The name Temecula comes from an old Luiseno Indian word commonly translated as 'Where The Sun Breaks Through The Mist.' It conjures up images of sun drenched rolling hills, snow capped mountain peaks and fresh ocean breezes - in short, an area that might lend itself to the cultivation of vineyards and the production of fine varietal wines.
Less than 60 miles north of San Diego and 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles lies Southwest Califiornia and the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Rolling hills covered with vineyards, expansive views reaching to 11,000 foot high mountains, air swept by ocean breezes, and a unique micro-climate ensures a premier opportunity for vintners to explore their craft. Warm summer days combine with evenings cooled by mists of ocean breeze and a moderate 1,500' elevation to produce some of the most ideal condition for wine growing in the entire country.
With our oldest wineries dating back a mere 30 years, the Temecula Valley Wine Country is just establishing itself as a viticulturists destination. With more than 20 boutique and specialty wineries to visit, a tour of the Temecula Valley Wine Country can stretch from a languid afternoon to a fun-filled week or more.
Even though our wineries have grown up a lot in the past few years, one of the most fun things about visiting here is the small scale and friendly atmosphere you'll encounter. It's not unusual for the owner and/or winemaker (often one and the same) to guide a tour themselves or take time to pour your tastes and talk to you about their wines, why their wines are named for their children, or their children are named for their wines, why their family pet is critical to the aging process and why Friday night harvests are best. If you're here during the harvest or crush, you might get to see the process up close, maybe pick a few clusters yourself and taste the fresh juice as it runs from the grapes.
They'll tell you
Most wineries boast dining facilities ranging from simple cheese and cracker accompaniments to full gourmet dinners with custom wine pairings. Some evenings you will find musicians playing softly on the patio or serenading diners, weekends will find full blown jazz concerts under the vines featuring some of today's hottest musical talent. 
(Like this shot of Dave Koz & Cris Botti at Thornton's Winery.)
While you'll find robust Cabernet's, buttery Chardonnays and spicy Merlots, you'll also find a wide range of varietals as well, including Malbec's, Syrah's, San Giovese's and fine sparkling wines. We're not snooty but we make darn good wine.
If you're looking for something fun and different to do next time you're in Southern California, spend a few days with us in the Southern California Wine Country. Take a balloon ride over the vineyards in the morning, go wine tasting in the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing dinner overlooking the vineyards and take in a casino show that night. Call me if you need a tour guide. I like to help any way I can - just give, give, give - that's me.
For more information or to make reservations, please visit the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association.
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