Temecula Valley California
Ready for a peaceful flight over the vineyards with A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure
Diverse dining options, including farm-to-table, ethnic and adventurous fare
Traveling in style to visit local wineries with a private ride via Side Car Tours
Live music at Peltzer Winery in California's wine country
Specialty shops and artisanal dining in the 12-block Old Town district
A wine dinner held among the vines at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Wooden sidewalks outside the Temecula Olive Oil Company shop in Old Town
Vail Headquarters, a historic ranch and current hot spot for shopping, dining and entertainment
Rolling vineyards nearly as far as the eye can see at Leoness Cellars
The Cove at Pechanga Resort and the surrounding landscape
- Major Airports:
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Diego (SAN)
- States:
- California
Spirited Temecula Valley vibes inspired by California vineyards
Southern California Wine Country, Craft Beer and Artisan Spirits
This globally recognized wine destination, distinct from any other in California, is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) with rolling, Tuscan-like hills and a climate often compared to the Mediterranean. Wine lovers can plan a vacation around nearly 50 wineries, each with unique amenities. Explore on your own or join a tour to sample hand-crafted wines grown from dozens of grape varietals, including well-known favorites such as cabernet sauvignon, Syrah and chardonnay, as well as under-the-radar tastes like Sangiovese, grenache and Vermentino. Temecula Valley also features a thriving craft brewery and spirits scene. Sip a pint at one of the valley’s dozen craft breweries, or schedule a tasting of small-batch spirits at a distillery.
Small-Town Atmosphere and Big-Time Fun
Temecula marries rustic, 19th-century California ranching and stagecoach history with an authentic, but modern, small-town vibe. Old Town Temecula bustles with craft boutiques, galleries and even a few speakeasies. Fed by a local farming and agricultural region, with some talented culinary mavericks at the helm, Temecula is fast becoming a foodie haven. Families can explore history at the Temecula Valley Museum, see a stage production at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, and meet local makers and artisans at three weekly farmers markets. At Vail Headquarters, a former cattle ranch turned living history park, cowboy-era buildings and quaint boutiques are waiting to be explored.
Unforgettable Outdoor Recreation and Entertainment
You can’t help but want to spend time outdoors in Temecula Valley. At sunrise, colorful hot-air balloons rise and glide with the valley breezes. From high above the landscape, see rugged mountains, rolling hills, rambling estates and scenic vineyards. If you visit early June, don’t miss the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, the largest in California. Cycling and horseback adventures through vineyard trails keep the adventures flowing. You can catch an equestrian event at Galway Downs, where top-level training, jumping and dressage happen year-round. Golfers can tee off at three public courses with challenging play and beautiful scenery; book a round at Journey at Pechanga. Enjoy fishing, sailing and camping at Lake Skinner, or escape to the hiking trails at Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. For some grown-up fun, visit Pechanga Resort Casino for Las Vegas-style entertainment and gaming, luxury rooms and spa services.
Fun Fact
The region’s name derives from a Temecula Indian word meaning “the place of the sun.”
California’s second post office opened in what is now Old Town Temecula in 1859.
In Temecula, you can find the only existing segment of the original Butterfield Overland Mail route in an urban area, dating to the mid-1800s when the Butterfield Overland Mail Company contracted with the federal government to deliver mail and goods.