Elevated Temecula

BY BRIANNE COHEN

For most of us in Orange County, packing up for wine country entails pulling out a suitcase, going through a TSA security line, hopping on a flight up north, then renting a car and driving at least an hour or two to the Napa/Sonoma area.

Grab a weekend bag, hop in your car, and within an hour, you can be sipping a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards. Welcome to Temecula Valley wine country.

Boasting 40 licensed wineries, Temecula Valley Winegrowers recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. Temecula hasn’t exactly had the best reputation when it comes to wine. There are many wineries who make sweet gimmicky wine and locals know it as a rowdy scene, hence the proliferation of party buses and bachelorette parties. Many wineries are pushing back by only allowing large buses before a certain time of day and not allowing walk-ins for large groups. For serious wine drinkers in California who want to visit a wine country for vacation, Temecula has not been on that short list.

The property also

Things have started changing and there IS boasts a fitness center, prefer to tuck yourself away at a large propquality wine in Temecula. The last 50 years has brought a lot of experimentation, and serious a pool and hot tub erty with a long list of amenities, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is for you. This sprawlpeople who want to make honest, regional with cabanas, and a ing property has a hotel tower, private villas, a wine are starting to flock here. The appealing thing about Temecula is the sheer access to luxurious day spa. wine tasting room, and an on-site restaurant. Amenities in the room include fireplaces, wine drinkers. 22 million people live within marble and granite bathrooms with deep a two-hour drive from Temecula. Why is so little Temecula wine soaking tubs for a spa-like experience, cushy bathrobes, and private found outside of Temecula? Because the locals drink it all! patios with vineyard views. The property also boasts a fitness center,

Here we explore an “elevated” Temecula itinerary that rivals a pool and hot tub with cabanas, and a luxurious day spa. South many established wine regions, including lodging options and a Coast Winery Resort & Spa is surrounded by vineyards, making for dining experience that will knock your socks off. If you have a dis- a lovely morning walk through the property. cerning palate but don’t want to schlep all the way to Napa or So- If you prefer something cozier such as a bed & breakfast with noma, I offer not-to-miss wineries making some of the best juice in a personal touch, then I recommend the Inn at Europa Village. the Temecula Valley. This intimate property has 10 unique rooms onsite, each offering its own special touch. The room I stayed in had a patio with gorWhere to Stay geous morning views, including a perfect sightline for early mornThere are many different styles of wine country lodging. If you ing hot air balloon launches. Sleep in a bit and enjoy a fresh two-

course breakfast cooked to order in the dining room. Upon arrival I was greeted with a plate of cookies and a refreshing glass of sangria. If the weather is nice, nothing beats the outdoor firepit with a bottle of wine to enjoy a wine country sunset overlooking the vines.

These wines are world class and the setting is picture perfect with a gorgeous tasting room.

Where to Eat

Chef Daragh Matheson from Ireland is at the helm in the kitchen at The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars. If you are looking for an elevated dining experience in Temecula, look no further. Each week they go through one ton of their duck fat fries, which I can assure you, are to die far. The menu includes sumptuous offerings such as oysters, duck, prawns, and American Wagyu beef. In speaking to Chef Daragh, he exclaimed “I use an obnoxious amount of butter”. It was worth every calorie. Their wine list is a balance of their own wines, local offerings, and wines from around the world. The Restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and tea service.

Where to Drink

Robert Renzoni Vineyards is a perfect place to start. Robert’s family, originally from Italy, has been making wine since 1886. Robert now focuses on mostly Italian wine grapes, which sets him apart from other Temecula wineries. These wines are world class and the setting is picture perfect with a gorgeous tasting room. Robert’s goal was always to create sophisticated wines, and he has succeeded.

My favorite wines include the Lyric Rosé, Riserva Estate Barbera, and the Fiore di Fano. The property hosts live music on the weekends and their onsite restaurant is a perfect lunch spot.

Next up is a visit back in time to the rustic, and down to earth tasting room of Hart Family Winery, one of the oldest wineries in Temecula. They are a small operation, making only about 4,000 cases annually. Standout wines include their Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Definitely worth a visit if you want a no-frills tasting experience with great wine and a lot of heart. One of my favorite places to taste in the Temecula Valley. And you can bring a picnic!

Lastly, to end the day with a bang, head to Akash Winery. This is, by far, the most beautiful tasting room in the Valley and a great place to grab a bottle and watch the sunset. The wines are made from all estate grapes (no fruit is bought). They currently only offer a handful of wines, but in the next year they will expand into: Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and a sparkling program! I highly encourage a visit to Akash not only for the stunning tasting room and beautiful views, but for the quality wines. My favorites are the Zinfandel and the Three’s Company blend.

I urge you to rethink Temecula as a wine country destination. You will not be disappointed with my recommendations above. With 50 years of winemaking history under their belt, it is exciting to see what will be next for Temecula Valley wine country.

Brianne Cohen is a WSET Diploma certified sommelier, wine educator, judge, and writer based out of Los Angeles. She blogs at www.BrianneCohen.com. Follow Brianne on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.