Southern California’s Wine Country Is Full of Noteworthy Wineries

If you thought you had to go north to explore the best of California wine country—then you’re in for a pleasant surprise! Take a trip to Temecula, where you can visit world-class wineries and experience the vineyard vacation vibes you’d expect from a European getaway to Tuscany or Provence—but right in your own backyard. Known for its rustic ranch region, winding country roads and majestic mountain backdrop, Temecula hosts wine lovers from near and far alike. Read on for our guide to the best places to find your perfect pour.

 

Altisima Winery

If a trip to Spain isn’t in the cards this year, consider a visit to Altisima Winery—Southern California’s answer to Spanish wine country. Paying homage to Spanish-bred explorer Gaspar de Portola, Altisima offers a curated selection of wines from España, which can be sampled by flight daily in the sleek tasting room or from the expansive patio of Gaspar restaurant, where you’ll enjoy tapas and light bites with the best mountain views this side of Andalucia. Join the Onyx wine club for access to the members lounge, complimentary tastings, special rates on purchases and insider events.

 

Bottaia Winery

Think you may have missed your calling as a professional winemaker? Go behind the scenes and learn to create your very own blend at Bottaia Winery. Join your fellow oenophiles in the Fermentation Hall and use pro tools (see: graduated cylinders and pipettes) to transform barreled wines into three unique red blends—which you’ll bottle, cork and take home to drink. You can also enjoy a five-wine flight with a curated charcuterie pairing or experience the barrel room, where you’ll take a seat (and a sip) among the rustic casks and oak vats. Not to mention, there’s a pool for all ages to relax in after a few glasses.

 

Akash Winery

Putting a modern spin on the traditional vineyard experience, the family-run Akash Winery opened its tasting room and patio in 2019 after nearly 10 years of cultivating two distinct wine labels. Sip and sample flights while snacking on charcuterie and wood-fired pizzas at Bocconcini or chow down on Brew Boyz Tacos on the patio. DJ sets regularly spin beats at special on-site events, and you can even pair your wine with wellness when you join the Yoga + Wine club. Membership offers two monthly yoga classes with a post-stretch pour, complimentary tastings and a select bottle to try at home each month.

 

Doffo Winery

Get the full viticulture experience with a Cork ’n Torque vineyard tour at Doffo Winery. A glass of proprietary Paulina bubbly will welcome you aboard the Malbec Express, where you’ll get an exclusive glimpse of the lifestyle and labor behind producing a wine label. Cruise through the vine leaves and winemaking facilities, learn about the variety of varietals and view the MotoDoffo vintage motorcycle collection before settling in for a private tasting selection. Join one of Doffo’s four wine clubs to have special selection bottles delivered to your door.

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Ponte Winery

With a boutique selection of vino—ranging from a classic collection of cabernets and chardonnays to sweet beverinos and bubbly moscatos—this 300-acre vineyard produces small batches with a focus on sustainable farming and conservative water usage. Learn to decipher subtle flavor notes and toast with a taste of your favorite vintage in the Reserve Room, enjoy an al fresco bite at the Restaurant at Ponte or make a weekend out of it by booking a suite at the Mission-style picturesque Ponte Vineyard Inn.

 

Somerset Vineyard and Winery

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the sprawling grounds every Saturday and Sunday at Somerset Vineyard and Winery. Round up your wine-loving crew — it’s time to sip like a sommelier. Head to the tasting room for bold reds, crisp whites, and bubbly that knows how to party. After a few pours, wander into the garden. There, you’ll find cheese boards, fresh salads, and live music that sets the perfect vibe. Want more? Join the wine club! With five membership tiers, it’s the easiest way to keep the good stuff flowing, and yes, there are perks. Think: free tastings, exclusive invites, and bottles delivered straight to your door. Cheers to that.

 

Oak Mountain Winery

Boasting the region’s first and only subterranean wine cave, an exclusive underground journey awaits at Oak Mountain Winery. Swirl, sip, and step into the cave. This guided tour through Temecula’s underground grotto serves up wine history with a side of charcuterie. You’ll taste your way through bold brunellos, juicy zins, spicy syrahs, and hybrid blends that hit just right. After the final pour? Head to Cave Café for burgers, sandwiches, and maybe even a Sunday soundtrack—live music happens weekly. It’s the kind of wine tasting that feels like an adventure.

 

Longshadow Ranch Vineyards & Winery

Kick up some dust and get all of the traditional Temecula Old West vibes at Longshadow Ranch. Stop in for a six-tasting flight of rich reds like malbecs and merlots, Sangioveses and sauvs, before making friends with the resident horses and llamas that call these grounds home. Check out the events calendar, which includes weekend brunches, Saturday bonfires, local entertainment and tribute-band concerts. Wine club memberships offer bi-monthly bottles and complimentary tastings on-site daily.

 

Mount Palomar Winery

Established in 1969, this elegant estate has the essence of a resort with manicured grounds and sprawling terraces for lounging—glass in hand. Four cellars age the proprietary label of bottles and blends, which include everything from rosés to cabernets. An on-site restaurant abuts the Cava di Vino, offering classic American fare to pair with your favorite flavors. Become a VIP member of the Adagio or Allegro Club to gain insider access to private events, deals and discounts along with complimentary tastings.

 

Leoness Cellars

Imagine you’re in Tuscany—but make it Temecula. At Leoness Cellars, you’ll wander through rolling vineyards and cypress-lined hills on a guided tour. This experience spills the secrets of winemaking — from the vines to the barrel room. Choose your tasting vibe: wine education or cheese-forward pairings. A brand ambassador will lead the way, flight in hand. Feeling fancy? Book a table at the estate’s fine dining restaurant for seasonal dishes worth lingering over.

 

Sidecar Wine Tours

Looking to add some adventure to your next date night? Hit the road with Sidecar Wine Tours and take a fun private tour for two through wine country. Strap on some goggles and hop aboard your own private motorcycle sidecar, where your personal chauffeur will escort you and your paramour to an array of tastings around Temecula. Feel free to pop some bottles and get a little tipsy—you can lounge and linger at your leisure while leaving the navigation to your designated driver.