There are a few reasons to skip Napa Valley for California’s underrated alternatives, and one of them is a charming town in Southern California’s thriving wine region that is an excellent option. Temecula is a picturesque town in the Temecula Valley with a diverse selection of award-winning wineries and green rolling hills that will give Spain’s prestigious Rioja Valley a run for its money.
What’s more, in this part of California, you won’t find the crowds often experienced in the ever-popular Napa Valley. Instead, you can sip and taste delicious wines from around the region leisurely.
Population
39.35 Million ( 2020)
Founded Date
September 9, 1850
Southern California’s Wine Country has made a name for itself as a must-visit destination, and Temecula is a great place to begin the adventure. With almost 50 wineries, endless mouthwatering eateries to experience, and a whole host of recreational opportunities, there is a reason why this small Spanish-style town is one of California’s best-kept secrets.
Temecula – A Charming Spanish-Style Town In California’s Wine Region
Temecula has the advantage of being barely 85 miles from bustling and iconic Los Angeles, with its world-famous landmarks. Yet the relaxed vibes of Temecula and the Temecula Valley will make you feel like you are far from any metropolis. Surrounded by green rolling hills and boasting a unique microclimate similar to Spanish regions like Andalusia or Valencia, this stunning grape-growing region is well worth visiting.
Despite being an underrated town that will most likely remind you of Spanish wine country, Temecula features plenty of attractions besides the award-winning wine. It is a great jumping-off point for all kinds of exciting outdoor adventures, including biking, hiking, and golfing, but save some time to check out the abundance of breweries, wineries, and distilleries that make this region for which the area is well-regarded.
Temecula pays homage to its Spanish roots in many ways, so look for colonial Spanish architecture around the old town and regular events like paella, flamenco, and Spanish music nights.
If that wasn’t enough, this charming town has winery resorts and spa hotels, so you can truly balance relaxation and adventure. Given the romantic setting, Temecula is an ideal town for couples, but with plenty of things to keep all ages entertained, families will thrive here too. From the lively local farmers’ market to museums and vibrant nightlife, there is no chance of running out of things to do when visiting Temecula.
Wine Tasting In The Beautiful Temecula Valley
When visiting Temecula, wine may only be the beginning, but it is, admittedly, a perfect start. Wine enthusiasts will love the abundance of award-winning wineries that harness the granite-based soil to grow some excellent varieties. While wine tasting is a year-round activity, September is a fascinating time to visit since it is the harvest season and Temecula Valley Wine Month.
Some of the best wineries to visit all year round include Wilson Creek Winery, Callaway Vineyard & Winery, South Coast Winery, Ponte Estate Winery, and Somerset Winery, some of which host authentic grape stomping events for visitors in September. California’s largest wine and food festival is also held at this time of the year, at Europa Village Wineries Hotel & Spa, and is the perfect chance to sip and taste your way around Europe without the need to take a long-haul flight.
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While Spain celebrates events like the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival and the Jerez Grape Harvest Festival in September, Temecula hosts similar traditional events like the Europa Wine & Food Festival. Tickets for the Great Taste of Europa Wine & Food Festival start at $189 for general admission, but booking early can get you a presale discount. During this time, visitors can participate in exclusive wine tastings and unique culinary events, making this an extra-special time to visit for cultural immersion.
Unmissable Highlights Of California’s Spanish-Style Temecula
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Old Town Temecula, California
Wine tasting may be the highlight of visiting a grape-growing region like Temecula. Still, between the pours, you can take advantage of the many activities in the area. Whether you enjoy a solo getaway or a family vacation, you can soak up some exciting experiences, from hot-air balloon rides over the vineyards to hiking the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. One of the best things about Temecula is that it is a year-round destination with plenty of experiences as the seasons change, making it a great destination to return to.
Seasonal Activities In Temecula
Spring
Hot Air balloon rides
Hiking
Biking
Wine tasting
Summer
Watersports
Swimming
Wine tasting
Hiking
Fall
Grape stomping events
Exclusive wine tastings
Beer tasting
Visiting historic sites
Winter
Spa days
Ice skating
Beer tasting
Shopping
In addition, it is worth taking the time to explore the old town of Temecula, reminiscent of a charming Spanish village, complete with farmers’ markets and quirky shops. This vibrant yet historic quarter is reminiscent of a quaint European village in Spain and is the perfect place to try the local cuisine and soak up Iberian vibes. The old town is a great place to base yourself since it boasts numerous hotels to suit your needs, from the boutique Palomar Inn Hotel to the budget-friendly Rancho California Inn.
If you want to try exquisite tapas and dishes from regions like San Sebastián and Asturias, Boleros Restaurant at Europa Village is the ultimate place to indulge in traditional Spanish flavors. For special occasions, you can opt to rent the Valencia private dining room, which can accommodate up to 20 guests and allows you to bond over traditional paella and mouthwatering Spanish wine. If that wasn’t enough, beer enthusiasts will be happy to learn about the Temecula Ale Trail, which encompasses 11 Temecula breweries and is an exciting way to try delicious brews from the region.
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The Temecula Valley wine region may be a well-known spot among wine enthusiasts, but the small Spanish-influenced town of Temecula often gets overlooked. With endless exciting activities and year-round events, there is no better time to plan a trip to this historic and culture-filled town that boasts Spanish village vibes. If you are a fan of beer, wine, and the outdoors, this could be your perfect destination.