommendation? “Just remember that food tastes better with wine and wine tastes better with food”—a motto that anyone in wine country can live by.
Walter at Danza del Sol and Masia de la Vinya is all about comfort and celebration: prime rib with Masia de la Vinya’s Monastrell. “It’s a pairing that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket that also sings Christmas carols,” he says. His runner-up is Danza de Sol’s Sparkling Espumosa with anything sweet enough to belong on a cookie tray (or as dessert itself).
Jennifer from Cougar goes straight for a classic: their dry sparkling rosé with turkey. “Perfect,” she says, and she means it.
And Raymond from Falkner takes a more global approach, pairing their Amante with one of the winery’s signature dishes: grilled octopus with Spanish peppers, Moroccan couscous, rainbow cauliflower, and a drizzle of spicy oil. Temecula Valley is SoCal’s Mediterranean, after all.
If there’s a takeaway here, it’s that holiday pairings don’t have to be complicated—just thoughtful, balanced, and joyfully shared.
A Temecula Valley Toast to the Season
Across Temecula Valley, the message is clear: the best holiday gatherings are the ones that feel effortless, generous, and full of genuine connection. Whether your table is set with prime rib and Petite Sirah, cookies and sparkling wine, or something involving prawns because someone lived in Australia for a while, the through-line is the same—great wine, great company, and the kind of moments you’ll hold onto long after the last ornament is packed away.
“Roast the turkey or bake the ham, but keep it easy and invite others to contribute,” says Jon. “Aunt Jane’s Jell-O salad or Uncle Bob’s hamburger casserole are part of the family story—and those traditions are what knit us together. Focus on making memories, not more dishes.”
My name is Melissa Hoxsey. I am a wife and a mother of three. Prior to working for Briar Rose Winery I was a Registered Nurse for 13 years. Of those 13 years I spent the last 3 years as a Quality and Patient Safety Specialist. In 2022, I decided to leave the medical field altogether to be my children’s full time teacher. 6 months into staying home a friend asked if I’d like to work Saturdays as a server at Briar Rose Winery and I couldn’t say no. I have now worked at Briar Rise Winery for over 3 years and I absolutely love it! It is truly a fairytale dream job!
On my time off I spend time watching by boys in BJJ, my daughter perform as aerialist and my husband sing in punk rock band. As a family we love to hike with our 2 dogs, geocache, play escape rooms and board games . We are adventurous and love traveling and trying new food and beverages.
If you could recommend one must-try experience at your winery, what would it be?
At Briar Rose we have so many amazing events that we have every year including our Halloween party and our Bridgerton tea parties. But I think enjoying a simple wine tasting is the best experience. We do it a little different. At Briar Rose Winery the server comes to you! This makes the tasting more personal and you really get to know our wines and learn about our amazing history!
What do you love most about working in wine country?
I love that I get to meet so many people from all over the world! It’s amazing how Temecula has become a force for tourism and wine and that people come to Temecula from across the world just to experience our wine country!
Describe your ideal wine and food pairing.
My ideal wine pairing is a glass of Briar Rose’s 2017 Zinfandel and a piece of dark chocolate! The wine elevates the chocolate and the chocolate elevates the wine, which in my opinion is the perfect match!
What’s your go-to sip after a long day?
My favorite sip changes everyday!! It all depends on my mood!😁 On a hot day I love to sip on a cold Viognier and on a cold day a nice Cabernet Sauvignon!
Any dream role or experience you’d love to take on in the industry?
I honestly can’t think of a better role than the one I have now! I am the lead server at a family owned boutique winery where I am treated like family. I get to serve the best customers while helping our winery run smoothly. My opinions and ideas matter and I get to do what I love best and interact with people!
My name is Steve Bourguignon, I was born and raised in Normandie, France. I moved to the US in 2007 right after obtaining my degree in transportation and logistics. I am married and I have 2 beautiful daughters. After multiple customer service jobs, I decided to follow my passion for wine and apply at Falkner in 2015. I have been working in Temecula wine country ever since and I love it!
What wine trend am I the most excited about right now?
I believe the rise for sustainable and biodynamic wines is an amazing trend. This movement towards natural and sustainable farming is a great trend that I 100% agree with. I believe we can make amazing wines without damaging mother nature.
Who has been a mentor in my career?
The person who has been there from the beginning of my journey in wine country and has influenced my career the most in a positive way is Raymond Murgo. He has provided valuable advice that makes me better at my job.
Describe my ideal wine and food pairing?
Tough question! I am very passionate about wine and food. If I have to choose, my number one pairing would be a Beef Bourguignon paired with a nice Pinot Noir from Burgundy (and let’s not forget a fresh baguette to go with it.) 🙂
What is my go to sip after a long day?
My favorite glass of wine to relax after a long day at work would be a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. One of my favorite Sauvignon Blanc is produced in the appellation of Sancerre in France’s Loire Valley.
What is something new I hope to learn this year?
I am hoping to register and pass my Level 2 sommelier degree with the court of master sommelier of America. I passed my level one last year and would like to get my level 2 in the next 12 months.
Any dream role or experience I would love to take on in the wine industry?
I would love to follow the footsteps of my mentor Raymond and become a tasting room manager one day. I have been serving and selling wine for over 10 years and understand the business very well and would love to advance my career in this direction.
This Veterans Day, Temecula Valley Wine Country is proud to salute our military heroes with exclusive offers throughout Temecula Valley wine country. Whether you’re a veteran or an active-duty service member, our wineries are rolling out the red carpet with special discounts and experiences!
Year-Round Military Appreciation
Many of our wineries recognize that service to our country deserves year-round appreciation. The following establishments offer ongoing military discounts with a valid military ID:
Foot Path: Active duty taste for free and get a 10% discount on wine purchases
Special Veterans Day Offers (November 11, 2025)
In addition to year-round discounts, these wineries are offering extra-special Veterans Day promotions:
Akash Winery & Vineyards: 50% off wine and beer by the glass, and tasting flights on Veterans Day with a valid military ID (use code LOVEOURTROOPS to reserve your tasting)
Bel Vino Winery: Veterans Day Sale on November 10th. Veterans get wine club benefits for the day, including 1 complimentary glass and 25% off bottles
Callaway Winery: 10% off wine tasting and purchases on Veterans Day
Churon Winery: Military Appreciation Month throughout November with 50% off wine tastings and 15% off café and wine bottle purchases (discounts are for active military and veterans; must show military ID)
Doffo Winery: Red, White & Blue Bundle (November 6-11) featuring the 2022 Gran Tinto, 2022 Super Tinto, 2022 Royal Tinto, and a Sturgis Patch Hat for $119 (originally $209). A percentage of proceeds will be donated to Warfighter Made in support of our veterans.
When visiting, please remember to bring your valid military ID to receive these special offers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing tasting room experience, a full day touring wine country, or an overnight getaway, Temecula Valley’s wineries are honored to serve those who’ve served our nation.
Thank you to all our veterans and active-duty service members for your sacrifice and dedication. We look forward to welcoming you to Temecula Valley Wine Country.
For the most up-to-date information on specific offers and hours, please contact wineries directly before your visit. Check out our event page HERE to plan for your next trip to wine country!
Tuscany, Provence, Rioja… Temecula? How SoCal Became a Mediterranean Wine Paradise
Warm days, ocean breezes, and adventurous winemakers have transformed Temecula Valley into a hotspot for European grapes. Here are 12 you absolutely need to try.
You’ve heard the classics: Tuscany and Sangiovese. Provence and its Rosé. Rioja and Tempranillo. Mediterranean wine regions all have their signature grapes — and now Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is carving out its place on that list.
Thanks to a climate that could just as easily be mistaken for Southern Italy as Southern California, Temecula has become a natural home for Mediterranean wine grape varieties. Warm days, breezy evenings, cool mornings, and a spirit of experimentation among winemakers mean that these varieties not only grow here, they thrive.
The result? A lineup of wines that transports you straight to the Mediterranean, without the jet lag. Here’s an A to Z of 12 of our favorites that you need to know in Temecula Valley.
BOTTAIA
Arneis
Italy calls it the “little rascal,” but Temecula has tamed it into a crisp, lively white with pear, citrus, and almond notes. It’s like Pinot Grigio with a bit more oomph and a lot more texture.
A Northern Italian red that’s all about juicy fruit and food-friendly charm. In Temecula, it brings vibrant acidity and structure but often a bit more body than its European counterparts. It’s equally at home as your new favorite pizza wine as it is your fireside contemplative sip.
This ancient white grape from Southern Italy finds a magical new life in Temecula. Expect citrus, tropical fruit, and a hint of flowers, not to mention mouth-watering freshness for days. And, Temecula Valley was the first to get this tough-to-pronounce but totally delicious grape recognized as a wine grape grown in the United States.
One of Spain and France’s most versatile grapes, Grenache is Temecula’s social butterfly — equally delicious on its own or in blends. Bright berries, spice, and endless drinkability.
Bold, earthy, and full of dark fruit, Mourvèdre proves Temecula can hang with any Rhône Ranger. It’s savory, structured, and perfect for slow-cooked dishes. It’s also a must for curling up with a blanket and some Netflix on a chilly evening.
From Italy’s Abruzzo region to SoCal, Montepulciano sings with juicy red fruit, spice, and refreshing acidity. A crowd-pleaser with pasta or grilled meats.
This Rhône white is all about texture. In Temecula, Roussanne offers stone fruit, honeyed notes, and a silky mouthfeel — proof that whites can be just as complex as reds.
Tuscany’s flagship grape feels right at home in Temecula. Rich, full-bodied, and packed with ripe fruit, these wines often draw comparisons to some of the more serious and revered takes on this variety — minus the transatlantic flight.
Peppery, bold, and brimming with dark fruit, Temecula Syrah rivals some of the best Rhône bottlings. Built for both the cellar and the grill, it’s one of the Valley’s superstar reds.
A seaside favorite from Sardinia and Corsica, and grown as a quaffable white in parts of central Italy, Vermentino thrives inland here with zesty citrus, peach, and a touch of minerality. Summer in a bottle, and plenty of acidity to wash down salty snacks and shellfish.
Perfumed, lush, and full-bodied, Viognier is one of Temecula’s signature whites. Expect apricot, honeysuckle, and a finish that lingers. This is a red wine drinker’s white.
Temecula’s Mediterranean grapes aren’t trying to be Tuscany or the Rhône. They’re too busy being themselves. With the right climate, the right soil, and winemakers willing to take risks on varieties most Americans can’t even pronounce, this valley has become one of the most exciting places to drink Old World grapes in the New World.
So grab a glass of Falanghina, pour some Tempranillo, or try whatever sounds unfamiliar. The best way to understand why these grapes work here is to taste them for yourself.
As the leaves begin their transformation and the autumn breeze blows through the vines, there’s no better time to explore Temecula Valley Wine Country! October brings a perfect blend of warm days and cooler nights, festive celebrations, and that unmistakable fall feeling that makes every sip feel special. From family-friendly harvest festivals and corn mazes to sophisticated masquerade balls and winery celebrations, from ghost stories to hot air balloon rides over golden vineyards, October in Temecula Valley Wine Country offers something for every visitor.
Pumpkins, Wine, and Everything Divine
Start your October adventure at Peltzer Pumpkin Farm. The Peltzer Pumpkin Farm has been a family tradition for almost thirty years now! Whether you’re searching for the perfect jack-o’-lantern, navigating the sprawling corn maze, watching a pig race, mining for gold, or simply looking to get those Instagram-worthy family photos. Peltzer is the perfect place to do it all.
Festive Fall Parties
October brings an incredible lineup of opportunities to really get into the fall spirit throughout the month! Be sure to check our events page for an up to date list of everything happening in October. Here are some of our bucket list events:
Speaking of spooky Temecula experiences, did you know that Bella Vista Winery might be extra spirited? As one of Temecula Valley’s oldest properties and home to our very first commercial vineyard (planted in 1968 by Vincenzo Cilurzo and his wife Audrey), Bella Vista carries decades of wine-making history.
But here’s where it gets deliciously spooky, some of the staff believe Mr. Cilurzo never really left his beloved winery. Staff report flickering lights (fitting, since he was a lighting expert in Hollywood), mysterious nighttime sounds, and even gates that open on their own. As one staff member shared, “I was carrying a case of wine up the stairs…the gate opened! I was three steps away from the top. This was in the middle of the day!”
Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or simply love a good story, Bella Vista offers an experience that’s both historical and wonderfully mysterious. Be sure to stop by Bella Vista’s Speakeasy, The Cilurzo, while you’re there. It’s a cozy little corner with wine based cocktails and tasty bites to order. Reservations are highly recommended.
Unleash Your Creative Spirit: October Art Experiences
Grab a glass of Temecula wine and pick up a paint brush! From craft classes at Peltzer to Modern Calligraphy & Pumpkin Lettering Class at Akash Winery, and Sip & Paint nights at both Ponte Winery and Europa Village; this month offers a wide variety of opportunities to express your creativity. Many wineries also offer wine glass art classes throughout October, where you can paint and personalize your own wine glasses, the perfect souvenir from your autumn wine country adventure.
Take Flight for those Vineyard Views
For a bird’s-eye view of the fall foliage, consider a morning hot air balloon ride with A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure or Cielo Balloons. There’s nothing quite like floating above the golden vineyards while sipping champagne and watching the sunrise paint the valley in autumn hues.
More Tips for Planning Your Perfect October Visit:
Book an overnight stay with one of our lodging partners for the complete wine country experience
Book transportation with ourtrusted tour partners for safe, stylish travel between venues
Get the most out of your visit with our Temecula SIP Passport, your passport to midweek winery discounts
So grab your friends, pack your sense of adventure, and come discover why October might just be the most enchanting month to explore Southern California Wine Country. Cheers!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wrap up your wellness retreat with outdoor sunset dining at Altisima Winery orRobert 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?
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.
Celebrating Earth Day and the Region’s Commitment to a Greener Future
Each year on April 22, Earth Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve this planet we call home. But it’s not just a day—it’s a movement, and this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” serves as a bold rallying cry. It calls on individuals, communities, and entire industries to harness their collective power to drive meaningful environmental change. In the world of wine, that message rings especially true. The choices made in the vineyard and cellar can directly impact the health of the land, the longevity of ecosystems, and the sustainability of future vintages.
Here in Southern California, Temecula Valley is gaining well-deserved recognition not only for its dynamic hospitality scene and world-class wines, but also for its growing commitment to environmental stewardship. Wineries across the region are embracing everything from regenerative agriculture to solar power, cover cropping, composting, water conservation, and beyond. Their efforts aren’t just good for the Earth—they’re leading to better wine and deeper connections between land, community, and consumer. Here’s a look at how five standout wineries are putting sustainability at the forefront of their farming and winemaking practices.
At Doffo Winery, sustainability is a hands-on commitment, rooted in practices that benefit both the vineyard and the final product. “We maintain a no-till policy to preserve soil structure and health,” says Damian Doffo. “We also implement a cover crop program with legumes, barley, and flowers to improve water retention and soil nutrition while naturally suppressing weeds.” Composting and mulching further boost vineyard vitality, and a triple-sorting process ensures that only the highest-quality grapes make it into the bottle.
As for this year’s Earth Day theme, Damian says it’s about recognizing collective strength: “The theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ highlights the power of individuals, communities, and industries—like winemaking—to make sustainable choices that benefit the planet for future generations.” He points to strategies like regenerative agriculture, sustainable water management, eco-friendly packaging, and community education as essential ways the region can embody this ethos.
Assistant Winemaker Emily Bloom explains that their dual estates prioritize soil management, water conservation, and low-impact pest control. “Our mountain vineyards rely on rainwater collected and stored in our reservoir,” she says. “We also use drip irrigation and closely monitor our water use.” By maintaining balanced soil nutrients and minimizing synthetic treatments, the team is nurturing a vineyard ecosystem that thrives in harmony with its surroundings. “The surrounding ecosystem plays a crucial role in the health of our vineyards,” Emily notes. “A thriving natural habitat indicates a healthy vineyard.”
Earth Day’s 2025 message resonates deeply with the team. “As vintners, we have the power to make a meaningful impact,” she says. “Empowering our tasting room team to talk about our sustainable practices ensures guests understand the importance of responsible farming. By continually refining our techniques, we can reduce our environmental footprint while producing exceptional wines.”
Certified sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance in 2023, Robert Renzoni Vineyards blends passion with purpose. “It’s about creating a partnership that benefits both the environment and the community,” says winemaker Olivia Bue. Their practices include composting, cover cropping, avoiding synthetic chemicals, managing pH and vine balance, and working closely with growers who share their values.
The winery also uses 100% solar energy and collects rainwater for irrigation. “Nothing is more valuable than beginning with the purest fruit possible, grown by dedicated farmers,” Olivia adds. “By focusing on soil health and biodiversity, we can produce better wine that reflects the unique terroir of each of our vineyards.” Their mission is as clear as it is powerful: produce high-quality, honest wines while protecting the land for future generations.
Wilson Creek Winery has become a regional leader in regenerative farming, with Vineyard Manager Greg Pennyroyal at the helm of their science-forward, sustainability-first philosophy. The team uses cover crops to build soil health, manage erosion, and support beneficial insects, while reduced tillage, natural pest control, and compost applications help maintain a thriving vineyard ecosystem. “Regenerative agriculture is not just a farming technique; it’s a philosophy,” says Pennyroyal. “It’s about healing the land while producing exceptional wine.”
That philosophy comes to life in their groundbreaking Block 9 Cabernet Sauvignon, the first release from their regenerative vineyard block. Developed in collaboration with the University of California Riverside, this wine represents the culmination of six years of transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture. By using biological inoculants, sheep grazing, organically chelated fertility, and minimal soil disturbance, Block 9 has yielded fruit of exceptional density and balance. The 2021 vintage shows off complex aromatics of red and blue fruits layered with baking spice and cedar. The finish is long and smooth, with notes of French and American oak harmonizing with an earthy signature that speaks to the vineyard’s biological vitality. As we celebrate Earth Day and reflect on the impact of our choices, it’s inspiring to see Temecula Valley wineries leading with purpose. From soil to cellar, their commitment to sustainability is shaping a future where winegrowing and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. So the next time you raise a glass from this region, know that you’re tasting not just great wine—but the power of thoughtful, responsible farming in every sip.
