Gaits in the Grapes – Trail Riding

Gaits in the Grapes Guided Wine Trail Rides

By Carol Malin

The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, the sight of red-tailed hawks flying above in the clear blue sky, and the sound of crisp Autumn leaves under your horse’s hooves as you ride through Wine Country vineyards. Experience Temecula’s trails, there are several for you to explore, and enjoy a taste of the Valley’s quality wines at Temecula’s wineries. Vineyard Trails

“Gaits in the Grapes excursions allow you to enjoy Temecula Wine Country’s gorgeous vineyards while riding your own horses,” says Gaits in the Grapes founder, Juanita Koth. “We call it ‘fun times in the vines’.” For our WINEGIG guests we have winery options: Danza del Sol, Leoness Cellars, Robert Renzoni Vineyards located along the De Portola Winery Trail; and Maurice Car’rie, South Coast Winery, and Wilson Creek on the Rancho California Winery Trail.

“Our guided excursions are for equestrians who are looking to come out to share a day in the Temecula Valley on horseback,” Koth continued. “We do not rent horses. We customize the trail ride to suit needs and choices, such as distance and duration, which can be one to three hours. We map out the trail to include or avoid hills, obstacles, whatever the rider prefers, or the horse requires.” Autumn is Time to Rid

WINEGIG riders travel a loop through the vineyards, and Koth shares the backstory and history of the Temecula Valley and the wineries. At the end of trail, the horses settle down with a hay-bag, while riders enjoy a tasty lunch and wine in the shade. Trail rides are staged on Koth’s property in Wine Country. She has also coordinated with equestrian centers and ranches to provide locations for staging, horse trailer and camp sites. Koth is an experienced horsewoman and is a member of the Temecula Eq-wine Riders, a nonprofit formed in 2007 to preserve open spaces, and safe riding and hiking trails in Temecula Wine Country. The group organizes events in wine country and equestrian parks and assists with Temecula’s parade horse entries. They proudly presented their parade entry, “Horsewomen of Temecula Wine Country,” at the 2020 Tournament of

Roses Parade in Pasadena.

Wineries on the Trail

Discover the beautiful Temecula Valley wineries visited on Gaits in the Grapes trail rides: Danza del Sol: www.danzadelsol.com Wilson Creek : www.wilsoncreekwinery.com Leoness Cellars: www.leonesscellars.com Maurice Car’rie: www.mauricecariewinery.com South Coast Winery Resort & Spa: www.southcoastwinery.com Robert Renzoni Vineyards: www.robertrenzonivineyards.com

Horse Trailer Sites/Camping

“For those coming into town for a vineyard trail ride, our 53-acre ranch can accommodate trailers and we have stalls to rent,” says Bob Brown, California Ranch Company (CRC). “While here you may want to take in our Wednesday evening Barrel Races or other activities. Contact our barn manager for boarding or camping.” www.californiaranchcompany.com

“When Juanita puts together excursions through Temecula’s vineyards, she tailors the day to her clients and their horses,” said Ken Smith, owner of Galway Downs. “She may stage out of Galway to launch a tour and on occasion she has organized campouts here.”

Have a Nice Ride

Tell your friends to head to Temecula’s Wine Country to enjoy the camaraderie and the beautiful trails. To book your excursion, read trail ride reviews, and find out more go to www.gaitsinthegrapes.com.

“Trail Ride with Gaits in the Grapes”