Forget Napa, Temecula is home to Southern California’s best wineries
Temecula has often been known as the Napa Valley of southern California and rightfully so. With four-diamond accommodations, golfing, impeccable wine tasting, and even a casino, Temecula is quickly becoming the best hidden gem in the west for wine tasting and luxury amenities and dining. Here are our favorite picks for business travel in Temecula.
Pechanga Resort and Casino is a Four Diamond property offering more than 500 guest rooms, on site spa, Arthur Hills-designed 18-hole master golf course, impressive entertainment and concert venue, comedy club, eight restaurants and 200,000+ sq. ft. gaming floor. Place your bets on slot machines, table games and exclusive High Limit Gaming Area. We bet wineries in Napa are pretty disappointed they don’t have a casino in their valley to gamble, relax and unwind.
Journey at Pechanga is one of Southern California’s newest Championship Golf Courses and has a walk-in rate of $150 during the week and $200 on the weekends. Views are spectacular and the course is a favorite among golf’s big whigs. Since the golf carts are equipped with state-of-the-art GPS systems with course tips and narration by U.S. Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin, you won’t ever get lost if you venture too far off course.
Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards went from humble beginnings to a powerful force in the valley. While the winery is most known for its delicious red wine and almond champagne, what really sticks out is Bill Wilson’s hospitality and welcoming staff and family. Wilson Creek has an amazing event space for corporate meetings and weddings and make sure to ask about jazz concerts on the lawn.
Do not leave the winery without 1) taking home a case of the Almond Champagne, 2) going on a winery tour to see how the winery operates and see what’s coming up for the season 3) trying the Almontini, the Wilson Creek Port Decadencia served in a Dutch chocolate cup, and 4) sitting and relaxing on their expansive grounds.
Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery is a must-see and has the most amazing 2009 Viognier that is punch full of crisp and fresh notes of honey and floral hints. Nick and Cindy Palumbo own the 13-acre winery and offer some of the best handcrafted artisanal wines in the area. And not to mention, a breathtaking winery with unparalleled views.
Hart Family Winery is another must-see in Temecula Valley and is one of the original wineries that have made a lasting impression on residents and visitors alike. The 2006 Zinfandel is out of this world and I kept hearing about their Sauvignon Blanc that was still in the tanks at the time of my visit. It sells out every year so consider yourself lucky if you get your hands and lips on it. And apparently the folks over at Hart call their Rose Blanc de Franc a “hot tub wine” because it’s best enjoyed with your clothes off. Make sure Hart is one of the first stops you make. Trust me.
Doffo Vineyards is what I like to call the “man’s winery” and is micro-boutique winery estate adorned with refurbished racing and vintage motorcycles, masculine color palettes and an amazing winemaker, Marcel Doffo. The Doffo family, who can most likely be found in the tasting room, shares their Argentinean and Italian roots with everyone who walks through their doors. Their Doffo Port – Non Vintage was the best I’ve ever tasted and blends six vintages into a single bottle. Who knew blending old and young wine could be so lovely? And don’t even get me started on their Reserve Malbec; it’s worth every penny and must show up at your next business meeting.
If Doffo is for gentlemen, then Keyways Vineyard & Winery is for the ladies. It’s the only woman-owned Temecula winery and the charming and inviting environment keep women coming back for more. Of course, the wood-burning fireplace, leather chairs, and jewelry and baubles for sale are another reason why Keyways is so popular. Teri Pebley Delhamer is the wine owner and has created a beautiful space for a day perfect for wine tasting, romantic proposals, and even your wedding and reception.
Her Traditions 2009 Merlot is a favorite and so is the Late Harvest Roussanne 2010. If you’re a new wine drinker and still trying to figure out what your palette likes best, Keyways is the perfect choice for your taste buds to explore. If you’re planning a romantic weekend out to the valley and don’t want to feel bad about hitting some balls on the course sans your lady, drop your wife off at Keyways for a couple hours (with your credit card) and she’ll thank you. I guarantee it.
Thornton Winery is a favorite among executives not only because of its annual Jazz Series, sparkling wine and decadent Café Champagne, but also because it houses its very own helicopter landing pad – just in case you wanted to fly in for the afternoon. Drop by for a glass of their 2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel and stay for a meal. It’ll be one of the best you’ve had in Temecula wine country. The menu changes with the season so come, and come often. Make sure you take advantage of the ever-changing Artisan Cheese Platter, along with the Crab and Shrimp Louis Salad, Short Rib Sliders, and Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich. And please do yourself a favor. Buy you and your lady friend tickets to a Gourmet Supper Package during the Jazz Series this season to get the perfect blend of fine wine, amazing music, and even more amazing food.
Old Town Temecula is another route to take if you’re in the area for awhile and want to take a break from tasting. The area is rich in history and tour guide Dale Garcia leads candlelit walking tours if you want to really delve into old Temecula’s historic footprint. Old Town spans only a few blocks so it’s easy to park and walk down the main drag to find a spot for lunch and dinner in between tastings. Definitely check out Public House, Rosa’s Cantina, The Bank, The Edge, or just follow your nose and the most of amount of people in line for a restaurant.
You may also want to check out Temecula Olive Oil Company for a complimentary olive oil tasting of the best olive oils and vinegars made in the area. It’s a friendly little spot to indulge in some artisan olive oils and lucky for you, they offer special memberships and can ship bottles to you. And of course, wine tasting rooms are also available for your pleasure if you want to tap off your meal with a great class of Zin or Sangiovese. Check out Tesoro Winery’s tasting room as they offer the best selection on a little bit of everything.
Wineormous is one of the best routes to take if you know you want to visit a few of the area’s best wineries, but need some extra guidance on the best places to go. Owner Tom Plant can take you and your five friends on an intimate tour of the valley, custom tailored to your preferences. Take your pick at the area’s best wineries and restaurants and let them lead the way.
Accommodations are plentiful in Temecula Valley. There are a couple nice bed and breakfasts, and of course rooms at Pechanga. For the most part, discount hoteliers seem to rule the area. I stayed at the Temecula Valley Embassy Suites, and other hotels were in the surrounding area.
All in all, Temecula Valley has so much to offer. The Valley offers decadent wineries, dining, entertainment and at an affordable price when compared to its counterparts up north. For more information, visit the Valley’s website.
Article originally posted from http://businessreviewusa.com