If you're short on time and money and want a trip to the beautiful wine country right in our own backyard, take a day trip to Temecula. Only 45 minutes northeast of San Diego, yet a million miles away. Recently my friend Gloria organized a wonderful day of tours, tasting and food. Of course I loved it!
Late April is the perfect time to visit Temecula. The temperature was a balmy 75 degrees, just perfect. Wait until June and you'll face 100 degrees or more. Bella Vista and Calloway started growing grapes in the 1960's, after developers began developing the area. Today there are more than 2 dozen wineries in the valley and growing. Grapes from all over the world are grown there, and the quality of the wines they produce are beginning to get recognition.
We began at Mount Palomar Winery, where we had a short, but extremely informative tour from our guide David. This was followed by tasting. We each bought a ticket for 6 tastes for $5. What a deal. Coupons abound, so if you go to Temecula be sure to check the wineries you plan on visiting first for coupons. My favorite wines were a delicious port, aged 5 years, and a cream sherry. Delicious. Lunch was next, and we sat on the shaded patio, and if you let your mind go, you could be anywhere. An outdoor pizza oven and decor and garden similar to what you'd find in Tuscany, made us feel we were on vacation. After sobering up from the first tasting and having a great lunch, we were off to another winery.
Our last stop was Wiens Winery, again 6 tastes. They always start the tasting with white wines, moving next to reds, heavier reds, and finally champagne and sherry. The most interesting taste here was champagne with an orange taste. Very refreshing.
On the way home we commented on the beauty of the area. Rolling hills covered with vineyard, beautiful wineries and restaurants that are so inviting you can't help but stop. Many people enjoy purchasing a bottle of a wine they have tasted and liked, stopping by a local market, and buying food for a picnic. Most of the wineries have gardens with tables for picnicing.
Weddings and special events are commonplace, and there are a number of resort and spas in the area if you want to extend your stay. It's not quite like going to Napa or Sonoma, but it's one fantastic day of good food, good drink, and good friends.
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