Temecula

When you think of California wine country, Napa Valley and Sonoma likely come to mind. But did you know there's a booming wine industry right here in beautiful Temecula California?

After years of growing pains, Temecula wineries have now come into their own with sophisticated wines, a hip clientele and growing number of elegant tasting rooms.

Roughly 60 miles between San Diego and Orange County, Temecula Valley's unique microclimate and cool ocean breezes make it a great place to grow wine grapes. And if you're here for Temecula wine tasting, you'll find almost every Temecula winery along Rancho California Road and De Portola Road, amid Temecula homes and rambling vineyards, just a few minutes off the busy I-15 freeway. 

Temecula hotels include standard chains such as Embassy Suites and Comfort Inn, to more luxurious properties such as Temecula Creek Inn (with its own 27-hole golf course near the Pechanga Temecula Indian casino), and the Inn at Churon Winery and South Coast Winery, two hotels in Temecula that are located right on the vineyards.

To navigate through the expanse of vineyards and rolling trails, a complimentary Temecula map is available here from the Temecula Wine Growers.

Temecula wine tours are offered through Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle — a smart choice if you are going to be drinking at more than one winery. Tours are also available through Sunrider Wine Tours (951-551-1516); and Destination Temecula 800-584-8162)

There are roughly 21 wineries in Temecula, but by far the most well known is Thornton Winery, a rambling French Mediterranean style estate known for its sparkling wines.

Winemaker Don Reha took me on a tour through the wine caves, where he crafts Thornton's sparkling wine in the Methode Champenois style.

We followed our Temecula wine tasting tour with a light lunch and wine pairing at Cafe Champagne, where we enjoyed an elegant cheese platter and Kobe burger paired with some of Don's specialty wines.

Our day in the Temecula vineyards took us past some of the appellation's most elegant wineries, from Wilson Creek Winery, known for its sparkling almond champagne, to South Coast Winery Resort, a 38-acre luxury Temecula property with its own spa and private villas. In the tasting room, I learned that South Coast Winery won the Golden Bear award for Winery of the Year at the 2008 California State Fair.

Next up was the romantic Briar Rose Winery, located inside a storybook Snow White Cottage that was actually built by a Disneyland artisan. Briar Rose Winery is home to one of the oldest Mission olive trees in the state.

I especially enjoyed their light Citronier, made with a hint of lemon, and their rich, supple 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon. This upscale boutique winery is open by reservation only.

After touring the beautiful grounds, Les showed off his barrel room — a definite man space decked out with some of his son Larry's famous motocross bikes.

Here, I was among the first to try his trademarked Wine Lager, a fresh, fruit and bubbling beverage that was simply amazing.

If you're in the mood to picnic, Keyways sells a variety of meats, cheeses and wines that you can enjoy outside, sometimes with a live band to entertain you.

I caught up with owner Terri Pebley for a private tour and tasting of her award-winning wines.

We ended our day in Temecula with a stop at Ponte Winery, a country-style tasting room known for its cool Smokehouse Restaurant and a really fun crowd. After enjoying a barbecue in the vineyards, I couldn't resist taking part in their annual Grape Stomp, one of the most popular Temecula events during the fall crush.

Owner Claudio Ponte gave me a few tips before I got to stomping, and the heat began. I didn't win, but I came in second, which isn't too bad.

After that workout, it was time to wind down — and a sunset tractor ride through the vineyards was just the ticket.

I promise if you visit Temecula wine country, you're going to have a great time. And if you visit during the fall crush — maybe you can stomp a few grapes yourself!

Temecula Valley Winegrowers are located at 34567 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92593; (800) 801-9463; www.temeculawines.org