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Outdoor food and drink options abound in Temecula. (Photo courtesy Doffo Winery)
Temecula is emerging as a preeminent SoCal sojourn By Alison Bailin Batz
W
ith the nation slowly reopening, many are looking for ways to get out and enjoy vacation this summer while social distancing and maintaining massive safety measures in place. A picture-perfect escape—only five hours away via car and with dozens of outdoor activities—is Southern California gem Temecula. Temecula is the largest wine-growing region in California’s South Coast. It is particularly well-suited to growing syrah, sangiovese, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, zinfandel and tempranillo; however, more than two dozen varieties thrive in the region. Altogether, Temecula boasts more than 40 wineries and 80 winegrowers, as well as other attractions, high-end dining and—of course—amazing tasting tours.
ACCOMMODATIONS While hotels and resorts are taking all CDC-recommended precautions to ensure the perfect stay, one of the ways to do Temecula right is by renting a home or manor in the heart of wine country.
If looking to go this route, Temecula Vacation Rentals (TVR) is among the top options in the area with six premiere properties able to accommodate from 10 to 24 guests, not to mention cozy condos and other specialty spaces available based on needs, wants and dates. TVR’s most fabulous property is Wilson Creek Manor. And if the name Wilson Creek sounds familiar to Valley wine lovers, it should. Not only is Wilson Creek’s award-winning almond champagne (and now other varietals) available for purchase across Arizona, but the picturesque winery has been featured on “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” “Blind Date,” The Golf Channel and Oprah’s OWN Network. Rumor has it Mario Lopez has been known to show up from time to time for a game or two of bocce ball at the winery’s on-site court as well. Located directly across the street from the famed winery, the 12,000-squarefoot estate sleeps up to 24 guests and features 10 well-appointed bedrooms— including a 1,600-square-foot master suite—11 bathrooms, a game room, private outdoor pool and spa, barbecue, gazebo, workout area, basketball court and commercial-grade kitchen. For smaller groups, notable options
include the Sangiovese Estate—sleeping up to 14 and with its own putting green, home theater and game room—the Palazzo Del Sol Estate—also sleeping 14 and with nearly unrivaled mountain views—and the Meritage House— sleeping 10 and with its own grapefruit grove. The prices vary based on property and season but can often be less than $60 a day per person, making it one of the sneaky best deals in California in addition to one of the chicest. There are also a dozen TVR packages, which provide excursions, meals, wine tastings and other curated experiences. temeculavacationrentals.com
GETTING AROUND Once in wine country, don’t even think about drinking and driving. Instead, look no further than the Grapeline Wine Tours. A family-owned business that has been operating in Temecula for over a decade, Grapeline has drivers and tour guides who are walking encyclopedias of the region. They do it while making guests laugh, sing and even dance on board. A best bet is Grapeline’s all-inclusive Classic Wine Tour, which is a fourhour tour hosted by a wine country insider with snacks as well as tastings at three wineries only $95 a person. The
The Grapeline makes touring easy, affordable and is able to tour a group privately to ensure no outside contact. (Photo courtesy Grapeline)
