Temecula Valley: Wine country, ballooning and the Old West
Temecula - a mere 90-minute drive from the Coachella Valley - is famed for its burgeoning wine industry. Home to nearly 50 local vineyards, the 33,000-acre Temecula wine country is blessed with the climate and soil to nurture more than two dozen grape varieties - largely Italian, Spanish and French grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Malbec, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
But the Temecula Valley offers visitors far more than wine appreciation, whether they are an outdoor enthusiast or antique hunter, a history buff, a foodie, a links lover or a casino aficionado.
Up, up and away
Think “lofty,” “breathtaking” and “panoramic” and you’ve hit on one of this valley’s most spectacular attractions - hot-air ballooning. Get a unique view on the world while floating at sunrise above beautiful estates and citrus groves. Ballooning is offered year-round, weather permitting.
If you prefer to remain earthbound, Temecula Valley boasts 90 miles of outstanding bike trails - plus another 20 miles in wine country - with options for beginners and experienced cyclists. Cruise through Old Town, experience wine country on two wheels or crisscross creeks and hillsides.
Another great location for biking, hiking or birdwatching is the 9,000-acre Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve, about a 20-minute drive from Temecula. It is home to varied ecosystems - woodlands, wetlands, scrub, prairie and chaparral - along with 200-plus species of native birds and rare animals.
Manicured grounds and 18 holes sound more ideal? Temecula’s six golf courses present stunning vistas overlooking wine country, as well as ancient trees, freshwater streams and dramatic elevation drops. (The Temecula Creek Inn course even has a four-star rating from Golf Digest’s “Places to Play” list of top national courses.)
After all that activity, take a break and stroll through Old Town Temecula, where some buildings date back to the 1890s and early 1900s. The oldest structure still standing is the Louis Wolf Store, built in 1866-67, now part of Vail Ranch Headquarters, a one-time working ranch turned historic park.
Temecula comes by its Old West resumé honestly - it was once a stagecoach stop, an 1880s railroad town and a vast cattle ranching territory. The only California city to retain its original name from the first indigenous residents, the Payómkawichum (later called the Luiseño Indians by Spanish missionaries), Temecula translates loosely to “place of the sun.”
Brush up on that history at the Temecula Valley Museum in Old Town. Then, shop at antique stores, contemporary shops, specialty stores (olive oil tasting!), art galleries and the Temecula Children’s Museum (Pennypickle’s Workshop). Enjoy Old Town’s please-every-palate dining choices, from farm-to-table to gastropubs.
For another present-day wonder, you may want to explore the Pechanga Resort & Casino, the largest casino in the Western U.S. and home to a championship golf course.
In the mood for a geothermal retreat? Murrieta Hot Springs is just 15 minutes from Temecula. If you yearn to sail or fish, Lake Skinner is a half-hour drive.
With all that Temecula has to offer, Southern California’s wine country commands attention. You can find some wineries within walking distance of each other. But, it’s best to have transportation - it just doesn’t need to be traditional. You can rent a limo, board an open cable-car, go on horseback or bike, join a hop-on, hop-off bus tour or ride in a motorcycle sidecar.
Temecula Valley wineries range from boutique to high production. Many make limited quantities, so the wines you taste (and purchase) will be unique finds. Sample big reds, crisp whites and local bubbly. You may feel like you’re in Tuscany - just deliciously close to home.
Places to stay in Temecula are as varied as the valley - from cottages and houses on vineyards to an Airstream ranch, romantic inns and amenity-packed hotels and golf resorts.
Visiting/Details
Temecula Valley Welcome Center
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
28690 Mercedes St., Suite A, Temecula
951.694.6480, extension 6526
VisitTemeculaValley.com
