Temecula

Fig. 1 Enjoying time at Halter Ranch, patiently waiting the arrival of bud burst, January, 2025.

Fig 2 Temecula has stunning views, such as Robert Renzoni, where tradition and taste come together with lunch on a beautiful outdoor deck. Home to one of my favorites, Big Fred's Red.

Fig 3 An even better experience, is the extreme dog-friendly deck at Miramonte. Served with excellent examples of Temecula fine wine. My favorites are Touriga, 4 Torch Red, Tempranillo, and the Opulente.

I absolutely love Temecula Valley, California.  Because of its proximity to San Diego, and easy drive from Las Vegas (4 hours), it has been my most frequented wine destination with well over 20 visits.  Wine stewards, makers and sommeliers I have met over the years have become friends and I enjoy stopping in, if only briefly, to say “hello” when I make a trip.  Trip length varies for me, sometimes I stay for three nights and on other occasions I make a day trip. Greg from Halter Ranch (Fig 1), Nisreen from Miramonte (Fig 3), Howard from Gershon Bachus, and Dr. Doug from Europa are always great places to start.  Over the years I have been a member of Europa, Robert Renzoni, Peltzer, Doffo, Wilson Creek, and Bottaia (Fig 5, 6).

Fig 4 Where it began. Peltzer Winery churro wine pairing. It was really a surprising delight: a crispy churro with delicate drippings of dessert sauces, paired with local vintages that transformed my perspective on pairing sweet and savory flavors. The cinnamon-sugar and bold tannins danced beautifully on the palate.

Temecula has a feel of an old Spanish mission.  The area was originally inhabited by the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, who ancestors live in the area for over 10,000 years.  The name “Temecula” is derived from the Luiseno word “Temecunga” meaning place of the sun.  And believe me, an afternoon wine tasting in Temecula is a sensory delight set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards, like Leoness, Weins, and Monte Oro, and sun-drenched hills.  When I am tasting at those properties, there is usually a warm Pacific breeze that carries the scent of ripe grapes and blooming lavender.  Lunch has never disappointed on the decks of Miramonte or Robert Renzoni (Fig. 2). I can’t help feeling immersed in the timeless beauty and welcoming spirit of Temecula wine country. 

Fig 5 Blending Lab at Bottaia Winery, Temecula, California, 2023. The blending lab at Bottaia Winery offers a hands-on experience where members can create their own custom wine blends using Italian varietals, exploring the art and science of winemaking in an immersive and educational setting.

Fig 6 Creating the perfect Super Tuscan blend. It is not just the combination of varietals - it is the perfect harmony of passion, patience, and the soul of the vineyard in every drop.

I have assembled a collection of thoughts from various winemakers in Temecula Valley that includes stories about the padres from Mission San Luis Rey first planting vineyards in in 1700’s.  And random facts such as: Temecula sits at 33 degrees latitude and has a semi-arid, Mediterranean climate.  In 1984, the region was named the California South Coast AVA. 

Being 300 miles south of Napa Valley, it has much higher sun angle and solar intensity.  The Pacific Ocean is 22 miles away.  Cold winds rip through the Rainbow Gap between the Temescal Mountains and Santa Ana range (25,000 ft.).  This helps to create a lapse rate due to the altitude of the vineyards and height of surrounding mountains.  The cooler air drops joining

the cool air of the Santa Marguerita River causing cold nighttime temperatures.  The granitic soils provide good drainage, and the sandy loam provide ideal conditions contribute to clean, pure, varietal flavors.  Wineries like Vitagliano, Lorezi, and Falkner make a wide selection of

styles including Super Tuscan wines.  All these environmental factors help winemakers in Temecula create outstanding wine and fun places to visit. 

Fig 7 Halter Ranch Ancestor and chocolate cookie type dessert never disappoints.

Some of my best memories in Temecula wine country are tied to incredible experiences and the wonderful people I’ve shared them with. Celebrating my 60th birthday among the vineyards was a milestone I’ll never forget, filled time in Europa's VIP lounge and vineyard tour, even better company with Meg. The churro and wine pairing at Peltzer was a sweet and surprising treat, while the lab blending experience at Bottaia let me play winemaker for a day—an unforgettable hands-on adventure. Staying at the mansion at Wilson Creek for Debbie’s 50th birthday was pure magic, with its luxurious charm matched only by the laughter and fun of our group. Whether it was sharing a bottle with Uncle Mike, Uncle Joe, and Aunt Anne Marie, or spending time with great friends like Craig, Debbie, Bryan, Christina, and other friends and work brothers and sisters. Temecula has a way of bringing people together over a shared appreciation for life’s simple pleasures—great wine and cherished moments.

Fig 8 The Gershon Bachus experience is nothing short of special, especially with Lucy and Annie hanging out. Perfectly sets the stage for a relaxed and intimate visit with Howard and his wine and food pairings with each pour. Lucy and Annie were warmly welcomed by the vineyard dogs and happily lounged on the patio as a sipped through a lineup of wines that spoke of elegance and craftsmanship (Cab Franc is outstanding)! A great place where wine, nature, and unconditional love of dogs came together to create a truly unforgetable day.

Fig 9 Wine tasting at Gershon Bachus is an intimate and scenic experience, set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards and stunning views. Their handcrafted and 8 years aged wines, showcase a dedication to quality and a deep connection to the land. Cheers to Dakota, winemaker extraordinaire.

One of the region’s most appealing features is the wine diversity, offering something for every palate thanks to its unique terroir and Mediterranean-like climate.  The diurnal shifts are amazing in Temecula wine country with it’s warm days and cool nights, and Pacific breezes that create ideal conditions for cultivating a wide range of grape varieties.  I personally enjoy

the full-bodied classics like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel, but equally enjoy Sangiovese and Tempranillo from various properties like Askah and Bailey.  Temecula also has a vibrant white wine lineup (Halter Ranch and Callaway) of offerings like Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, each showcasing the crisp, fruit-forward flavors that Temecula vineyards are known for. 

As we pack up the car and say goodbye to Temecula’s rolling vineyards, the dogs snoozing contentedly in the backseat after a weekend of exploring, I can’t help but reflect on the unique charm of this Southern California gem. From boutique wineries to breathtaking views, Temecula delivered a wine country experience that stands tall on its own. But now, it’s time to head back to Las Vegas, bringing with us a few special bottles, new friendships, and memories of discovering wines that embody a sense of place. Temecula, in over twenty visits, has shown me that California’s wine story goes far beyond Napa, and I’m excited to keep sharing these discoveries as me and the dogs journey on to the next wine region—tasting our way across America, one glass at a time. Cheers to what lies ahead! Here are some of my Temecula wine labels (10, 11, 12):

Fig 10 Gershon Bachus Labels

Fig 11 - Europa Wine Label

Fig 12 Temecula Wine Labels (Not Tobin James)!!