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We've compiled the best of the best in The Inland Empire - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
One of Temecula's oldest wineries is centered on a stunning steel-and-glass cube with vineyard views all around. Callaway made its reputation with Chardonnay, but these days is also known for Roussanne, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. The winery's Meritage Restaurant specializes in tapas, salads, and sandwiches.
This Italian-Argentine wine-making family with a 30-acre property at the Temecula Valley's northeastern edge takes a passionate and quirky approach. Winemaker Damian Doffo and his father, Marcelo, play music for their vines, whose grapes go into small-lot wines, among them a rich Syrah and the signature Malbec, from estate grapes. Tastings of these and other wines take place inside a refurbished garage. The family's racing and vintage motorcycles, which guests can view on free self-guided walking tours, are displayed in an open-air showroom nearby.
Bordeaux and Rhône blends are the specialties of this 20-acre hilltop estate with magnificent views of Cabernet Sauvignon vines. If it's available, try the winemaker's pride and joy, the SS Grand Mélange (Grand Blend), made from the traditional Rhône combo of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsaut. Winery tours take in the vineyards and the wine-making areas. The tours require a reservation, as do wine-and-food pairing sessions that might include fruits and cheeses or, in the case of dessert wines, chocolates. Leoness's popular French-inspired restaurant is open Friday through Sunday.
Temecula's hippest winery sits high on a hilltop. Rhône-style whites (including the Four Torch Blanc blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, and Roussanne) and reds like the estate Syrah and Opulente blend of Tempranillo, Alicante Bouschet, and Touriga Nacional are the strong suits, though the Tempranillo and rosé have their partisans. Taste inside at the casual bistro or outside on the deck, perhaps with an artisanal cheese plate. On Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 10, the winery goes into party mode with drinks, music, and dancing that spill into the vineyards. For an afternoon party, drop by on Sunday when DJs spin from 3 to 6 pm.
One of the original Temecula Valley wineries, opened in 1969, Mount Palomar introduced Sangiovese, a varietal that has proven perfectly suited to the region's soil and climate. New owners have transformed the homey winery into a grand Mediterranean villa with acres of gardens and trees, turning it into an award-winning wedding and event venue. The Sangiovese is worth a try, as are the Solera Cream Sherry (ask how it's made) and the popular Cloudburst, an inky red blend with Petit Verdot and Tannat. The restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday for lunch and dinner and there's live music Friday through Sunday from 1--4 pm.
Lush gardens and more than 300 acres of vineyards provide a rustic, elegant setting at Ponte, whose small-lot bottlings range from sparkling wines and light whites to very fine Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec reds. Another favorite in the light-filled tasting room is the flagship Super T wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon–Sangiovese blend. To find out how the wines are made, take the Premium Tour ($85) by electric bus of the vineyards and production facility. The tour (reservation required) concludes with a wine and cheese tasting. The shaded outdoor Restaurant at Ponte serves salads, wood-fired pizzas, and seafood daily for lunch, and on Friday and Saturday for dinner.
One of Temecula's busiest tasting rooms sits amid inviting parklike grounds. Wilson Creek is known for its Almond sparkling wine, but it also produces appealing still wines. Among these the Petite Sirah, Viognier, reserve Merlot, white Cabernet Sauvignon, and bourbon-barrel Zinfandel all merit a taste. For the premier Library Collection, reservations are recommended for tastings.
