A Perfect Couples Weekend in Temecula Wine Country

Temecula is approximately an hour from San Diego and between 1.5 and 2 hours from LAX. No matter where you choose to stay in Temecula wine country, you will be surrounded by over 50 wineries. I previously stayed at the Inn at Churon Winery, a bed and breakfast with picturesque views and spacious rooms with balconies. The inn and winery are modeled after a French chateau. I have also stayed at the Inn at Europa Village, which has a European charm.

Take some time to relax and enjoy your room. Then, head out for a romantic dinner at Gaspar’s Restaurant at Altisima Winery, which has amazing views at sunset, live music, and a Michelin-starred chef.

If you are feeling up for a nightcap, head over to Oak Mountain Winery and have a cocktail at their prohibition-style bar and distillery.

One great way to get the day started is with a spa treatment. Head over to Grapeseed Spa at South Coast Winery, where you can get a day pass for $80 or book a spa treatment ahead of time.

The wineries

There are tons of unique wineries to explore in Temecula wine country. For a storybook-like setting, check out Briar Rose Winery, which is a replica of Snow White’s cabin.

Check out a vintage motorcycle collection at the family-owned Doffo Winery.

Take the behind-the-scenes tour at Somerset Vineyards and Winery, and enjoy wine like the Greeks and Romans did, as Somerset boasts Southern California’s first collection of handmade Terracotta Qvevri and Amphorae vessels, crafted by artisans in Imprueta, Italy.

I highly recommend trying the Drunk Bunnies Rose at Somerset, which convinced me to get my first wine club membership here!

Getting around

To get around, try a horse-drawn carriage provided by Temecula Carriage Company. Temecula wine country also provides guided tours by horseback.

You can also get around by Uber/Lyft, private limo, rental E-bikes at Uys Family Vineyards, and even a motorcycle with Side Car Tours.

Dinner

For dinner, I recommend heading into Old Town Temecula. Walk around this quaint, charming, historic town, and have dinner at Goat and Vine for an elevated comfort food dining experience.

After dinner, if you are competitive like me, go to the Coin Op Room and challenge your partner to some classic arcade games.

I cannot recommend a hot air balloon ride at sunrise in Temecula wine country enough—it is absolutely worth it! All flights leave at sunrise and include post-celebration drinks, including champagne, orange juice, mimosas, sparkling cider, and water.

There are plenty of great wineries to check out before leaving Temecula Wine Country. I highly recommend Fazeli Cellars and Lorenzi Estate for their incredible red wines. Some great white wines can be found at Miramonte Winery and Danza del Sol.

Before leaving, head over to the restaurant at Leoness Cellars for an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and a farm-to-table dining experience.