Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Local Wally’s Guide to Temecula Wine Tasting: 2 for 1 Discounts!



Europa Village in Temecula Wine Region

Looking for wine tasting 2 for 1 deals in Temecula?

An hours drive from San Diego and Orange County and an hour and a half from Los Angeles is Temecula Valley, San Diego’s own Wine Country. With nearly 50 wineries in a condensed area, it’s no wonder that Temecula has become a favorite day trip destination for both visitors and locals alike.

Country roads, quaint shops, and wine, lots of wine, it’s the perfect way to get away without actually going far. But like everything else, Temecula wine tasting has gotten expensive! Most Temecula wineries now charging $20 to $30 per person to taste and it’s pretty easy to for a couple to drop $200 a day in tasting fees. No bueno. Let me show you how you can wine taste in Temecula… on a budget!

I’ll also show you wineries with restaurants and help you plan it all out, stop by stop, so you can make the most out of your Temecula wine tasting experience. Ready? Let’s go!

Let’s cut to the chase: two for one wine tasting deals in Temecula for 2024

Wine Tasting Women in. Temecula

Forget about searching the internet for coupons for wine tasting deals. The only way to to get all the discounts such as 2 for 1 tastings in 2024 is with The Priority Wine Pass. No, this isn’t an advertisement and no, I don’t own the company. But I am a big fan of the annual pass. It just works!

If you’re a local or frequent visitor then it’s a no-brainer. Two for one deals for a whole year? No limits on how many times you use it? It’s like being in the wine club… without having to join the club.

And if you’re a first timer or one time visitor the pass will still more than pay for itself and leave enough money in you pocket to buy dinner that night. It’s like finding a $50 bill on the ground - oh lucky day!

4TH OF JULY SALE: GET THE PRIORITY WINE PASS FOR JUST $39. SALE ENDS JULY 5TH.


Temecula wineries with 2 for 1 tastings, updated 2024

Avensole Winery

avensole winery

Standard tasting is $30 pp but get 50% off for up to 4 people with the Priority Wine Pass. Opens at 11.

Restaurant | Pet friendly | Live Music | Wine by the glass or bottle

Bel Vino Winery in Temecula

bel vino winery

Standard tasting is $24.99 pp but get 2 for 1 using the Priority Wine Pass everyday except Saturday.

Restaurant | Live Music | Sweeping Views

Danza del Sol Winery

Danza del sol winery

Standard tasting is $25 pp but get 2 for 1 and 10% off bottle purchases using the Priority Wine Pass.

Free 2 for 1 coupon for weekdays only


Lorimar Winery

Lorimar Winery

50% off Wine Tastings Sun- Fri, save $25, & 10% off Pairings food truck and wine purchases every day (inclusive of wine by the glass and bottles) with Priority Wine Pass.

Dinner until 9 PM Fri and Sat, brunch on Sun | Live Music

Fountain at Masia de la Vinya winery in Temecula

Masia de la vinya

Standard tasting is $25 pp but get 2 for 1 and 10% off bottle purchases using the Priority Wine Pass.

Boutique Winery | Live Music on Sat | Music and Karaoke Schedule

Maurice Car’rie Winery 

Also known as Ultimate Vineyards. Mon-Fri: 2 for 1 tastings, Sat-Sun: $10 off regular price tasting, $15 off private wine tour & tasting, every day: 10% off wine bottle purchase with Priority Wine Pass.

Restaurant | Live Music Schedule


Mt Palomar Winery

Mount Palomar Winery

2 for 1 tasting 6 days a week, save $25, (Sat excluded), $10 off Sat. with Priority Wine Pass.

Restaurant with lake and vineyard views | Open until 9:30 Fri and Sat, Open until 8 Thurs and 6 other nights | Live Music

Monte De Oro Winery

Monte de Oro Winery

2 for 1 Tastings and 10% off wine AND bistro purchases with Priority Wine Pass.

Impressive Tasting Room | Bistro

Oak Mountain Winery

Oak Mountain Winery

2 for 1 Tasting and 10% off wine purchases with Priority Wine Pass, save $20.

Restaurant | Wine Caves | Distillery


Raul Ramirez Winery

raul Ramirez Winery

2 for 1 tastings Wed-Fri, 10% off wine purchases daily, with Priority Wine Pass, save $30.

Horse Stables | Cozy Setting | Spanish Style Wines

Fun crowd at Wiens Winery in Temecula

Wiens Cellars

Standard tasting is $30 pp but get 2 for 1 Tasting with Priority Wine Pass, save $30.

Food Trucks Thur- Sun | Outside Food Allowed | Dog and Kid Friendly


Temecula Wine country 1o1 - planning your 2 for 1 wine tasting day trip

Picnic at Hart Winery in Temecula

HOW MANY WINERIES ARE IN TEMECULA? There are nearly 50 wineries and growing, most of them very close to each other. The main drag is Rancho California Road but there are many wineries tucked away here and there. Know where you are going before you get here.

IS A DAY TRIP GOOD ENOUGH OR SHOULD I SPEND THE WEEKEND? Temecula is perfect for the day tripper, though there are plenty of places to spend the night should you want to make it into a longer adventure. Some of the wineries have actually built resorts on their property and there’s also great rooms at the Temecula Creek Inn, a pretty golf course and resort setting.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT? There are plenty of restaurant/winery combinations (see below for full listings) but for me I’d save the money and do a picnic. The best, and I mean the best sandwiches in Temecula are at Campani’s Italian Deli, worth the extra few minutes to stop in to grab some food to go. TIP: Don’t assume you can bring in outside food to a winery, especially now that there are so many wineries with their own restaurants onsite. Wiens Cellars allows outside food and is a great option.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN TEMECULA? Closer to the freeway is Temecula Old Town, a street of antique stores in a Frontier Village, old time western motif. There are plenty of restaurants there as well, from casual Mexican food to sit down fancy steakhouses. You like antiques, you’ll love Old Town.

WHAT ABOUT BREWERIES? Yes, Temecula has around 15 breweries open featuring local craft beer. Here’s a good guide to the Temecula beer scene.

IS THE PRIORITY WINE PASS WORTH IT FOR LOCALS? Of course - in fact, it’s an even better deal for locals who might visit the wineries multiple times throughout the year. Some wineries limit their deals to weekdays so locals can sneak away (aka “work from home”) can really take advantage of the deals. Get 2 for 1 tastings for the next 12 months? You really only need to go to a couple of wineries to more than break even. And more and more San Diego and Temecula wineries are being added in 2024 so your good deal just keeps getting better.

Perhaps stating the obvious but I’m not responsible for winery deal changes as I don’t own the Priority Wine Pass company and I definitely don’t own the wineries!

HOW MUCH IS THE PRIORITY WINE PASS? If you get it from my site it’s just $44, normally $69. That’s the lowest price offered other than a limited flash sale during the holidays. You only need one pass per couple to get the two for one offers and the pass is also good in Paso Robles, Napa, Sonoma, even Oregon wineries. Here’s the complete list of wineries.

CAN I DRIVE MYSELF IF I’M DRINKING WINE? Hmmm, you can drive though perhaps not very well and certainly not very legal. I suggest you check into a driving service. I am in the process of adding approved drivers to my guide so if you drive and want to be included please contact me.

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Thornton Winery in Temecula

One Day, Four Wineries, Two for One (with bonus winery at the end!)

Now let’s put this all together and see what a Temecula on a Budget wine tasting day might look like and cost. Get your Priority Wine Pass and let’s go! (Pro Tip: Make reservations and verify all offers).

11:00 AVENSOLE: Featured on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, picturesque expansive winery. Use your wine pass and get half off for up to four people, a couple would save $30.

12:30: WIENS CELLARS: Fun and lively with food trucks Thurs - Sun - but you can also bring in your own outside food which is rare these days. Have some wine, have a picnic, so far so very good! Get a two for one, save $30.

2:00 MONTE DE ORO: Probably the most elegant tasting room in Temecula, it feels oh so fancy but you get two tastings for just $22 if you use your Priority Wine Pass. Pro Tip: Be careful when walking on the glass floor if you see people below looking up!

3:30: DANZA DEL SOL WINERY: Rustic winery with live music, perfect for hanging out in the afternoon. Get two tastings for just $25 with your wine pass.

LET’S DO THE MATH:

  • Price without the Priority Wine Pass for Two: $214 in tasting fees

  • PRICE FOR TWO USING THE PRIORITY WINE PASS: $107 + $44 one time cost for the pass = $151. Your savings: $63. And remember, the pass is good for a full year and the next time you use it you save even more since you don’t have to buy another pass.

Want to end the day with some of TEMECULA’S FAMOUS SPARKLING WINES???

If you just can’t leave Temecula without some of their famous sparkling wines from Wilson Creek then take your savings from the Wine Pass and treat yourself to a couple of flights. Wlison Creek is open until 8 on Fridays and 6 on other nights and has sparkling wine flights for just $25. Go ahead and splurge, you saved enough to pay for two flights and still come out ahead.


All Temecula Wine Tasting deals!

CURRENT PRIORITY WINE PASS OFFERS as of june 2024: CALL WINERIES TO VERIFY CURRENT OFFER

Get one Priority Wine Pass per couple for 12 months of wine tasting discounts

Avensole Winery: 50% off tasting for up to 4 people ($30 Savings)

Bel Vino Winery: 2 for 1 tasting (except Saturdays) ($18 Savings)

Briar Rose Winery: With the purchase of a tasting receive 25% off 1 bottle purchase - same day Reservations are required ($20 Savings)

Cougar Vineyard & Winery: 25% off 90 minute tour, tasting and food pairing with reservation ($20 Savings)

Danza del Sol Winery: 2 for 1 Tastings and 10% off Bottle Purchases. ($25 Savings)

Falkner Winery: 10% off wine purchases

Long Shadow Ranch: Monday thru Thursday BEFORE 2pm receive $10 off purchase of TWO tastings and 20% off all bottles purchased. ($10 Savings)

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery: 50% off Wine Tastings Sunday through Friday (Saturdays excluded) & 10% off Pairings Food Truck and Wine Purchases every day (inclusive of wine by the glass and bottles) ($25 Savings)

Masia de la Vinya: 2 for 1 Tasting and 10% Off Wine Purchases ($25 Savings)

Maurice Car’rie Winery & Ultimate Vineyards: Monday-Friday: 2 for 1 tastings Saturday-Sunday: $10 off regular price tasting, $15 off private wine tour & tasting Every day: 10% off wine bottle purchases ($25 Savings)

Monte De Oro Winery: 2 for 1 Tastings and 10% off wine AND bistro purchases! ($44 Savings)

Oak Mountain Winery: 2 for 1 Tasting and 10% off wine purchases ($20 Savings)

Poggio Leano Winery and Vineyard: Purchase two "Poggio Leano Wine Tasting for 5 tastings + Chef's appetizer" and receive a FREE bottle of our sparkling Bollicine. Valid Saturday and Sunday between 12-4PM. ($46 Savings)

Raul Ramirez Winery: 2 for 1 tastings Wednesday-Friday ONLY. 10% off wine purchases daily. ($30 Savings)

Wiens Family Cellars: 2 for 1 tasting ($30 Savings)

Wine Tasting Deals in Ramona (San Diego Area)

Hatfield Creek Winery: $5 off tasting or purchase of wine ($5 Savings)

Mermaid Valley Vineyard: 10% off your total wine purchase

Pamo Valley Winery: 2 for 1 Tastings and 10% off bottle purchases. ($12 Savings)

Scenic Valley Ranch Vineyards: 2 for 1 tastings, 10% off wine purchase ($15 Savings)

Vineyard Grant James: 2 for 1 Tasting & 10% off wine purchases ($18 Savings)

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THE PRIORITY WINE PASS TO THE RESCUE!

Why pay full price for wine tasting in Temecula when you could get big discounts with the Priority Wine Pass? Do the math, if you visit more than two wineries you come out ahead with the pass. And since it’s good for a year you can use it again and again.

Vacationers - even if you are coming for a day you can still walk away with money in your pocket by using the pass. The pass is only $44 from my site - do a couple of wineries and you should more than break even. Use the same pass for deals in Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and more.

Locals - Just get it! It’s worth it!

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No Deals Here But Worth Checking Out

Akash Winery: With a gorgeous open air patio with vineyard views, get tasting flights, wines by the glass, oh heck, just get the whole bottle. Tacos every Tue-Thur from 1:00 until closing.

Altisima Winery: A modern winery with a nod to Spanish roots. Impressive winery with a full Spanish inspired restaurant and live music.

Baily Vineyards: I like their wines but I really love their restaurant called Carol’s. The Reuben sandwich is a knockout though I totally disagree with serving a sandwich like this with a salad instead of fries. That’s ridiculous.

Bella Vista: One of the oldest wineries in Temecula, Bella Vista offers a quaint wine tasting experience.

Bottaia Winery: Chic, modern winery inspired by the luxury and refinement of Northern Italy. An elegant and calm tasting experience, away from the party crowds.

Callaway Vineyard: Wait, Callaway as in the golf clubs? Yes, those are the roots of this long time Temecula favorite though the relationship is in name only these days. Live music Sat and Sundays. Onsite restaurant open for lunch on M, T, W, Th, and open later on Fri, Sat and Sun.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort: A refined tasting experience, enjoy a flight, a glass, or a bottle. Full restaurant onsite, plus bungalows and resort should you just want to kick back and enjoy the relaxing environment. Dog friendly, too.

Chapin Family Winery: A small boutique winery with beautiful views of the vineyards. Small lot, handcrafted wines. Want to stay a bit longer? They have a 2 bedroom luxury apartment above the barrel room.

Churon Inn Winery: Opened in 2001 to be a Tuscany inspired B & B complete with Jacuzzi tub for two, fireplace, and a gourmet breakfast brought to your room. Live music on Sat, cafe open F-Sun from 11:30 to 4:30.

Doffo Vineyard: Slightly off the beaten path at the far end of Rancho California Road is Doffo Winery, a peaceful retreat and the first true petite winery in Temecula Valley. Check out their vintage motorcycle collection while there.

Europa Village: Big plans here, Europa Village is to be a homage to the wine styles of France, Italy and Spain. A work in progress and a fun stop, you can even stay overnight at their Inn.

Ponte Winery: I like Ponte even if they said I couldn’t take photos there for my website :-). Oh well, I still think they are worth a stop and the outdoor restaurant on a sunny day is one of the best.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa: For those looking for a weekend escape and want to stay at a winery, check out this one. Nice restaurant on site, good wines, solid stop.

Wilson Creek Winery: OK, haters step aside but Wilson Creek is famous for their almond flavored sparkling wines that just screams Par-Tay! A popular stop on the Temecula Wine Trail, taste if for yourself.

Make it a Combo! Temecula Wineries with Restaurants and Food

Photo courtesy of Callaway Winery

Add Some Dining to your Wine-ing!

No need to stop your wine-ing just because you’re hungry. Temecula has a number of wineries that offer full blown restaurant options along with others that have food bites like a charcuterie platter for sale.

How about outside food for a do it yourself picnic? The rule of thumb here is the more food offerings the wineries offers the more strict they are about allowing outside food. So if bringing a deli sandwich from my favorite Campini’s Deli is what you’re thinking, well think twice and make a call to verify it’s allowed.

Average pricing guide below, prices are for a basic entree before adding appetizers, drinks or desserts.

$: $10 pp. $$ $20 pp. $$$ $30 pp. $$$$ $40+

BABA JOON’S KITCHEN AT FAZELI CELLARS: $$ Cheese platters and hummis, salads and Persian tacos, Gyros and sandwiches and flatbreads. Menu

BISTRO AT MIRAMONTE WINERY: Flatbreads, salads, mac and cheese, Waguu and Impossible burgers, craft food using freshest ingredients in a casual setting. Menu

BISTRO AT MONTE DE ORO: $$ Casual lunch fare, salads, panini’s and pastas, sandwiches and pizzas. Menu

BOLERO RESTAURANT AT EUROPA VILLAGE: $$$ A taste of Spain with plenty of tapas, small plates to share. Extensive menu with salads and seafood, even paella. Menu

CAFE CHAMPAGNE AT THORNTON WINERY: $$$ - $$$$ Temcula’s best sparkling wine house with full blown restaurant features casual sandwiches, flatbreads and full entrees, including fish and chips, with suggested wine pairings. Menu

CREEKSIDE GRILLE AT WILSON CREEK WINERY: Dine at the Creekside Grill for full entrees such as lamb shank or ribeye steak $$$$, along with more affordable burgers and sandwiches $$. Menu. Courtyard Bar and Grill offers more casual dining, burgers and pizzas $$. Menu

CAROL’S RESTAURANT AT BAILY VINEYARD: $$$ They call this dining in a medieval castle which might be pushing it, but I do like their food which offers salads, appetizers, sandwiches and even steak and pasta. Official Site

CAVE CAFE AT OAK MOUNTAIN WINERY: $$ I’m not a huge fan of their wines but for a lunch spot this is right on. Flatbreads, burgers and sandwiches, tacos and complete entrees, a nice setting both inside their cave and outside on the patio. Menu

MAMA ROSA’S TRATTORIA AT ROBERT RENZONI VINEYARDS: $$ - $$$ Italian comfort food such as pizzas, pasta and sandwiches such as an authentic NY Pastrami, beer options. Menu

MERITAGE AT CALAWAY WINERY: $$$ Casual outdoor eatery with burgers, flatbreads, all the way up to full entrees such as pan seared scallops or braised short rib. Menu

PINNACLE RESTAURANT AT FALKNER WINERY: $$ - $$$ Large restaurant on a hilltop with great views and patio, featuring sharable plates such as charcuterie plates, sandwiches and burgers, and full entrees such as grilled octopus or beef stroganoff. Menu

SANGIO’S DELI AT COUGAR WINERY: $$ Great views and casual dining with sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, salads and appetizers. Dog friendly, there’s even a special menu just for your pooch. Menu

THE RESTAURANT AT AVENSOLE WINERY: $$$ Great views overlooking their pond and vineyards, indulge in oysters or entrees with salmon or ribeye steak, burgers and salads. Menu

THE RESTAURANT AT LEONESS CELLARS: $$$ - $$$$ Classic French cooking techniques with modern California Cuisine. Full restaurant service experience. Menu

THE RESTAURANT AT MOUNT PALOMAR WINERY: $$ Flatbreads and sandwiches, salads and shareables, lakeside dining among the vines. Menu

THE RESTAURANT AT PONTE WINERY: $$ - $$$ Nice outdoor setting, share starters such as fried calimari or mussels, big salads with protein options, pizzas and sandwiches and full entrees. Menu

THE VINEYARD ROSE RESTAURANT AT SOUTH COAST WINERY: $$ - $$$ Large, elegant dining room with California Cuisine, burgers and sandwiches as well as full entrees. $$$ Menu

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