- Winecious.life
- Posts
- Wine Tasting in Temecula: my favorite wineries to visit
Wine Tasting in Temecula: my favorite wineries to visit
A personal guide to Temecula’s most charming wineries - where to taste, enjoy the views, and experience the best of California wine country
Last week, I shared a list of great places to stay in Temecula. This time, I'd like to discuss wine and wineries, while also answering some frequently asked questions.
How many wineries to visit in a day
If you’re planning your trip, it’s best to visit 2–3 wineries a day, maximum. That gives you enough time to enjoy each place, not just the tasting, but also the atmosphere, and have a little work-around area, and try the food (if available).
I’d suggest visiting two wineries per day, if you do a full tasting flight at each (usually 4–6 wines). Because during one tasting, you’ll probably want to try something extra too, or take more wine)
Additionally, it is essential always to drink enough water between tastings. It keeps your palate fresh and helps you enjoy the wines without overdoing it.
Most wineries in Temecula open at 10 am and close at 5 pm, so plan your lunch between winery visits. You’ll feel much better the next morning, with a lower risk of dehydration or feeling unwell.
How Many Days to Spend in Temecula?
For a relaxed trip, two to three days in Temecula is just enough. It gives you plenty of time to visit a few wineries, enjoy lunches and dinners, and still have quiet mornings or evenings to rest.
If you stay for two nights, you can comfortably visit four to five wineries in total, without rushing or turning your weekend into a marathon of tastings.
And now, let’s move to the most interesting part - the wineries. Here are some of my favorites to start your Temecula wine journey.
C’est la Vie
C’est la Vie is part of Europa Village, and it feels like a little piece of France hidden in the middle of Temecula. Peaceful, romantic, full of charm. It features rose gardens, quiet corners, and a cozy wine room that resembles a French bistro style.
At C’est la Vie, the wines follow a classic French style. You’ll find varietals like Sparkling Brut, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Syrah that perfectly match the relaxed atmosphere of the place.
It also offers a Winery Tour & Wine Blending Experience at Europa Village, where you can taste, blend, and learn about wines in a hands-on way, including guided tastings and small food pairings.
Walk-ins welcome for the wine tastings
Reservation via website 🍷 Open: Mon – Thu: 1 - 5pm, Fri-Sun: 10am - 5pm
Vienza
Vienza is the newest addition to Europa Village, showcasing the care and attention put into its details, such as the stone walls, fountains, warm lighting, and open-air patios with beautiful views. In contrast to the romantic calm of C’est la Vie, Vienza offers a more social and lively atmosphere, perfect for relaxed afternoons with friends or a casual tasting.
At Vienza, the focus is on Italian wines, featuring options like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Montepulciano. You’ll also find Pinot Grigio, Moscato d’Asti and Prosecco for those who prefer something something light and refreshingю
If you’re looking to explore beyond tastings, join their Immersive Vineyard Tour - a 1.5-hour guided experience, that takes you through the vines, explaining how the grapes grow and how each varietal comes to life in the glass.
Walk-ins welcome for the wine tastings
Reservation via website 🍷 Open: everyday 11 am to 6 pm
Ponte winery
The first time I visited this winery was in 2019, when I had a tasting in their restaurant, which feels quite different from the main room.
Ponte is one of the most established and welcoming wineries in Temecula, known for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and a wide selection of approachable wines that suit almost every palate.
The property itself is beautiful, surrounded by well-kept vineyards, gardens, and a charming courtyard. Inside the barn, you’ll find several tasting areas and a boutique wine shop in the middle.
At the tasting, you’ll get six wines (1 oz pours) of your choice from a list of 24 wines, including sparkling, white, rosé, red, and sweet options.
The wine list is extensive, from crisp Chenin Blanc to smooth reds like Sangiovese, and their signature Super T, a Tuscan-style blend that has become one of their most popular wines. They also produce sweet wines like Moscato and Beverino, perfect for a light summer afternoon.
Reservation via ExploreTock 🍷 Open: wednesday-sunday 11am - 6pm
Lorimar
Lorimar Winery combines great wine, live music, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, surrounded by vineyards and citrus trees. It feels more vibrant than many others in the valley, perfect if you like your wine with a side of live guitar or sunset views over the vineyards.
The property has two locations: the winery, situated on Rancho California Road, where most tastings and events take place, and a café in Old Town Temecula.
Their wines are expressive and easy to enjoy: from Viognier, Grenache Blanc to reds like Syrah, and GSM blends (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre).
Lorimar is also known for its music-inspired wine pairings, with each wine reflecting the owners’ background in both winemaking and the arts.
Reservation via ExploreTock 🍷 Open: mon-thru 12-5pm, fri-sat 11am-9pm
Fazeli Cellars
A unique blend of Persian heritage and California winemaking. The winery was founded by Bijan Fazeli, who brought his Persian roots into the philosophy of winemaking.
Many of the wines have names inspired by Persian culture, poetry, and history, each bottle feels like it tells a story.
Their wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Grenache, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc, all produced from Temecula Valley fruit.
One of their standout bottles, Hafez by Fazeli Cellars, was named #1 Red Wine by the Los Angeles Tribune in 2025.
Fazeli Cellars is a must-visit if you love bold wines, elegant architecture, and panoramic views of the valley, and a sense of culture and storytelling behind each glass.
Reservation via website 🍷 Open: thur-mon 11am - 5pm
Bottaia
Bottaia Winery offers one of the most modern and stylish wine experiences in Temecula. It’s part of the same family as Ponte Winery, but with a completely different concept.
It's more private, clean and contemporary, with warm neutral tones, high ceilings, and a calm atmosphere.
What makes Bottaia stand out is its Wine Lab and Pool Club. In the Wine Lab, you can blend your own wine and bottle it to take home, making it one of the most interactive experiences in the valley.
The Pool Club is a relaxed, adults-only space where you can enjoy rosé or sparkling wine by the pool, surrounded by vineyard views. (Note: open only during the summer season.)
The wines are mostly Italian varieties such as Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Barbera, and Montepulciano, all beautifully reflecting the Mediterranean spirit of the place.
Reservation via Exploretock 🍷 Open: wednesday-sunday 11am - 6pm
Robert Renzoni Vineyards
I visited this winery in 2021, and it truly feels like a little piece of Italy, perched on a hill surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, with terracotta roofs and open valley views.
The terrace has one of the best views in the valley, bright and sunlit, making it ideal for a leisurely lunch or a sunset tasting.
The Renzoni family’s winemaking roots go back to Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, and their wines reflect that heritage beautifully.
You’ll find Italian varietals like Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Barbera, and Montepulciano, along with classic reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Their signature Vecchio Fratello red blend is especially popular.
There’s also a lovely restaurant called Mama Rosa’s Trattoria, serving Italian-inspired dishes like pasta, bruschetta, and flatbreads, all designed to complement the wines.
Reservation via ExploreTock 🍷 Open: everyday 11am - 5pm
Whether you come for a day or a weekend, Temecula always feels welcoming and full of discoveries. It’s a valley where you can enjoy great wine, good food, and those quiet moments that make California life so special.
Want more delicious discoveries?
Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive wine pairings, dining tips, handpicked recommendations, and the best food and travel finds, all in one place - delivered straight to your inbox!