It feels like Temecula has become a bit of a “home away from home” these last 5 or 6 years. Not only does my grandpa live in nearby Fallbrook but for years it has been the pick up and drop off spot for Chris’s son. Fast forward and now we are even planning our winery wedding in Temecula! What was once a typical suburban town is now a destination for wine enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, and foodies who flock from San Diego, Orange County, LA and the desert for weekends away. Keep reading for all of my (our) favorite spots..
Temecula is home to pretty much the biggest area to wine taste in Southern California (the next biggest region is the Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez Valley region where I grew up) and with all the wineries you better believe there are plenty of restaurants, chic accommodations, and unique shops popping up to keep the weekend visitors entertained.
Each weekend the 15 (aka the major freeway connecting Temecula to the rest of the world) is backed up for miles with cars exiting at Rancho California (the main artery into wine country and Old Town Temecula). Bachelorette parties, bridal showers, birthday celebrations, romantic getaways, and girl’s trips top the list of those posting up inside of tasting rooms and lining up for Sunday brunch
Stay:
Whether you prefer Vegas style entertainment, a boutique hotel on a working winery, or a private Airstream AirBNB you are going to need a place to rest your head and enjoy the views. Check out a few of my favorite Temecula spots:
A full service hotel offering golf, dining, and a beautiful pool to relax and unwind after a long day of wine tasting. There is a definite rustic chic vibe at this property and I think it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a glass (or bottle) of wine and unwind.
If you prefer full service with the added bonus of gaming and nightlife (like a mini Vegas) then Pechanga is the place for you. There are multiple restaurants including a steakhouse and an oyster bar, a spa, and entertainment nightly.
If what you plan to do during your trip is visit wineries, eat, and indulge in a massage then South Coast Winery is an ideal spot. It is located in the heart of Temecula’s wine country and offers a boutique experience for guests.
Okay, this may be the most beautiful and charming spot to spend a weekend! Located just next door from South Coast Winery, Ponte offers luxury accommodations on a working winery. I personally love the Spanish architecture and colorful tiles.
You can find me poolside at this lovely winery and boutique hotel…probably with a glass of rosé in hand… You can indulge in a spa treatment and end the night with a dinner al fresco on your private terrace overlooking the vineyards…bliss!
Temecula Wine Country Airstream 74
Am I the only one who is drooling at the possibility of spending a weekend in a totally restored vintage Airstream??? This 31′ Airstream offers an 800 square foot deck, a pool, and is walking distance to a half dozen wineries!
A private 2 bedroom casita on a working winery?! Sign me up! Seriously though, this AirBNB offers a pool and is walking distance to some of the top wineries in the area.
This new (get it?) addition to the Temecula hotel offering chic and luxurious as it gets. Book one of their six suite for the ultimate wine country weekend.
Eat:
As much as I enjoy wine tasting and cocktails I equally enjoy a delicious meal with great company:
This spot is our new go-to when grabbing lunch or brunch in Old Town. The Kobe Ashi burger is pure heaven on earth and their Sunday Bloody Mary is the stuff dreams are made of. Added bonus: if you happen to walk in on the right day there is a good chance of getting Pliny the Elder on draft!
Another gastropub favorite is located next door to PUBlic House and offers killer craft cocktails and yummy small plates. During football season the bar is a great spot to catch all the games. Must Try: the crab & shrimp empanadas
The original (at least for me) hip spot in old town! I stumbled across this amazing restaurant & bar about 4 years ago and have been back dozens of times for their yummy flatbreads, oysters, and of course, the vino. Don’t miss their cheese plate!
I am not sure how but I have missed this spot since they opened their doors 4 years ago! Located just off the main street of Old Town, Blackbird offers gastropub style bites, cool cocktails, and an indoor/outdoor experience complete with firepits, corn hole, and outdoor movies.
In case you didn’t know this about me, I adore dessert. Especially when said dessert consists of donuts + ice cream + colorful, sugary toppings. The Baked Bear is a similar concept to Afters Ice Cream (if you aren’t familiar please see my Coachella Instagrams). Order a donut or cookie, pick your ice cream, don’t forget the toppings, snap an Insta and enjoy!
Nitrogen ice cream, you guys. Enough said.
Sometimes you just have to embrace the destination and enjoy a meal that matches the vibe. Old Town Temecula is a charming downtown area that is reminiscent of the wild west…complete with wooden sidewalks and buildings that resemble dancing halls. So, when in Rome!
Caffeinate:
By now I am sure you all know how much I NEED my daily coffee and how much I WANT it to come from a local spot with lots of charm. Bean delivers exactly what I want and need in a coffee spot: micro brewed daily (yummmm) and a chic location.
Located in Old Town (are you sensing a theme yet?) this spot offers a purist environment for delightful coffee…including my newest obsession: Nitro Cold Brew.
Drink:
This is WINE COUNTRY so naturally, you’re going to want a drink…or many.
For those of you who know me personally or follow me regularly on Instagram you know this is my ride or die spot in Temecula. We are actually wine club members so we get free tastings when we go, making it a no brainer to stop in even for 3 tastes before heading home. Must Try: 2016 Summerfest and the Amour de L’Orange sparkling.
Lorimar Winery or Tasting Room
Their quaint tasting loft in Old Town is a favorite. Be sure to try the Cab Franc…AMAZING!
I am not a huge beer person but for those of you who prefer the ale to the vino Wien’s is a must try!
This spot might win the “Most Unique” award. In the 1970s an artisan for Disney bought the land and built replicas of Snow White’s cottages for his wife. The land was sold and eventually the family that purchased created a winery with award winning wine. Today, if you want to enjoy reservations are required and tastings will last close to an hour.
Pulling up to Europa is like (what I imagine) arriving to a Tuscan village. There is charm. There is a beautiful vineyard. There is a quaint shop with gifts, wine, and cheese. There is also a small B&B if you don’t want to end your Tuscan dream.
Six generations later, this family run winery is still doing things the old fashioned way…complete with draft horses! Take a carriage ride through the vineyard and enjoy a sampling of their best wines.
Another option for the beer connoisseur is Garage Brewing. Visit their tap room for a few pints and a homemade pizza.
You really just cannot go wrong with an English Pub, can you? Beers included Smithwicks, Boddingtons (both on tap) and Old Speckled Hen.
Shop & Play:
If shopping is what you crave there is no shortage of shabby chic inspired antique stores including Barn Yard Chicks, Serendipity Antiques, and 4th Street Antiques. Don’t forget to make a stop at The Gardener’s Cottage for charming home items and unique gifts.
If you are more about the one of a kind experiences and can leave the shopping for home then check out a few favorites:
A cute little shop to pop into for olive oil tastings, gifts, or my personal favorite: bleu cheese stuffed olives. Temecula Olive Oil Company has hands down the best bleu cheese olives I have ever found in a jar. They also offer romano/parmesean, garlic stuffed, jalepeño stuffed, and feta/oregano stuffed.
Temecula Valley Cheese Company
I love cheese. There, now that we got that out of the way we can continue. This hidden gem offers cheese plates, cheese & wine pairings, and yummy sandwiches.
The perfect spot to enjoy horse competitions during the cooler Fall months. Check their website for schedule and tickets.
Fact: I am DYING to do a hot air balloon tour of Temecula. A girlfriend of mine was actually proposed to on one of these balloons over Temecula and I have asked Chris if he would ever do it with me…NOPE. So, if any of you will be visiting Temecula and want to check this out I am available as a plus one.
You can read some other posts from Temecula HERE, HERE, and HERE.
XO, Niki
The Darling Niki 
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