Currently there are between 25 and 30 wineries in Temecula open to the public. Over the past forty plus years, the winemaking business in Temecula went from a local concern to an international favorite. While there is only a small amount of acreage dedicated to vineyards in this area, the wines coming out of those vineyards are among the world’s best. You can find wineries with only a dozen or so acres in grapes or wineries with hundreds or thousands of acres. The variety of sizes means you can experience a number of different wines in this valley.
The hardest decision you will make on a visit to the Temecula Valley is which Temecula winery to visit first. You might choose the oldest winery in the bunch. That is the famous Callaway Vineyard and Winery. The first vineyard grapes went into the ground in 1971 and the first wine came out in 1974. This winery got its first start as the dream of Ely Callaway, Jr. While better known for his golf business, Mr. Callaway established the winery after doing research that led him to the Temecula Valley. Mr. Callaway sold the winery in 1981, but it still bears his name. The wines coming out of this winery range from beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon to Pinot Gris.
Temecula wineries offer a taste of both France and Italy in this Southern California wine country. The valley hosts a number of famous wineries along with many that are not so famous. But, no matter what size the winery, you will find many of the best flavors scattered throughout. You might try the Baily Vineyard and Winery first established in 1986. It first started out as a vineyard who sold their grapes to other wineries. But today, this winery boasts its own winery as well as top class food to go with it. A family owned business offers a tasting room as well as a restaurant for guests.
Temecula wine uses many of the same grapes that thrive in the hotter regions around the Mediterranean. Northern California vineyards have a milder climate than those in the Temecula Valley. The higher levels of heat in Temecula allow some grape varietals to thrive while others do not. Some say that the wines of Temecula more resemble Italian wines instead of French ones because of the varieties of grapes used. The difference in the wines also has its roots in the soil of the Valley. The valley soil is rich with granitic materials that are perfect for grapes both for nutrients and for drainage.
The history of Temecula wine country has its roots into the first vineyards planted by Spanish missionaries in the region in the late 1700s. As new missions opened up the coast of California, grape cuttings went with the missionaries. Some did better than others did. The best results came in the vineyards of southern California. In what is now, downtown Los Angeles, much of the California wines in the 19th century thrived in this area. Eventually, wine growing centered more to the north towards the Napa Valley and gradually most of the southern California vineyards died out. But, they never quite did.
What do you need to know about Temecula wine tasting before you take a trip to the Valley? As with many wine regions, the wineries offer different levels of public access to their wineries. Some offer tastings only, while others may have onside lodging, restaurants, winemaking tours, and other amenities. You can select your wineries visits based on those criteria or others. It’s up to your schedule and desires. Typically, most of the vineyards are open daily, but a few are only open on weekends. Hours vary, but most are open between 10 AM and 5 PM to the public. Some have longer hours on the weekends.
Temecula wines tend to resemble those from Italy more than France. This is because of the hotter drier climate of Southern California. The wines coming out of the Temecula Valley offer alternative tastes to their cousins in the North. You can find classic, well-known wines in Temecula, as well as wines not as widely discovered among American wine lovers. You can experience reds, whites, and other types of wines in the wineries of Temecula Valley.
You have options when it comes to Temecula wine tasting tours. One of the best ways to see the Valley is by using the Grapeline shuttle. This shuttle offers transportation from many of the Valley’s best hotels. The Grapeline offers two daily tours. The first is the Wine Shuttle. This tour offers comfortable seating and full transportation through a number of wineries. You can select wines to taste at each winery. You can bring a picnic lunch or choose to eat at one of the winery restaurants. The other option for a daily tour is the Vineyard Picnic Tour. This tour offers wine tasting lessons, tasting at four wineries, and a gourmet picnic lunch.
