How to Plan the Ultimate Mediterranean-Style Getaway in Temecula Valley, No Passport Required
September is California Wine Month, and there’s no better time to raise a glass to Temecula Valley Wine Country. With its rolling vineyards, olive groves, lavender-scented boutiques, and sun-drenched hillsides, Temecula is the Mediterranean of California. Translation: all the Old World flavor, none of the jet lag.
Here, nearly 50 wineries produce award-winning wines that regularly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the state. The region’s Mediterranean climate of ample sunshine, warm days, and cool nights, and well-draining soils makes Temecula an ideal home for grapes you’d expect to find in Europe’s most celebrated wine regions. Rhône-style Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre thrive here alongside Italian classics like Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Vermentino. Spanish varieties like Albariño and Tempranillo flourish in the valley’s abundant sunshine, while Portuguese grapes like Touriga Nacional and Verdelho shine in both sparkling and still styles.
And then there are the views! Stand on a sun-dappled patio overlooking vine-striped hills at golden hour, and you could easily imagine yourself in Tuscany, Provence, or the hills of Rioja. Yet all of this is just an hour from San Diego and 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
So, let’s get to planning that getaway! Read on for the perfect three-night, two-day itinerary for a Mediterranean-style journey through Temecula Valley wine country, complete with where to stay, what to eat, and plenty of Old World-inspired wines.
Where to Stay
- South Coast Winery Resort & Spa — Mediterranean-inspired villas and suites, vineyard views, and the luxurious Grapeseed Spa.
- Europa Village — opt for the cozy Inn at Europa Village or the Bolero Casitas for Spanish-style charm, steps from three European-themed wineries and the vibrant Bolero Restaurante.
- Ponte Vineyard Inn — a boutique, upscale escape surrounded by gorgeous Italian gardens and beautifully maintained vineyards.
Day 1: Arrival & Spanish Evenings
Check In (Around 4 PM)
Settle into your resort, drop your bags, and take a moment to breathe in the vineyard air. Whether you’re overlooking rows of vines at South Coast or sipping a welcome pour at Europa Village, you’ll instantly feel transported.
Evening – A Spanish Sunset
Start your Mediterranean-inspired getaway with dinner at Bolero Restaurante at Europa Village. With lively Spanish-inspired décor, shareable tapas, hearty paella, and bold Temecula wines made from classic Spanish grapes like Garnacha and Monastrell, this meal sets the stage for a weekend of European flavor. Order sangria or a bottle of Bolero Monastrell for the table and soak in the atmosphere — festive, flavorful, and distinctly Mediterranean.
Day 2: Italian Hills, Rhône Romance & Spa Bliss
Breakfast
Begin your day with coffee and a light pastry at your resort or at E.A.T. Marketplace in Old Town, known for fresh, seasonal fare.
Morning Activity – Hot Air Balloon Ride
Kick off the day in unforgettable fashion: a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Temecula’s vineyards. As the sun crests the horizon, the valley glows in golden light, with rolling hills stretching out like Tuscany or Provence. Sparkling wine toast included, of course.
Lunch – La Dolce Vita
Immerse yourself in Italy at Mama Rosa Trattoria at Robert Renzoni Vineyards, where rustic pizzas, charcuterie platters, and hearty salads are paired with Italian varieties like Vermentino, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano, making for the quintessential Tuscan-style lunch.
Afterward, head to Cougar Vineyard & Winery, a family-owned winery specializing in lesser-known Italian varieties like Falanghina, Arneis, and Primitivo. Their laid-back patio overlooking the vines feels like a sunny hillside trattoria.
Afternoon Tastings – Rhône Elegance
Spend the afternoon at Leoness Cellars, known for its Rhône-style wines. Syrah and GSM blends (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) shine here, paired with panoramic views of the valley. Sip slowly, take in the scenery, and let the French countryside vibes wash over you.
Pre-Dinner Relaxation – GrapeSeed Spa
Head to GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery Resort for a vinotherapy-inspired treatment. Opt for a lavender oil aromatherapy massage or antioxidant facial, then linger by the pool with a glass of local rosé. This is the kind of Mediterranean indulgence you travel for.
Dinner – Farm-to-Table Night
Head to The Bistro at Miramonte Winery, where seasonal, wine-friendly plates shine. Try the Mediterranean Nachos, the Miramonte Chicken marinated in Greek seasoning, or simply grab a bottle of their award-winning Tempranillo to sip alongside their Panna Cotta and call it a night.
Day 3: Spanish Spirit & Portuguese Sparkle
Breakfast
Start with a cappuccino and buttery croissant at Le Coffee Shop, a French café tucked in Old Town. Pair breakfast with a leisurely stroll through the historic district’s shops and weekend market.
Morning Activity – Olive Oil & Lavender in Old Town
Stop by Temecula Olive Oil Company to sample artisan olive oils made from locally grown fruit. Just around the corner, Temecula Lavender Co. invites you into its fragrant boutique, where soaps, sprays, and sachets evoke Provence. Together, they’re a Mediterranean pairing right in Old Town.
Lunch – A Portuguese-Inspired Pause
Head to The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery. This elegant yet relaxed spot serves California cuisine paired with South Coast’s broad wine portfolio. Here you can sip on Portuguese varieties like sparkling and still Touriga Nacional or crisp, aromatic Verdelho — a nod to Portugal’s vibrant wine culture.
Afternoon Tastings – Your European Tour
- Raul Ramirez Winery: Small, boutique, and proudly Spanish, specializing in well-known Spanish varieties like Albariño and Tempranillo, as well as some lesser known grapes like Xarello and Verdejo.
- Europa Village: Sip across France, Italy, and Spain in one winery — the ultimate European sampler.
Dinner – A Final Feast
Celebrate your last evening with dinner at your resort — whether it’s Ponte, South Coast, or Europa, each offers its own Mediterranean-inspired experience. For an adventurous flourish, stop at Doffo Winery for bold Malbec and Syrah produced by a multi-generational, motorcycle-loving Argentine family. Not Mediterranean, but proof that Temecula embraces global wine traditions and the wine-country lifestyle with passion.
Day 4: Departure Morning
Breakfast & Check-Out
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your resort before check-out. One last vineyard stroll, one last deep breath of Temecula’s golden air — the Southern California’s Mediterranean will be waiting for your return.
