DIY Do-It-Yourself customizable Temecula Valley Wine Country theme, visitor ideas from the music scene, wine-and-dine winery restaurants, educational and interactive wine tastings, to wine country art and architecture, romance, wine tours, and shopping, plus lodging and wine country activity packages make it easier than ever to stay, experience, and enjoy robust Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. VisitTemecula.org presents the new Top 10 Packages and DIY Visitor Ideas.

 

TEMECULA VALLEY Southern California Wine Country, June 4, 2013 – “With the convenience and value of lodging and wine country activity packages, and the customizable elements of DIY do-it-yourself wine-country theme, visitor ideas, it is easier than ever to stay, experience, and enjoy robust Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country,” announced Kimberly Adams, Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau president and CEO. “The new Top 10 Packages and DIY Do-It-Yourself Visitor Ideas include the Temecula Valley Wine Country music scene, wine-and-dine winery restaurants, satisfaction of the quest for learning with educational and interactive wine tastings, wine country art and architecture, wine country romance, wine tours, and inspired wine-country shopping. Less-busy weekdays make for potential conversations with talented winemakers, and gracious and friendly winemaking-family members. Sunday-through-Thursday (better-than-weekend) hotel-and-resort rates are also appealing; the savings becomes resources for additional activities and purchases of Temecula Valley Wine Country goodness and greatness.” Located 1-hour from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Desert; and 1½ hours from Los Angeles and Hollywood, the casual picturesque valley includes Downtown Old Town Temecula, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country, and Pechanga Resort & Casino.

 

1-Temecula Canyon Resorts: Lodging and Wine Country Packages

Two nearby but far-from-the-everyday canyon resorts are ideal for upscale stays in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. Each is relaxed and inviting, and situated in homage to the natural geography; both offer attractive lodging and wine country packages.

 

Temecula Creek Inn Resort (TCI) offers a “Wine Country Getaway” package that includes a one-night stay and chauffeured tour of Temecula Valley Wine Country aboard The Grapeline Shuttle. Wine tastings and a gourmet picnic lunch are also included. TCI also offers a “Local Flavor” package that includes one-night accommodations, wine tasting tickets and a vineyard picnic lunch. Located adjacent the Rainbow Gap on 300+ acres, the TCI resort features spacious contemporary guestrooms with plush bedding, and private patios or balconies. The resort also includes 27-holes of championship golf, and the casually elegant Temet Grill restaurant featuring creative dishes and classics with an emphasis on sustainable and local.

 

Pechanga Resort & Casino offers two lodging-and-wine-country packages: the “Temecula Valley Wine Tour by Trolley” and the “Grape Adventure by The Grapeline Shuttle.” Packages include AAA Four Diamond accommodations and amenities, knowledgeable concierge service, valet parking, and use of the fully equipped health club, and seasonal pool and sundeck with private cabanas. Spa Pechanga is in a tranquil setting on the third floor of the hotel tower. With an architectural style reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright and a relaxed harmony to the resort’s 400-acre footprint, the Pechanga Resort also features the highly acclaimed Journey at Pechanga golf course, and distinctive dining options including three gourmet restaurants: Great Oak steakhouse, Seafood Grotto, and Paisano’s. The Pechanga Casino has an elegantly appointed High Limit Gaming area, the Pechanga Poker Room, and 200,000 square-foot gaming floor with 3,000+ slot and video machines, and 130+ table games.

 

2-Rancho California Trail: Temecula Lodging and Wine Country Packages

Located at the Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country junction of Rancho California Road and I-15, Embassy Suites Temecula Valley Wine Country features the “Jeep and Wine Tour” lodging package and the “Temecula Vineyard Picnic Tour” lodging package. Embassy Suites accommodations were recently upgraded and refreshed; and overnight guests enjoy a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast. The expansive outdoor area features a salt-water swimming pool; and the hotel boasts a new restaurant and sports bar.

 

3-Temecula Hotel Row: Lodging and Wine Country Packages

The Uptown Temecula district along Jefferson Avenue features Temecula Hotel Row offering the sincere conveniences and consistencies of a variety of national and regional hotels. The mountain range to the west is where cool, moist, ocean air and fog are seen tumbling into the valley on many summer, late-afternoons.

 

Fairfield Inn & Suites offers “Wine & Dine Sunrider Jeep Tour” and “Wine & Dine Grapeline Tour” lodging-and-wine-country packages. Fairfield receives accolades for its Euro top mattresses, its mini-gym, and convenient, continental breakfast.

 

At Holiday Inn Express, package options include lodging and wine-country experiences with The Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle, Rockin’ Wine Tours, and Temecula Black Car. Guests much appreciate Holiday Inn Express’ extra efforts to appoint guestrooms with comfort in mind. The lodging establishment is also noted for its contemporary accommodations at a good value.

 

SpringHill Suites Temecula Valley Wine Country offers “Wine & Dine Sunrider Jeep Tour” and “Wine & Dine Grapeline Tour” lodging-and-wine-country packages. SpringHill’s spacious, studio suites are recognized as smartly designed, and stylishly furnished.

 

4-DIY: The Music Scene in Temecula Valley Wine Country

A stellar jazz concert series line-up and year-round, signature wine-and-live-music events at Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country’s unique winery venues make the valley popular with both music aficionados and those who more casually enjoy the sounds of instrumentalists, vocalists, and bands of many genres.

 

Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz concert series is in its 25th year in 2013. Tickets are available with gourmet supper or as general admission for jazz greats like Michael McDonald, David Sanborn, Bob James, Spyro Gyra, Acoustic Alchemy, Kenny G, Boz Scaggs, and George Benson.

 

Nothing quite compares to a Sunday afternoon with live music and quality, award-winning wines enjoyed in Temecula Valley Wine Country. Among venues featuring Sunday afternoon affairs are Bel Vino, Meritage at Callaway, Cougar, Europa Village, Falkner, Keyways, Leoness, Oak Mountain, Robert Renzoni, and Wilson Creek.

 

The wine-and-live-music of Friday evenings and nights, is at wineries such as Briar Rose, Europa Village, Keyways, Leoness, Lorimar, Miramonte, Mount Palomar, and Ponte. Saturday-afternoon and Saturday-night wine-and-live-music is at wineries like Danza del Sol, Keyways, Lorimar, Miramonte, Oak Mountain, Ponte, and Wilson Creek.

 

5-DIY: Wine and Dine in Temecula Valley Wine Country

With more winery-restaurants than any other California wine region, many Temecula Valley wineries host restaurants where talented winery chefs expertly pair award-winning vintages with fresh, local, seasonal foods. Many Temecula Valley winery-restaurants and dining terraces provide memorable wine country views of surrounding vineyards and rolling hills.

 

Café Champagne at Thornton Winery is a must-experience with French-country elegance and contemporary cuisine; lunch daily, dinner nightly, Sunday brunch. Carol’s restaurant at Baily Winery offers salads, sandwiches, grilled fish, steak and pasta dishes with the option for outdoor dining beside the Cabernet Sauvignon vines; lunch Sunday-Thursday, dinner Saturday. Creekside Grille at Wilson Creek Winery features seasonal menus, Wilson-family favorites, and attentively prepared gluten-free fare; lunch daily, Sunday brunch.

 

Maurice’s Kitchen at Maurice Car’rie Winey is renowned for its baked brie and sourdough bread, baked on the weekends only. MDO Bistro at Monte de Oro Winery features appetizers, salads, burgers, and pannini; Friday-Sunday 11am-5pm. Big flavor and variety inspire the fresh salads, tapas, and Mediterranean entrees at Meritage at Callaway Winery; lunch daily, dinner Friday-Sunday.

 

Widely known for its panoramic hilltop views, Pinnacle restaurant at Falkner Winery features healthy and bold-yet-simple Mediterranean-American appetizers, sandwiches, pastas, entrees, and desserts; lunch daily. An alfresco dining experience, the Restaurant at Leoness Cellars offers appetizers, salads, and flatbreads; lunch Friday-Sunday, dinner Friday-Saturday.

 

The Restaurant at Ponte Winery features grapewood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, natural beef, sustainable seafood, and homemade desserts; lunch daily, dinner Friday-Saturday. Inspired by the culinary styles of California and the Mediterranean, Shorty’s Bistro at Mount Palomar Winery offers sandwiches, soups, freshly made hummus, stone-oven pizzas, entrees, and desserts; lunch daily, dinner Friday-Saturday.

 

With views of the estate vineyards and surrounding rolling hills, the Vineyard Rose restaurant at South Coast Winery features California-contemporary wine country cuisine including natural California beef, fresh seafood, and local and estate-grown vegetables; breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily; weekend brunch. Visitors seeking culinary adventures also inquire in advance about the occasional “Food Truck Fridays” at Danza del Sol Winery.

 

6-DIY: Quest for Learning in Temecula Valley Wine Country

For those on a quest for learning, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country more than satisfies with a wide variety of educational and interactive wine tastings, tours, related events, and programs showcasing the valley’s vineyards and wineries. Visitors should inquire in advance; almost all require advance reservations.

 

Bel Vino Winery offers “Tour, Tasting, and Tapas” as well as the “Vine-to-Wine Tour and Tasting Experience.” Callaway Vineyard & Winery has a “Behind-the-Scenes Tour” daily, and an in-depth “Cellar Tour and Tasting” on Saturday afternoons. Danza del Sol features an educational “Vineyard & Winery Experience” as well as occasional cooking demonstrations and classes that include small plates and wine pairings.

 

Doffo Winery can provide private “VIP Guided Tour & Wine Tasting with the Winemaker” by appointment. Also offered at Doffo is a free, self-guided tour; a brochure is provided. Europa Village has “Berry to Bottle Wine Education” as well as cooking classes with wine pairing. Falkner Winery’s “Wine Appreciation” classes are appreciated as both fun and educational. Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Keyways features “Winemaker Tour and Tasting” classes.

 

Leoness Cellars offers a range of fun, interactive, educational wine experiences: from VIP and signature tours and tastings, to the late-summer and early-fall, seasonal “Touch-the-Vine and Taste-the Wine.” Monte de Oro Winery provides educational tours and tastings on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

One of the valley’s most acclaimed artisanal wineries with sustainably farmed estate vineyards is Palumbo Family Vineyards. A visit is “a must” made even better with the “Earth-to-Bottle Mini Tour and Tasting.” A visit that includes the “Barrel Tasting, Tour, and Luncheon with the Winemaker” is even greater. The Ponte Family Estate is California Certified Sustainable. Ponte is a boutique producer with a classic line, blends, sweet wines, as well as sparkling and fortified wines; educational tours and tastings are offered daily.

 

Robert Renzoni Vineyards offers a “Guided Vineyard Walking Tour with Wine Tasting among the Winery Tanks.” South Coast Winery’s “Behind-the-Scenes Winery Tour with Wine-and-Cheese Pairing” is a hallmark in wine country learning. Red wine enthusiasts particularly enjoy the “Cellar Room Seated Wine Tasting” with flight of reserve and limited wines at Wiens Family Cellars. At Wilson Creek, “Winery Tasting Tours” are on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

7-DIY: Art and Architecture in Temecula Valley Wine Country

The art and architecture in Temecula Valley Wine Country provides visitors creative and imaginative inspiration. The Lorimar Art Gallery at Lorimar Vineyard & Winery is an excellent first stop. Featured are the works of talented, local creatives including artist Jami Tobey; fine art photographer Robert Kaler; photographer Heather Van Gaale; and metal artist Eric Burnett. Lorimar Winery is a Tuscan-stylewine estate amidst adjoining orange groves and vineyards. The scene provides reason to linger and admire.

 

Described as an “architectural masterpiece” is the Pinnacle restaurant at Falkner Winery, a perfect place to enjoy a healthy, Mediterranean-American style lunch. The round edifice sits high on a hill with panoramic views of mountains and vineyards. The dining room’s windows are like glass walls that open to the outside balconies for alfresco dining.

 

On Thursdays and Sundays (11am-2pm), Doffo Winery opens its Moto Barrell Room for tours. This is the opportunity to witness the Doffo Family’s private collection of 100 racing and vintage motorcycles, as well as memorabilia. The majestic Maurice Car’rie Winery is designed after a Victorian-style farmhouse. A popular craft fair is held here on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

For an elegant, French-style chateau experience, visit Thornton Winery where the Méthode Champenoise process is used to produce fine quality, award-winning sparkling wines. For rich, Old World splendor and charm, alabaster chandeliers and chiseled travertine floors, visit Monte de Oro Winery. The tasting room’s floor is see-through glass for views of the subterranean wine cellar below.

 

For whimsy and enchantment, visit Briar Rose Winery where the estate includes replicas of Snow White’s cottage built by one of many artisans who built the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland at Disneyland Park. Recognized for its small lot, premium wines, Briar Rose is also home to Talking Frog bubbly wine lager.

 

8-DIY: Romance in Temecula Valley Wine Country

Romantic experiences abound in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country: take flight in a hot air balloon; relax and rejuvenate with massages at GrapeSeed Spa; enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the vineyards; propose; get married; celebrate an anniversary; or give the gift of a surprise birthday celebration.

 

With spectacular views of vineyards, citrus groves, rolling hills, farms, and ranches, the experience of a hot air balloon flight is a uniquely romantic occasion. Hot air balloon companies A Grape Escape, California Dreamin’, D&D Ballooning, and Magical Adventures launch at sunrise for an ultimately memorable wedding proposal.

 

At GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery, the innovative vine-based treatments, massage, body rituals, private yoga sessions, as well as couples rooms and poolside cabanas, are especially inviting. The “Decadence Romance” package includes massages for two, sparkling wine, and chocolate-covered strawberries.

 

In a carriage drawn by elegant horses, Temecula Carriage Company provides wine tasting tours in Temecula Valley Wine Country. Couples travel leisurely along a scenic route through the vineyards. Along the way, wineries are visited such as Leoness Cellars, Lorimar Vineyards & Winery, Ponte Family Estate, and Wilson Creek Winery.

 

A favorite Southern California wedding destination is Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. Among winery venues are Bel Vino, Callaway, Europa Village, Falkner, Keyways, Leoness, Lorimar, Maurice Car’rie, Monte de Oro, Mount Palomar, Ponte, South Cost, Wiens, and Wilson Creek. Many of these wineries also have unique wine-country venues for memorable anniversary celebrations and festive birthday celebrations.

 

9:Packages and DIY: Wine Tours in Temecula Valley Wine Country

A combination of packages provided by local tour-and-transportation companies, and a thoughtful collection of Winery Self-Guided Tour suggestions available online from the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association as printable downloads make for a great variety of ways and routes for exploring Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. Knowledgeably guided wine-tour, packaged experiences are offered in a variety of vehicles: by black car, cable car, executive van, horse, Hummer, Jeep, limousine, Mercedes, trolley, and luxury motor coach.

 

Temecula Valley Winegrowers self-guided tour suggestions include “Familiar Favorites” featuring long-established wineries like Callaway and Thornton that provide Temecula Valley history along with great wines. The “Calle Contento Wine Trail” features wineries like Briar Rose and Falkner. The “Midweek Visit” suggests popular wineries to experience on less-busy weekdays such as Monte de Oro, Ponte, South Coast, Wiens, and Wilson Creek.

 

“Off the Beaten Path” includes boutique and artisan wineries like Palumbo Family Vineyards. The “De Portola Wine Trail” is the more rural, equestrian side of Temecula Valley Wine Country including wineries such as Keyways, Leoness, Oak Mountain and Robert Renzoni.

 

“Old World/New World Temecula Style” features wineries whose focus is French, Italian, Spanish, or Argentinean varietal wines including Cougar, Doffo, Europa Village, Ponte, and Robert Renzoni. As one Temecula Valley Wine Country pioneer once said, “Temecula Valley Wine country has remarkable diversity of wine styles. Almost anyone can find wines they like.”

 

10:DIY: Inspired Shopping in Temecula Valley Wine Country

Those with a passion for shopping find quality, award-winning Temecula Valley wines, and the unique merchandise of the valley’s wineries and gift shops of interest year-round. New wine releases and seasonal specialty items yield inspiration for enjoying at home, when entertaining, and for sharing and gifting family and friends. Light, refreshing wines are ideal with summertime picnics; luscious red wines with summer barbecues, steaks, and classic burgers; and sparkling wines toast “make” occasions special.

 

Many of the nearly 40 wineries have gift shops like Ponte Family Estate Winery; Ponte Marketplace features gourmet foods, gift baskets, and wine accessories. The gift boutique at Tuscan-inspired South Coast Winery is a popular shop, as is the emporium of charming Maurice Car’rie Winery. The gift shop at Callaway Winery is also one of the best shopping experiences in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. Recognized for its beautifully displayed merchandise, the inventory ranges from wine-related accessories to seasonal offerings like tableware, home accents, garden décor, and fun jewelry.

 

*Information is believed accurate but may be subject to change.

 

ABOUT TEMECULA VALLEY AND THE TEMECULA VALLEY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

With natural gifts of climate and geography bolstered by Pu’eska Mountain, the Rainbow Gap, and the Santa Margarita Gap, Temecula Valley is widely recognized for its quality wines and wineries as Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. The popular boutique destination recently received TripAdvisors’ Travelers Choice “Best U.S. Wine Destination Top 10” award and includes a trio of main attractions: Downtown Old Town Temecula, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country, and Pechanga Resort & Casino.

 

The Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors is online at VisitTemecula.org; “Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country” on Facebook; and @Visit_Temecula on Twitter. The Temecula Valley Visitors Center in Downtown Old Town Temecula (Third Street and Mercedes, adjacent the free Old Town Temecula Parking Garage) is open 7 days. For visitor information and assistance, call 888/363-2852 or 951/491-6085.