Every day I drive through Temecula’s wine country and I am in awe of the gorgeous rolling hills covered in grape vines, weighted down with clusters of plump, purple grapes. The extravagant wineries rise from the center of the vines, welcoming you to come in and taste their wines. Although each of the wineries are unique and beautiful, the best local wineries among them are Briar Rose, Maurice Car’re, and South Coast.
The first of these is a small, reservation only, boutique winery, the Briar Rose. Although it is lesser known, this award winning winery is smaller but with a more personal atmosphere. When I walked into their tasting room I felt as if I had stepped back through time into an old country tavern. The server was friendly and extremely knowledgeable about their wines and the process that goes into making them. If you are looking for something different, try their “Talking Frog” wine lager, a sweet and fruity wine that goes with anything.
The first vineyard planted in Temecula was the Maurice Car’re vineyard and they have been growing ever since. The winery is impossible to miss with its trademark white barn and windmill that is featured on all of their labels. As you walk toward the building you are surrounded by roses and on the weekends they feature a small farmer’s market in front of the building selling everything from purses to locally grown honey. When you are done shopping, head inside to the tasting room and try my favorite wine, their Muscat Canelli along with their famous Sourdough bread.
Although these wineries are amazing, my personal favorite is South Coast Winery Resort and Spa. I have spent many nights enjoying their wine and their excellent Vineyard Rose Restaurant which serves the best steak I have ever eaten. All of their wines are exceptional, but my favorite way to enjoy them is while sitting in a plush robe on the balcony of their spa after getting a relaxing massage. There is nothing like sitting outside with an incredible view of the vineyards with all of your girlfriends and a glass of sweet wine. If you want to make a weekend of it, the winery also offers richly decorated villas with no common walls tucked behind the winery among the vines.
So if you are looking for a relaxing vacation, head to the Temecula Wine Country. Whether you are just looking to spend the evening out or an entire weekend away, you will not be disappointed by the beauty of Temecula Valley or by the exceptional and unique wines that each of these wineries offer.