Mention California wine country, and odds are most people don’t draw a mental picture of Southern California. Yet one trip to Temecula can easily change all of that: This underrated stretch of wineries and picturesque desert scenery is slowly lending SoCal the cred it deserves. Fall is an especially wonderful time to visit, as the sweltering temperatures have cooled, grapes are harvesting, and flowers are in full bloom.
Whether you’re looking to get into the swing of things at one of Temecula’s championship golf courses or simply drink the day away at its 20-plus diverse wineries, there is no shortage of ways to wile away your weekend getaway.
Where to Stay
On Mountain High: The Rainbow Inn Guest House Bed & Breakfast. Those who enjoy the personal touch of a B and B but prefer more privacy just may have struck the pot of gold with the Rainbow Inn. Nestled high in the hills of nearby Rainbow, this Southwestern-style retreat offers relaxation and reconnection with nature. Visitors stay in the owners’ guesthouse, enjoying a solar-heated pool, private hiking trails, and a deck replete with breathtaking view—and did we mention the on-call massage therapist? Home-cooked breakfast is served each morning at a time of your choosing. 6263 Rainbow Heights Road, Rainbow; 760.731.2727; bbonline.com
Sip and Stay: The Inn at Churon Winery. If you’d rather be a bit closer to the wineries, make Churon Winery’s quaint 22-room bed-and-breakfast chateau your home away from home. Mornings begin with inviting gourmet breakfasts, while nightly happy-hour tastings provide a chance to exclusively sample Churon’s fine wines. After a long day, open up your room’s French doors to a private balcony and soak in the sunset. 33233 Rancho California Road, Temecula; 909.694.9070; innatchuronwinery.com
Where to Eat
Burger Bonanza: Mad Madeline’s Grill. Where’s the beef? Look no further than Mad Madeline’s, widely known for some of SoCal’s best burgers. From the mouthwatering jalapeño burger to the truly enormous Monster Burger, most of the menu items call for a brave soul not afraid to open up and say, “Ahhh.” Located in the heart of Temecula’s Old Town district, this restaurant is a no-frills diner and the perfect place to unwind with some burgers, brews, and buffalo wings. 28495 Front Street, Temecula; 951.699.3776; madmadelinesgrill.com
Get to the Ponte: The Smokehouse at Ponte Winery. As Billy Joel once sang, “A bottle of red, a bottle of white, it all depends on your appetite…” Food and wine pairing is an art form at this restaurant known for amazing alfresco dining. 35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula; 877.314.WINE; pontewinery.com
Where to Chill Out
The Grape Escape: VR/La Cereza Winery. What’s not to love about a vineyard that makes wine just for women? Every night is ladies’ night at this gorgeous Spanish-style estate, where “Girlfriends” is just one of many succulent offerings. Specifically designed for the female palate, Girlfriends is a tasty white wine blending the tastes of Riesling, sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, and chardonnay grapes. After sampling the wine wares, suck on a stogie at the on-site Hemingway’s Cigar Bar (only open on weekends). 34567 Rancho California Road, Temecula; 800.716.1711; lacerezawinery.com
Around Temecula in 60 Minutes: “California Dreamin’” Hot Air Balloon Rides. Those who can handle the crack-of-dawn wakeup call are in for an unforgettable treat. Channel your inner Nellie Bly and sip a mimosa as you traverse Temecula’s wine country. The amazing scenery and surrounding serenity will leave you flying high long after the balloon ride! Afterward, enjoy a free gourmet breakfast at neighboring La Vindemia Winery. 33133 Vista del Monte Road, Temecula; 800.373.3359; californiadreamin.com
Best Fest in the West: Harvest Wine Celebration. Somewhat like the World Series of wine, the annual Harvest Wine Celebration attracts aficionados from all over the Southwest each November. A grape-stomping good time, the event features the best of 21 participating wineries. Nov. 1–2, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; $79 if tickets are purchased before Oct. 15, $89 at the door; temeculawines.org
Play Your Cards Right: Pechanga Casino. Up until now, the word “Pechanga” may have conjured memories of Dirty Dancing and Baby sitting in the corner. Let this bustling casino change your perception. As California’s biggest casino, this facility offers craps, blackjack, poker, slots, Pai Gow, and lots of other games for your gambling pleasure. 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; 1.888.PECHANGA; pechanga.com
