Temecula Uncorked: A Driving Tour of its Vineyards and Wineries
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About the Tour
About the Tour
With over 50 wineries in the Temecula Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), how do you know which are truly worth a pour? We’ve decoded the scene by creating a scoring system that awards top vineyards not just for their wines, but for ambiance, hospitality, sustainability, and more.
On this spirited Temecula driving tour – part wine-tasting odyssey, part sommelier’s guide – you’ll wind through Old West towns and sun-soaked vineyards across three distinctive Temecula wine trails. You’ll also discover lesser-known wineries that you might otherwise miss.
The tour starts at Pennypickle’s Workshop parking lot (opposite the Hotel Temecula). You’ll make your way to the De Portola, Rancho California, and Calle Contento wine trails, where we’ll share winery recommendations – whether you’re chasing bold reds, rustic charm, or vineyard views. Along the way, you’ll find out how Temecula’s Mediterranean climate and rich soils created an AVA that rivals Napa, while honoring the complex cultural heritage of California's inland valleys. The tour ends on Rancho California Road, where you can make your way back to the starting point, on Old Town Front Street.
On this 75-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:
- Trace Temecula’s history from Luiseño villages to Wild West storefronts
- See over 20 wineries, including Leoness Cellars, with award-winning wines, sweeping vineyard views and a 92-point Syrah that steals the show
- Enjoy where Zinfandels meet vintage motorcycles at Doffo Winery
- Catch South Coast Winery, crowned “Winery of the Year” five times
- Check out Falkner Winery with its panoramic hilltop views and award-winning Super Tuscan blends
- Roll past Europa Village – three European wineries in one – where the Spanish village’s bar is said to hum with energy from beyond… and where ghostly whispers linger
- Visit hidden adobe ruins, burial grounds, and trailblazing ranches
- Drive past Pechanga Resort Casino, built on the reservation that was established after Native peoples’ forced eviction in 1875
By the end of this tour, you’ll have a sense of Temecula’s past – carved in oak barrels and buried trails – and leave with a full heart, a deeper knowledge of the grape varietals, and a few new favorite labels
Whether you’re a curious traveler, history buff, or wine enthusiast, this is your behind-the-barrel pass to the stories, spirits, and flavors that make Temecula unforgettable.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
TourFreely
TourFreely: Discover More. Wander Freely
TourFreely was founded by Southern California natives Mindy and Jerry Flanagan. As a GPS‑guided tour company, TourFreely transforms local history and culture into immersive storytelling adventures. With nine curated SoCal tours—spanning both walking and driving experiences—they offer travelers a dynamic way to explore the region. From sun‑drenched vineyards to storied city streets, TourFreely invites curious explorers to discover the vibrant spirit and natural beauty of Southern California.
At our core, we’re fueled by freedom, curiosity, and connection. We want locals to fall in love with their hometowns all over again—and visitors to feel like insiders the moment they hit play. Our tours are flexible, affordable, and delightfully stress‑free: no crowds, no schedules, just you - exploring at your own pace.
TourFreely’s growing catalog includes:
• Six immersive walking tours: La Jolla, Carlsbad, Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, UC San Diego, and Santa Barbara
• Three unforgettable driving tours: San Diego, Temecula Wine Country, and Santa Barbara Wine Country/Sideways Wine Trail
And for even more adventure, we’ve joined forces with Adventure Inc. and created three self‑guided Orange County drives, complete with their signature jeeps, e‑bikes, and open‑air mokes.
Whether you’re strolling Hollywood’s storied sidewalks or cruising past rolling vineyards, TourFreely invites you to slow down, stay curious, and see Southern California through a new lens—your own.
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 31
De Portola Wine Trail
The first wine trail is named after this street; the De Portola Wine Trail stands out for its boutique, family-driven wineries producing Mediterranean-inspired wines in a serene, scenic setting with a strong focus on education and aut... Read More
View locations and route
How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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The Hotel Temecula
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Emigrant Office
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City of Temecula Civic Center
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Pechanga Resort Casino
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Louis Wolf Tomb
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Temecula Valley Historic Society- Little Temecula History Museum
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Historic Vail Ranch Headquarters
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Wolf Store Road & Mahlon Vail Road
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De Portola Wine Trail
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Somerset Winery
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Fazeli Cellars Winery
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Robert Renzoni Winery
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Oak Mountain Winery
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Gershon Bachus Vintners
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Leoness Cellars
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Danza del Sol Winery
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Frangipani Estate Winery
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Cougar Vineyard and Winery
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Masia de la Vinya Winery
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Rancho California Wine Trail
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Doffo Winery
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Monte De Oro Winery
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Wilson Creek Winery
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South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
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Europa Village Wineries & Resort
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Callaway Vineyard & Winery
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Palumbo Family Vineyard
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Lorenzi Estate Vineyards & Winery
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Falkner Winery
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Akash Winery & Vineyard
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Temecula burial grounds for the indigenous people
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location42100 Main St Suite D, Temecula, CA 92590, USA
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Total distance49km
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Final location31673-31975 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, USA
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Distance back to start location6km
Directions to Starting Point
We start our tour in the Pennypickle's Workshop parking lot, located at 42081 Main Street, Temecula, CA 92590. It is across the road from the Hotel Temecula and Emigrant Office.
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
We have loads of top recommendations for places to visit, dine, stay, and explore. Here are some of our favs:
Dining at the Wineries/Hotels
• Bolero Restaurante at Europa – offers an awarding winning brunch
• Callaway Vineyard & Winery – A reliably good spot with great food, live music, and stunning vineyard views.
• Maurice Car'rie Winery – Known for its fruity sparkling wines and its super yummy garlic cheesy bread, perfect for enjoying at their picnic tables.
• Wilson Creek Winery – A great family-friendly winery where you can enjoy a picnic and sometimes spot hot air balloons soaring over the vineyards.
• Leoness Restaurant - With sweeping vineyard views and farm-to-table cuisine, it’s a gourmet gem.
• Monte De Oro Winery - Offers a delicious flat iron steak sandwich at their Bistro, which you can enjoy on their outdoor patio with stunning views of the vineyards and valley.
• Temecula Creek Inn- is home to Cork Fire Kitchen, a locally loved restaurant praised for its fresh, garden-to-table cuisine, scenic golf course views, and warm, rustic ambiance.
• Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery - offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with vineyard views, earning accolades as a top lunch destination. Love their Caesar salad with shrimp!
Concerts & Events
• South Coast Winery – Offers fantastic concerts. Keep an eye out for upcoming performances!
• Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival – Held annually in mid-June - this is a must-see event with stunning balloon displays and great wine.
Where to Stay
• South Coast Winery Resort & Spa – The villas here are amazing—you step right into the vineyards, sip coffee overlooking the vines, and truly feel immersed in wine country.
• Ponte Vineyard Inn – A nice option and staying here allows you to walk to a couple of wineries, making it a convenient choice.
• Temecula Creek Inn - Perfect lodge for golf lovers!
Shopping & Hidden Gems
• Temecula Olive Oil Company - It’s a beloved spot in Old Town Temecula, known for its extra virgin olive oil and gourmet goods.
• Downtown Temecula – Cute boutique stores and local artisan finds offers some fun shopping.
• Farmer’s Markets – Temecula has three of them - Old Town Temecula – Saturdays. Vail Headquarters – Tuesdays and Promenade Temecula – Wednesdays
Lastly, there are public restrooms in Old Town Temecula, specifically near the parking lot on 6th Street between Front Street.
Best time of day
The tour is available from dawn till dusk. On weekdays, we recommend enjoying the tour between 10- 3PM. On the weekends to minimize traffic, we recommend starting the tour in the morning.
Precautions
Temecula is a bustling town - be on the lookout for riders on bikes, scooters and skateboards. You'll want to go the speed limit or slightly slower to abide by the law and to not miss any stories or directions. By accessing our GPS tour, you are agreeing to release all liability. Tour at your own risk.
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Questions and Reviews
Questions and Reviews
