1. Temecula Wineries
Located between Riverside and San Diego County, Temecula Valley is the wine region of Southern California with lots of great things to do. This wine region is young and the grapes are not as fully developed in taste as Central and Northern California vineyards but Temecula is the “up and coming” wine region of California.
There are more than 40 wineries in the area with lots of wine tasting rooms to visit. The wine tasting rooms are beautiful and offer an exquisite tasting experience at each winery.
List of Temecula Wineries
In addition to many local hotels and the Pechanga Casino Resort, there are some vineyards with guest rooms and spas. You can see the listing below in the Hotel section. Temecula is the perfect get-away weekend for wine tasting and relaxing with lots of things to do.
Temecula Valley Winery
2. Temecula Ballooning
One of the best way to experience Temecula is to take an early morning balloon ride over the Temecula Valley followed by cheese and wine after landing. There are several experienced balloon companies that offer daily morning rides. The average cost is $150 per person. Cost and demand goes up on the weekend and it’s better to experience balloon and wine tasting during the weekday, especially during summer months to avoid crowds and extra expense. Be prepared to meet the balloon staff early in the morning around 5 am which may require an overnight stay in the area the day before. Here are the local Temecula balloon companies:
California Dreamin Balloon Adventures 33133 Vista Del Monte Rd(951) 699-0601
A Great Escape Balloon Adventure33475 La Serena Way(951) 699-9987
Magical Adventure Balloon Rides34843 Rancho California Rd.(866) 365-6987
Compass Balloons34225 Rancho California Rd.
(760) 704-7407
Temecula Balloon
3. Temecula Old Town
An old town western theme is what you’ll find in Old Town along with many things to do such asantique shops, wine tasting rooms, boutique shops, bars, live bands, restaurants, coffee shops and a western museum. Old Town has it all. Great place to start your venture to Temecula before visiting the wineries. Old Town is also a great place to spend the night in any of their nice hotels.
Park at the Old Town Parking Garage on 28690 Mercedes St. and explore Old Town
Click Old Town for Google Map and Direction
Old Town Temecula
4. Pechanga Resort Casino
Huge crowds come to Pechanga Resort Casino and for good reason, it’s one of the largest Indian Casino in California with over 4000 slot machines, 154 game tables and even a non-smoking poker room. The food is fabulous along with big-time entertainers. Pechanga Casino is a visit all to itself. Explore the links below to find everything you need for your visit. There always lots to do at Pechanga.
Great Oak Steakhouse – Pricey Fine Dining with semi-formal dress
Click Pechanga Casino for Google Map and Direction
5. Temecula Valley Wine and Balloon Festival
The annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival happens every June at nearby Lake Skinner. Enjoy wines from all over the Temecula Valley. Balloon rides are offered early morning or evening. There’s even a tethered balloon you can get onboard if you’re not feeling adventurous to take a balloon flight. Concerts, arts & crafts, wine tasting, exhibits and food court. What more can you ask for.
More info at Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival
Pechanga Casino and Resort
