As lilacs blanket the hillsides and vineyards pop with fresh, green buds, Temecula lures visitors for more than spring blossoms—an entire bounty of outdoor discoveries. Cradled on a plateau 1,400 feet above sea level, is Southern California’s own wine region—blessed with warm sunny days and crisp nights that ripen grapes to perfection.
It is easy to see that the city is bursting at the seams with new housing developments and shopping centers, but its ever-expanding rural offerings court visitors within the region’s rolling hills lined in vineyard plantings.
Not to say winemaking is a new phenomenon in Temecula. More than 200 years ago winemaking made its debut in California at Mission San Juan Capistrano, just 18 miles west of Temecula, and mission vineyards were first planted in the area in 1820. Temecula has demonstrated through the decades that it is an ideal locale for growing more than 28 varietals of wine grapes, hosting an enviable balance of geography, microclimate and well-drained soil. Even the neighboring community of Fallbrook is trading in much of its famed avocado crops for grapes.
Escape Safely to Carter Estate
Owner and vintner Jim Carter, the creator of award-winning South Coast Winery, wanted to do something a little more exclusive and intimate with the more recently opened Carter Estate Vineyard & Winery. As soon as you arrive, you feel the difference. The 42 Mediterranean-fashioned villas sit behind a private gate and are positioned on the edge of the young vines here. The deluxe rooms are quiet and fully stocked with luxury and privately situated to feel like your own tiny estate.
The estate’s “Wine Lover’s Escape” package is being offered now through the end of March 2021 and includes a two night stay in your private bungalow and a case of your favorite Carter Estate wines. Sip your wine and dine on your patio overlooking the vineyards. A continental breakfast is included in your stay and delivered to the room each morning.
Positioned before the gates to the villas is the estate’s upscale tasting room that features relaxing sit-down tastings accompanied by a knowledgeable host and a platter of edibles that pair with each tasting sip. The 109-acre estate that sits kitty-corner from its sister South Coast Resort is best known for its Methode Champenoise sparkling wine.
SoCal’s first wine cave at Oak Mountain Winery
Oak Mountain Winery is certainly not new, but the first southern California wine cave, located at the hilltop winery, is. The Wine Cave at Oak Mountain Winery opened a few years ago after two years in the making and some monumental engineering challenges that made owners Valerie and Steve Andrews question their mammoth undertaking along the way. During the eight-month digging process, the owners unearthed some interesting local history in the layers of soil. The 11,500-square-foot cave was worth the angst, and the vision to have vineyards growing on top of the cave while, inside and below, wine temperatures and humidity stay in the ideal range has been realized. Not just ideal for barrel aging, the high-tech attractive cave space is a new alternative for touring.
The ‘Grape Movement’
Winemaking flourishes in Temecula today with some 40 wineries, many of which debuted in the last several years. You might call it the state’s “grape movement” that has taken the rustic barn-type tasting room that began the movement here to mega-tasting rooms with sweeping vistas, restaurants and state-of-the-art technology. One such newer winery is Fazeli Cellars Winery. The 20,000 square feet of buildings that span 11 acres were carefully situated to catch the best of both sunrise and sunset from the winery’s hillside perch, granting spectacular 180-degree views of surrounding wine country.
The family operation is overseen by BJ Fazeli who designed the enclave to celebrate his family’s Persian heritage, as well as the seasons. “Persian poetry permeates,” said Fazeli. “It goes so well with a good glass of wine.” Splashes of turquoise, an ode to Persia, grace accent walls and rich Persian carpets and crystals add to the experience. “Our Roots Run Deep” is the motto of Fazeli’s which celebrates its tradition in its wine offerings, from a signature Shiraz to its fun Chaos wines that were blended from “leftovers.” With names such as “Pandemonium” and “Mayhem,” the wine drinker will find upscale wine at a reasonable greater price point.
For more information: Visit Temecula Valley
Photos courtesy Visit Temecula Valley
