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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Temecula Valley’s story isn’t just told through vistas and grape varieties. It’s built, sustained, and advanced by the people who do the daily work of making wine country such a singular place. The women featured here represent different parts of the ecosystem: winemaking, ownership, distribution, operations, and the front lines of hospitality. What connects them isn’t a single job title. It’s the way they lead — through steadiness, care, ambition, empathy, and resilience.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” surfaces in their responses in ways that lean more sincere than slogan: opening doors for colleagues, investing in teams, holding a long vision through uncertainty, and refusing to confuse kindness with weakness.
Across these stories, “giving” isn’t about self-erasure. It’s about building something bigger than yourself — and gaining confidence, clarity, and community in return.
Meet a few of the women shaping Temecula Valley wine country right now.
Aspen Mosby, Wine Club Coordinator, Altisima Winery
In a role where emotions can run high and expectations can spike fast, Aspen Mosby leads with composure and intention, and has the kind of steadiness that protects both guests and team culture. She describes a moment that would shake anyone: “When a member has yelled at me, there have been moments I’ve felt defeated.” Instead of reacting, she focuses on de-escalation and dignity. “What helps is pausing, actively listening, and making sure they feel heard instead of reacting emotionally.” She also credits support from her manager: “My manager, Sharon, also helps to ground and refocus me.”
Aspen is most proud of work that’s designed to be invisible: preparation, systems, and the unglamorous details that make a day feel seamless. “I’m most proud of my organization and preparation. Making sure everything is set up for the day saves time, reduces stress, and helps the team run more smoothly — even if it’s not always visible.”
Her perspective on strength is clear and modern. “You can be hospitable, efficient, and still remain humble and kind,” she says. “You don’t have to be harsh to be strong.” And her message to other women lands with the kind of simplicity you can build a whole month around: “I want women to know that you can be kind and still be powerful.” For Aspen, “Give to Gain” is about the real returns of showing up well for others: “When you give your time, support, and kindness to others, you gain growth, trust, and stronger relationships in return.”
Olivia Bue, Winemaker, Robert Renzoni Vineyards; Director of Winemaking & Co-owner, Truffle Pig Winery
Olivia Bue’s answers carry the imprint of someone building in multiple directions at once — career, family, and a long-term winemaking vision. She points to a season after her second child as one of the most challenging of her life. “Balancing a toddler, a newborn, a growing, high-performing winery stretched me in ways I never anticipated,” she says. “It was mentally exhausting, a heck of a lot of mom guilt, and there were moments I questioned whether I could continue at the level I expected of myself.”
What kept her going wasn’t a neat solution. “What kept me going was my sense of purpose,” she explains. “I had invested too much heart into my work, and I wasn’t going to let exhaustion take that from me. Bringing my kids to work with me, watching their excitement through the years as they come ‘help’ me work during harvest season, fuels me still to this day. I want them to grow up remembering a mom who built something meaningful, pushed through the challenging moments in life, and made it to the other side.”
She describes this as a pivotal perspective shift that had a major impact on her outlook: “Ultimately, that moment in life reshaped me, strengthened my resilience and gave me a deeper outlook and sense of pride as both a mother and a leader.”
Olivia is also proud of a less obvious part of winemaking: the moment the tasting room becomes a true extension of the cellar — when the team understands not just what a wine tastes like, but why it exists. “One of the parts of my job I’m most proud of, that people don’t always see, is when the tasting room team truly connects with a wine I’ve made,” she says. “That full circle moment means everything and it tells me the wine is doing what it’s meant to do.”
Her message to women is urgent in the best way — don’t wait for “someday.” “I want women to know that there’s no better time to pursue your career than now,” she says. “It won’t magically get easier if you wait. Build it while you’re in it. Live in the moment and make it happen.” And her “Give to Gain” is framed like a winemaker would frame it: the return comes from what you invest over time. “The more I pour into what matters most, the more I grow and the more purposeful my life becomes,” she says. “Whether it’s nurturing in the vineyard long before harvest or investing in the people who help bring our vision to life, the return always comes back stronger.”
Cassidy Wilson, Director of Distribution, Wilson Creek Winery
Cassidy Wilson’s leadership story is rooted in pressure — and what it means to keep showing up when everything feels unstable. She points to March 2020 as a moment that tested her sense of purpose. “I was working for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in grocery stores throughout Los Angeles, and it was complete chaos,” she recalls. “We shifted to overnight schedules so we could stock shelves while stores were closed, and, at the same time, the city was experiencing protests and uncertainty. There were moments when I questioned why we were considered ‘frontline workers’ and whether I was truly making an impact.”
What brought her through was community and her team. “We leaned on each other through long nights, unpredictable demand, and constant change.” It changed the way she defined leadership: “It stopped being about individual brands or personal wins and became about showing up for one another and serving our communities.”
Now, she’s proud of the long, dedicated work behind relationships and growth — the years of trust that sit beneath any one big moment. “People often see the finished product … but they do not always see the years of trust, communication, and problem-solving that go into it.” As part of a family business, she carries the dual responsibility of honoring the past while moving forward: “That means having hard conversations, listening first, and showing up consistently even when no one is watching.”
Her message to young women is liberating. “I hope they see that you do not have to fit into a traditional mold to be successful,” she says, pointing to her own non-linear career path. “I left a volleyball scholarship, moved across the country, worked in music, started at the bottom in distribution, and eventually found my place back at our family winery. Each step shaped the leader I am today. I want young women to know that confidence is built through experience, not perfection.”
She also underscores that leadership doesn’t require becoming someone else: “You can be warm, collaborative, and authentic while still being strong and decisive. Leadership does not have to look one way.” And her “Give to Gain” is about momentum: “Giving your time, knowledge, or encouragement does not diminish your own growth. It expands it.”
Carrie Peltzer, Co-owner, Peltzer Farm & Winery
Carrie Peltzer has helped build a Temecula institution by doing something a lot of people romanticize, but few can sustain: holding a vision together for years longer than expected. She describes the tasting room design and entitlement process as a stretch that nearly broke her resolve. “It became clear that our two-year timeline was quickly reaching five or six years,” she says. “It was exhausting, uncertain, and at times overwhelming. There were many days that I figured we would not reach the finish line.”
The turning point was the kind of support women remember for life — encouragement from local owners and winemakers who helped her keep going. “I was lucky enough to have met many local business and winery owners, along with local winemakers, who gave me the encouragement and guidance to persevere,” she recalls. “This is something I will never forget and will pass forward to any newcomers to the Valley.”
Carrie’s pride lives in the behind-the-scenes work that most guests never notice, but every guest benefits from. “The part of my work I am most proud of is something people don’t always see: the steady, behind-the-scenes concepting and continued building of this dream.” She names the invisible labor too — the emotional weight of staying consistent through uncertainty: “The emotional labor of holding a vision together during uncertainty, growth, and change — and continuing to show up with consistency, care, and resilience.”
Carrie cites a mentor who opened a door for her when she was in her early twenties, and helped lead Carrie into design, marketing, and ultimately owning a business, as playing a role in how she manages others today. “She showed up for me – offering encouragement, sharing hard-earned wisdom and reminding me of my own strength when I doubted it,” she says. “Because of that, I try to lead with an open heart. I try to share what I’ve learned, be honest about the struggles, and create opportunities for others. Not because I expect anything in return, but because I know firsthand how life-changing that support can be.”
For Carrie, “Give to Gain” is a statement of values — not scarcity, not competition, not gatekeeping. “It means believing that there is enough room for all of us to succeed and that when one woman rises, she makes space for others to rise also.”
Karena Leon, Director of Operations & Marketing, Oak Mountain Winery; Founder, SOM Program
Karena Leon’s work lives at the intersection of business and service — running the operational engine of a winery while also building nonprofit impact through the SOM Program. She describes seasons where the weight of juggling it all felt intense: “There have been moments when balancing nonprofit leadership, family, and a growing business felt overwhelming, especially when resources were limited and expectations were high.”
What kept her moving wasn’t ego; it was purpose. “Purpose has always been my anchor, and knowing that others were depending on me pushed me forward even when the path felt uncertain.” She’s proud of what she describes as quiet impact — the connective work that doesn’t always get credit but changes outcomes. “I’m most proud of the connections I help create behind the scenes,” she says. “Seeing those relationships grow into long-term impact is incredibly rewarding, even if it’s not always visible.”
She credits mentors and community leaders for believing early, and she’s intentional about giving that same kind of support forward. “They offered guidance, trust, and opportunities to lead,” she explains. “I try to do the same by mentoring young leaders, advocating for nonprofits, and creating space for others – especially women – to step into roles where they can grow, be seen, and succeed.”
Her message to women is direct and affirming: “Their voice matters, their vision is valid, and they don’t have to choose between success and kindness.” For Karena, “Give to Gain” is a lived philosophy: “When you give your time, your knowledge, and your heart to others, the return is far greater than anything tangible.”
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 PassportHERE, which gets you discounted tastings at 30+ participating wineries on weekdays, including several stops on this very itinerary.
Cheers! The Temecula Wines Team
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.
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.
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.
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.
Temecula Valley continues to turn heads—with sunshine, rolling vineyards, and a growing community of passionate winemakers, it’s no wonder we’ve made headlines again. Check out a few recent press articles that spotlight our member wineries and the vibrant charm of Wine Country:
We’re proud to see Temecula Valley and our wineries featured so beautifully in the media. Stay tuned for more coverage and stories that showcase the people, passion, and place that make our wine country so special.
We’re excited to introduce the latest additions to the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association! These businesses bring fresh energy, valuable services, and a shared passion for supporting Temecula Valley Wine Country. Let’s give a warm welcome to our newest members!
Silver Members
First Citizen Bank
Financing and banking solutions for wineries and vineyards.
Contact: Jodie Rizzo/Nick Wolf (951) 294-9402 Jodie.rizzo@firstcitizens.com; NWolfe@svb.com
Innovative Light Designs
Specializes in landscape and holiday lighting project. Innovative Light Designs have won 1st place at national conference design challenge.
Little Bus Tours Little Bus Tours offers luxury wine tours in Temecula, CA. We provide a fun and educational experience with knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation for all occasions.
Contact: Kurt Miller (844) 619-1818 littlebustours.com littlebustours@gmail.com
Paylocity
Paylocity is a cloud-based software platform designed to streamline and centralize HR and payroll operations for businesses of all sizes.
Contact: Marci Lipp, Jenny Lane (951) 440-8532 JLane3@paylocity.com; mlipp@paylocity.com
Growers
Pauba Ranch Varietals: Malbec, Syrah
Contact: Ken Creighton (248) 463-8788 ken.creighton@dmeha.com
We’re proud to have these outstanding businesses join our community and look forward to the collaboration and innovation they’ll bring to Temecula Valley Wine Country. Be sure to connect with them and explore how they can support your winery or event!
My name is Michael Mohammad, and I’m 36 years old. My family moved to Temecula, CA in 1992, back when there was only one stoplight in town and just a handful of wineries. I grew up playing inline hockey and graduated from Temecula Valley High School.
I’ve been in hospitality since I was 16, starting as a dishwasher at Tony Roma’s and working my way through every corner of the industry. Before stepping into wine country, I spent nearly 12 years bartending, connecting with incredible people while crafting cocktails.
About three years ago, I joined the Altisima family, and it’s been amazing to see us honored as Winery of the Year by the Xenia Hospitality Awards. I love being part of a team that’s pushing Temecula’s culture forward — blending elevated wine experiences with authenticity and genuine connection. Whether I’m suggesting wine pairings or sharing stories with guests, my goal is always to make people feel seen, heard, and welcomed.
Outside the winery, I freelance as a graphic designer under the name @themohamz, also known as MOHAMZ Studio. My work spans branding, illustration, and physical product design — everything from logos and T-shirts to digital illustrations and murals. (Fun fact: While working at Temecula Coin-Op, I designed the packaging for their Power Punch — the adult version of Capri Suns.) I’m drawn to projects that blend culture, identity, and storytelling; always chasing that spark where design meets purpose.
At the end of the day, I’m passionate about bold red wine, meaningful conversations, and creating work that resonates with people on a deeper level.
What wine trend are you most excited about right now?
I don’t know if it’s a “trend,” but I’m really excited about the younger generation of winemakers coming up. They’re not afraid to take risks, break the rules, and bring something new to the table. You can tell they care more about expression and community than chasing points or prestige. I see a lot of creativity and purpose in what they’re doing — and that’s something I really connect with.
What do you love most about working in wine country?
What I love most about working in wine country is how it brings everything I care about together — good wine, good people, and good vibes. Every day is a mix of hospitality and creativity, whether I’m pouring a glass, having a real conversation, or just taking in the views. There’s something special about this place — it turns everyday moments into something memorable.
If your personality were a wine varietal, which would it be and why?
If I had to pick a wine that matches my personality, I’d say Cabernet Franc. It’s bold, creative, and a little unexpected — kind of like me. It blends well with others. It’s got depth and complexity, but there’s also this wild side that doesn’t always follow the rules. I’m not the loudest in the room, but I try to bring something unique that’s memorable.
What song would you pair with your favorite glass of wine?
“The World Is Yours” by Nas — that’s my go-to track with a bold glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s smooth, confident, and layered — just like a good Cab. The jazzy beat has this mellow, reflective vibe that hits different when you’re sketching, thinking, or just enjoying a quiet moment.
He might be sipping Dom P in the lyrics, but I’m posted with a Cab — same energy.
It’s a classic track that holds up over time, and that’s what I love about it. It’s got depth, it’s intentional, and it sticks with you — just like the wine.
What’s something new you’re hoping to learn this year?
This year, I’m looking forward to getting back into more hands-on design. I’ll be taking a screen-printing class and a ceramics class this fall — both are new for me and a chance to explore different ways of working with form and texture. I’m also planning to pick up a laser cutter soon, which will open up a lot of possibilities for more custom, physical design work through MOHAMZ Studio.
Originally from New Jersey, I spent 12 years living in Argentina before moving to Temecula in 2001. Since then, Wine Country has become my home in every sense. I’ve spent the last 20 years working in the industry, with the last five years dedicated to Wiens Cellars—a place that continues to inspire me every day.
If you could recommend one must-try experience at your winery, what would it be? A must-try experience would be our Cellar Room! It’s truly one to remember—an elevated wine tasting where guests savor our Reserve and Vineyard Designated wines, each perfectly paired with curated cheeses and meats. It’s a beautiful way to experience Wiens.
How has your role evolved since you started in the industry? I began in Events and Weddings, but my personal passion has always been wine. That love led me to further my education—I completed Level 2 WSET certification and I’m currently studying for Level 3. These past 20 years have been an incredible journey of learning and growing.
What song would you pair with your favorite glass of wine? Definitely “Roxanne (Tango)” from Moulin Rouge paired with a bold glass of Malbec—intense, dramatic, unforgettable.
What’s your go-to sip after a long day? A crisp, refreshing glass of Brut Sparkling Wine. It’s my favorite way to wind down and toast the day.
Any dream role or experience you’d love to take on in the industry? My dream is to keep growing and learning, but above all, I hope to inspire the next generation to fall in love with this industry, just as I have.
You may have heard that wine country shuts down at 5 p.m., but we’re here to bust that myth! From late-night bonfires to food trucks, dancing, and speakeasies, Temecula Valley nightlife is vibrant and thriving. Here’s your complete guide to experiencing Temecula wine country from sunset to starlight.
Escape the Weekday Rush: Mid-Week Evening Magic
The secret to feeling like a Temecula insider? Visit mid-week! Mid-week evenings offer intimate tastings, personalized service, and a more relaxed atmosphere that lets you connect with the wines and the winemakers. Not to mention, SIP Passport holders receive discounts only available Monday through Friday. Here are some of our favorite mid-week, late-night, stops:
Ponte Vineyard Inn
Located at the basement level of the Ponte Vineyard Inn, The Cellar Bar is your sophisticated hideaway seven nights a week. This hidden gem hosts a complete selection of Ponte Wines, a full bar, and gourmet food.
Europa Village
Europa Village feels like a European vacation every day of the week, with select tasting rooms open until 8 p.m. daily. Pro-tip: keep an eye on their events calendar. Europa is known for hosting a range of events, from food festivals and twilight tastings to art exhibitions.
Oak Mountain Winery
Step into a speakeasy-style distillery at Oak Mountain Winery. This prohibition-style bar serves cocktails made with house-distilled spirits that you can actually watch being made!
Jordan Parker Winery
Jordan Parker Winery stays open until 7 p.m. seven days a week, making it perfect for after-work tastings!
Friday Night Adventures: Start Your Weekend Right
Music rings across the vineyards, food trucks are out in force, and great Temecula wine is just a pour away! Friday nights in wine country set the tone for an incredible weekend.
Peltzer Winery
From June through September, Peltzer Winery’s Crush House stays open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and 10 p.m. on Saturdays. Their rotating lineup of food vendors and musicians creates a festival-like atmosphere every weekend.
Miramonte Winery
Miramonte Winery, open until 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, is known for stunning vineyard views, southern Rhone grape varieties, and live music. So grab a glass of their award-winning Syrah, and dance the night away!
Mount Palomar Winery
Mount Palomar Winery keeps the pours flowing until 9:30 p.m., making it ideal for those who want to catch the sunset while sampling their renowned Sangiovese and other Mediterranean-style wines.
Saturday Night Spectacular: The Main Event
Saturday nights are when Temecula truly comes alive. Here are some of the not-to-be-missed Saturday experiences.
Longshadow Ranch
Longshadow Ranch hosts a Saturday night bonfire every week, weather permitting! It’s a tradition that’s been drawing crowds for over twenty years. Enjoy live music, BBQ, and exceptional wine around a crackling bonfire. This outdoor gathering captures the essence of Southern California wine country living.
Akash Winery
Akash Winery extends their hours until 8 p.m. on Saturdays, perfect for catching a late night comedy show or live music on the patio. The winery’s elevated location provides panoramic views of the valley that are especially magical during golden hour.
Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Test your knowledge at Cougar Vineyard & Winery’s weekly trivia night, or soak in the views as you listen to live music and enjoy Italian-style wines in their rustic tasting room.
Albariño might be best known as Spain’s seafood-loving white grape from the misty shores of Rías Baixas, but it’s making serious waves in the sun-soaked vineyards of Temecula Valley. With its crisp acidity, citrusy lift, and stone fruit charm, this variety feels tailor-made for the region’s warm days and cool ocean breezes. And with International Albariño Day landing on August 1st, there’s no better time to pop a bottle!
“Thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Temecula’s diurnal shift creates an ideal microclimate for growing Albariño, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while retaining their natural acidity,” says Europa Village winemaker Blake Miller. “Our well-drained decomposed granite soils give Albariño from Temecula a vibrant, expressive character with bright citrus and mineral-driven complexity that truly stands out. Albariño has quickly become one of my favorite grapes to grow and craft here, earning its place as a standout varietal in the valley with growing recognition and momentum.”
Whether you’re already an Albariño fan or just looking for something zippier than your usual Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, these Temecula wineries are crafting fresh, vibrant takes worth discovering.
Danza del Sol Winery 2023 Albariño, $36 This is classic, lemony Albariño done right. It’s bright, expressive, and built for long summer afternoons in wine country. Winemaker Justin Knight captures the grape’s signature freshness while letting Temecula’s natural acidity and minerality shine through. Bursting with aromas of citrus blossom, green apple, and stone fruit, this crisp, refreshing white finishes with lively acidity and delicate minerality. Get it here.
Why Albariño in Temecula? “Temecula Valley is rich in winemaking history… Located just 22 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Temecula benefits from daily marine breezes… This diurnal temperature swing preserves acidity and enhances aromatic development, making the region especially well-suited for Albariño.” – Justin Knight, Winemaker, Danza del Sol Winery and Masia de la Vinya Winery
Crafted with a nod to Spain’s “Green Spain,” this Albariño brings a food-pairing-friendly balance of zest and body. Winemaker Blake Miller draws from estate-grown fruit and ages it on the lees for added texture, making it perfect with seafood at Bolero Restaurante, or sipped solo as an aperitif. Classic notes of grapefruit, honeydew, and a slight saline finish. Aged 6.5 months on lees in stainless steel for a rounded texture. Get it here.
Why Albariño in Temecula? “Our well-drained decomposed granite soils give Albariño from Temecula a vibrant, expressive character with bright citrus and mineral-driven complexity that truly stands out.” – Blake Miller, Winemaker
Wilson Creek’s 2024 Albariño is summer in a bottle – dry, crisp, and packed with tropical charm. It’s the kind of wine you want on hand for everything from fish tacos to burrata nights with friends. Bursts of nectarine and pineapple on the nose, with grassy citrus and clean minerality mid-palate. Zingy acidity makes it ultra food-friendly. Get it here.
Why Albariño in Temecula? “Temecula’s warm days and cool, breezy evenings – thanks to the nearby Pacific Ocean – create the perfect setting for growing Albariño… with vibrant acidity and fresh stone fruit and citrus character that truly stand out.” – Wendy Holder, VP of Marketing
Raul Ramirez takes a slightly different approach by aging their Albariño in oak, adding a twist of richness to this otherwise bright, seafood-loving white. Tasting Notes: Notes of grapefruit and nectarine with a crisp, clean profile. Oak aging brings texture without overwhelming freshness. A natural with ceviche, oysters, and scallops. Get it here.
Why Albariño in Temecula? “Here at Raul Ramirez, we oak our Albariño to reflect a different interpretation but maintaining balance with a twist.” – Gabe Torres, Hospitality Manager
Wiens Cellars’ 2024 Albariño, with fruit coming from their Waxman Vineyard, offers a vibrant, refreshing style that sits somewhere between the bright energy of Portugal’s Vinho Verde and the aromatic elegance of Spain’s coastal expressions. It’s low in alcohol, high in zest, and packed with personality – “sunshine in a glass,” as Brand Manager Bailey Morris puts it.
“Our 2024 Albariño is a vibrant, sunshine-ready white that balances bright citrus and stone fruit with floral lift and zippy freshness,” says Morris. “It opens with aromas of lemongrass and white peach, evolves into juicy lychee and green apple on the palate, and finishes crisp and dry. It’s the perfect bottle paired with seafood, goat cheese, a fresh seasonal salad, or sipped solo on a warm afternoon.” Get it here.
Why Albariño in Temecula? “This region is warm, inland from the coast, and has mostly granitic soils—very similar to [Spain’s] Condado do Tea. This allows Albariño to thrive in our region… with minimal manipulation from the farmer and winemaker.” – Joe Wiens, Director of Winemaking
Somerset’s 2024 Albariño is all about tropical tang and citrus pop—an ideal match for shellfish and sunny days. It’s got all the charm of coastal Spain with a Southern California soul. Zippy and with tropical and citrus notes and a delightfully acidic finish. A sensational pairing for shellfish and summer salads… or just an afternoon on the patio. Get it here.
Why Albariño in Temecula? “Temecula is most like the Mediterranean regions of Spain & Portugal… We get lots of sun exposure with afternoon cooling, so this helps this varietal to thrive!” – Janine Cutler, Assistant GM
Albariño Finds Its Moment in Temecula
As Albariño continues to build momentum in Temecula Valley, longtime industry leaders see its potential not just as a trend, but as a grape that genuinely belongs here. Master Winemaker Jon McPherson, of South Coast Winery, doesn’t currently produce an Albariño himself, but he’s bullish on what the variety can do in this region.
“The thick skin of Albariño makes it fairly hearty, and capable of withstanding the summer heat,” he says. “Our May gray and June gloom tend to moderate ripening and picking this variety relatively early here in T-town makes it ideal for acidity retention.”
Temecula’s climate may differ dramatically from Galicia in terms of rainfall, but McPherson points to one essential shared feature: soil. “As I understand the soils of the Rías Baixas, they are granitic-based and decomposed granite-based and drain to the coast – similar geography to what we have in Temecula,” he explains. “Even though ripeness may be less at 21 to 22, I do think we achieve a certain flavor intensity that cooler regions do not achieve at the same brix… And while Albariño isn’t high in terpenes, there are significant amounts present, and there is a need for a certain amount of heat to develop these terpenes.”
Ready to Sip? With a growing number of Temecula producers embracing the grape, and consumers increasingly reaching for refreshing, aromatic whites, Albariño’s future in the Valley looks not only bright but built to last.
Whether you’re looking for your next seafood pairing, a patio sipper with friends, or just something fun and new to try, Temecula’s Albariño offerings are fresh, food-friendly, and full of character. Celebrate International Albariño Day by popping a bottle from one of these local gems, and discover why this grape is quickly becoming one of the valley’s coolest white wine discoveries.
Discover more Temecula wineries and Mediterranean grape varieties HERE.
