Itinerary inspiration for a memorable wine-infused vacation in Temecula Valley! Quality wine, premium experiences.
The Temecula Valley is a place where you come to slow down, sip and savor the good life. Rolling hills, verdant vineyards and Old West charms set the stage for a picture-perfect getaway, whether you’re traveling for romance, a girls’ trip, guys’ weekend or family vacation. The warm, welcoming hospitality of our hoteliers, restaurateurs, winemakers, brewers and shopkeepers will make you feel right at home. And the local flavors are sure to please your palate—from craft cocktails and artisan olive oil to award-winning wine country cuisine and sensational sweet treats.
Discover for yourself why Wine Enthusiast magazine named Temecula one of “The 10 Best Wine Destinations” in 2019 and recently named one of TripAdvisor’s “Must-See US Destination in 2020!” Three days is an optimal length of stay to get into the Temecula groove and see the main sights. This sample itinerary is just one of many ways to experience the best of our region.
Day 1
Check into your accommodations…
Choose from a winery resort, a centrally-located Old Town hotel, the full-service Pechanga Resort Casino or an extended stay property like the brand new Home2 Suites by Hilton Temecula.
Once you’ve settled into your home base, head to Old Town. If there are history buffs in your party, make the Temecula Valley Museum your first stop to gain a better understanding of the city’s past. Have a leisurely lunch at The Goat and Vine and then take a stroll along the boardwalks, browsing through the shops—don’t miss Temecula Valley Olive Oil Co. and Temecula Lavender Co. Capture photos of the historic landmark buildings, murals and Main Street Bridge. After checking out the quaint gift shops, antique centers, home décor and clothing boutiques, kick back and relax over a tasting flight at Lorimar Loft.
Get refreshed for a night out and then go to Vail Headquarters to hear live music under the stars and twinkling white lights. Enjoy a grazing style dinner with bites from the eateries in The Cookhouse food hall and drinks from The Daisy. If you’re up for a nightcap, book a reservation at Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co. to get access to the stylish, throwback speakeasy back in Old Town.
Day 2
Rise and shine early for a hot air balloon flight…
Enjoy the bird’s eye view floating over the Temecula Valley as the sun’s golden rays wash over the vineyards. This is truly the best way to get the lay of the land before a day of touring and tasting in wine country. And the photo opportunities are incredible with the patchwork of vineyards and winery estates below.
Fuel up on a wholesome breakfast at E.A.T. Marketplace, where you can also pick up some provisions for wine country picnicking. Leave the driving to Stryder Transportation and customize your own private wine tour. Their fleet of vehicles can accommodate groups of all sizes and styles.
Make Peltzer Farm & Winery your first stop and do a classic tasting inside the rustic chic Crush House—or book a 90-minute Behind the Vines tour that includes a walk through the vineyards and look inside their production facility. Next, go to neighboring Mount Palomar Winery established in 1969. Take in the sweeping views and taste in the valley’s oldest wine cave. After two tastings, you’ll be ready for a satisfying seasonal lunch at the Restaurant at Ponte Winery. Following lunch, carry on to Wiens Family Cellars, known for their “big reds.” If you have time (and tolerance!) for one more stop, wrap up your tasting tour at Doffo Winery, a multi-generational family business. Don’t miss their MottoDoffo Vintage Motorcycle Collection in the Barrel Room.
A disco nap might be in order before you regroup to head out for a night on the town. If you’re feeling mellow, have a quiet dinner at Bluewater Grill. If you’re more energized, go dancing at Baily’s Old Town Temecula and have a later dinner at 1909 Restaurant—they even have a menu dedicated to late night “brunchies” offered Friday and Saturday nights from 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. And if you feel like going big and trying your luck, hit Pechanga Resort Casino for dinner, a show and some gaming.
Day 3
Devour a hearty breakfast at TOAST and then do something active…
Play a round of golf (see page 70 for course options), take a hike or go on a guided horseback ride with Wine Country Trails by Horseback. If some pampering is calling, book treatments at Grapeseed Spa at South Coast Winery, Murrieta Day Spa or Spa Pechanga.
Dedicate your afternoon to getting to know Temecula’s flourishing craft beer scene. Do a self-led ale trail of Wiens Brewing, Refuge Brewery and Garage Brewing. Or take a guided Brew Tour with Van’N Boozy, which includes tastings at three breweries and door-to-door transportation in their classic VW Buses.
Savor the elevated comfort food at Devilicious for your “last supper.” Take a glimpse into the past and visit their speakeasy, Apparition Room, featuring premium libations.
Temecula is one big learning lab if you know where to look. You can get your hands “dirty” being educated on the art and science of all things food, wine and whiskey thanks to local experts who have a passion for sharing their craft. There’s also pottery and line dancing classes. Whatever your interest, you’ll bring a new skill home with you when you sign up for one of these experiences.
Get a primer on all things wine during the monthly 2.5-hour Wine Appreciation class held on the third Saturday of the month at Falkner Winery. The winemaker leading the class covers everything from grape growing and food pairings to the “how-to’s” of wine tasting, integrating all of the senses. Book the Wine Blending Lab Experience at Bottaia Winery to try your hand at winemaking. The intimate classes are held in the winery’s fermentation lab. Galway Spirits’ Distillers Workshop Experience is led by Master Distiller Dale Peck, who guides students through the distilling process. You’ll make your own bottle of spirits as a takeaway and classes also include a tasting flight and lunch.
Kitchen Fantasy is a local kitchen supply store that regularly hosts thematic cooking classes. The Williams-Sonoma retail store in Promenade Temecula also presents a full slate of classes. Celine’s Cuisine offers both public and private cooking and baking classes catering to kids and adults alike.