Wine Country in San Diego?

Yes, just an hours drive from San Diego or Orange County is Temecula where you’ll find a bustling wine region with over 40 wineries and a dozen or so breweries. Once a hidden day trip destination, Temecula Wine Country has become one of the top weekend attractions and it’s easy to see why. There’s wine, there’s food, there are picnic spots, there’s live music, and this happens every weekend. What are you waiting for?

The Ultimate Stop by Stop Temecula Winery Itinerary… on a Budget!

Stop 1: There are a number of wineries who have their own restaurants but for me there’s nothing better than a picnic with a glass of wine at a winery. That’s why I make my first stop Campini’s Deli. Located close to the freeway in a strip mall, Canpini’s is an authentic Italian deli with great sandwiches. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Stop 2: Thornton Winery: Let’s kick off the day with a glass of champagne! There’s no better place to do this than at Thornton Winery where there are 7 different varietals. It’s also on the Priority Wine Pass so you can get two for one tastings and save $20. Wait, you didn’t buy one? Just go here, buy ONE pass per couple, and show it on your phone. It will pay for itself many times over.

Stop 3: Hart Winery: One of the oldest wineries in Temecula with a small and friendly tasting room. I love places like this over some of the giant mega wineries being built because you still get that family run winery vibe. Yes, two for one on the Priority Wine Pass, save $15. Afterwards it might be time to enjoy that picnic lunch and Hart has plenty of picnic tables with beautiful views.

Stop 4: BelVino Winery: With the expansive lawn area and live music on weekends it’s pretty hard not to have a good time at Bel Vino Winery. Those who like sweeter wines will love this stop and those who like dry wines should opt for their cab franc. Two for One with Priority Wine Pass, save $19.

Stop 5: Mt Palomar Winery: Another small tasting room and one of Temecula’s original wineries, a local favorite with terrific views and live music every weekend. Two for one with the Priority Wine Pass, save $20.

Stop 6: Lorimar Winery: Looking like a transplant from Tuscany is Lorimar Winery, makers of some of Temecula’s best wines. There’s their own food truck on weekends, brunch on Sundays, and the wines will not disappoint. Two for one with Priority Wine Pass, save $20.

Stop 7: Briar Rose Winery: OK, look, I saved this one for the last because it’s so weird. The winery cottage was designed by a Disney “imagineer” who wanted to replicate Snow White’s cottage. There’s Disney music playing, there are trolls, the server’s hair is gelled like a shark and everyone is acting like this is normal. It’s the strangest winery I have ever been to and that’s why you should stop there. Two for One with Priority Wine Pass, save $15.

Remember, you only need ONE Wine Pass per couple to get the Two for One deals!