TEMECULA, CA — A Temecula Valley wine resort was recently named among the cities in the Golden State that feel “the most like being in Europe.”
Many Temecula wineries have adopted a Tuscan feel, according to Travel + Leisure—still, one in particular offers the flavors of three countries under one mantle. Meet Europa Village Wineries and Resort, situated just past the gateway on Rancho California Road.
Owner Dan Stephenson planned the winery and has evolved and changed over the years since the first of the three tasting rooms was constructed.
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“Our story began in the 1970s, when a young businessman named Dan Stephenson visited Europe for the first time and fell in love with the countryside, the food and wine, the culture and the lifestyle,” the website states. “From then on, he had a passion to share his experiences with whomever crossed his path. Thirty years later, Dan and his friend purchased more than 300 acres of land in the Temecula Valley Wine Country. At that moment, his dream to bring Europe and her old-world charms to our corner of the world sprang to life.” Europa Village was born and the strategy for a multi-winery resort was carefully crafted and began rolling out phase by phase, one exciting destination at a time.”
Now, guests and wine club members can visit three highly walkable European-style wineries, tasting rooms, and restaurants in one stop. The resort features distinctive wines and flavors from Italy, France, and Spain in its three separate tasting rooms, each designed to reflect the look and feel of its respective country.
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The wine club features wines from all three locales. It offers a full calendar of unique experiences for visitors and members, ranging from winemaker-led mixology sessions to exclusive food and wine pairings and theatrical events. There is always something going on at Europa Village Wineries.
The labels at each winery reflect the region: guests can sample Italian wines at Vienza Winery, toast with authentic French wine at C’est La Vie Winery, or indulge in Spanish wines and savory flavors at Bolero Winery and restaurant.
Photo Credit: Europa Village Wineries And Resort
On a Friday afternoon, Patch stopped by to visit with Europa Village General Manager John Goldsmith to learn about the upcoming expansions and explore a bit of Spain, Italy, and France in our backyard.
Views from Vienza at Europa Village Wineries and Resort.
Each of the three separate buildings, and even the paths that connect them, is a bit like “Disneyland for grown-ups,” with hidden gems around every corner.
Photo Credit: Europa Village Wineries And Resort
Europa Village Wineries and Resort is a feast for the senses as you walk from building to building. Each “country” features hand-painted murals, carved sculptures, ornate metalwork, authentic, carved wood gates and doors, and meticulously crafted stonework. Everywhere you walk, you’ll see fine craftsmanship and attention to detail.
But let’s start our visit in Spain, at the Bolero Winery.
Visit Spain At Europa Village Bolero Winery:
Bolero Winery offers visitors a taste of Spain, from the tapas to the wine. The first of the completed Europa Village Wineries and Resort expansion, Bolero offers not only a tasting room (try the Libido, and thank us later) but also a tapas-style restaurant that explores the regional flavors of Spain.
If you fancy shareable platters, the Bolero menu is tops.
Photo Credit: Ashley Ludwig/Patch Staff
This local favorite offers delicious wine to pair with platters of delicacies, such as short ribs, unique Caesar salad rolled in paper-thin jicama, or—our favorite — the highly shareable, subtly spicy empanadas.
Bolero Spring Menu Items.
Bolero also offers casitas for overnight stays at their Bolero Casitas. The wine resort also offers rooms at the recently remodeled, exclusive Europa Village hilltop inn, with its stunning vineyard views. Featuring Sip and Stay prices, this is yet another way to extend your journey while visiting Temecula Valley Wine Country.
Visit Italy In Temecula: Europa Village Vienza Winery:
If Italy is more to your liking, Vienza Winery welcomes visitors with a broad, curving staircase worthy of the Spanish Steps in Rome. Climb them to reach an Old World Italy-style tasting room and market, or have a sampling of gelato. (A hidden elevator is available in the Vienza wine cave at the bottom of the stairs for those who need a lift.) This is a spot with breathtaking views, a secret garden, and stunning wines.
Vienza offers a marketplace-style grocery, a counter-service restaurant, and a wood-fired pizza shop.
Vienza features a grand ballroom, along with a wraparound porch that offers stunning views of Temecula Valley Wine Country.
Vienza Winery will expand to a 40-room resort hotel and spa. Plans are in place for the expansion, earmarked to overlook the tasting room and garden area. The hotel will be a pinnacle of Europa Village Wineries and Resort.
Visit France In Temecula: Europa Village C’est La Vie Winery
If you love France, stroll over to C’est La Vie Winery. This boutique tasting room offers visitors samples of French wine in a bistro setting, worthy of the Champs-Élysées. Here, find tidbits and flavors fit for a picnic while you stroll through the gardens of what was the first iteration of Europa Village.
In the coming years, Stephenson is planning another bold move, with the construction of a French expansion, including a hotel, restaurant, and tasting room, following the completion of the Vienza Hotel and Spa.
So, where will you go and spend your time at Europa Village Wineries and Resort? When you go, tell them Patch sent you.
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