Your crew might be a young family visiting Peltzer Family Cellars to explore the annual pumpkin patch or ride a mini John Deere cart. Your crew might also be a party of six to eight 30-somethings there to hang out in the afternoon at a picnic table. Peltzer Winery won the Cilurzo Award for Winery of the Year in 2023 from the Temecula Valley Xenia Hospitality Awards, and it’s easy to see why. From afternoon toddler train rides to a seasonal, all-ages ice rink, to 21+ dancing at the Crush House, Peltzer creates distinct experiences for all ages. This might sound unusual for a winery, but Temecula is very much a family town, and it makes sense for the community they serve.
The Peltzer family has a proud history of farming. In 1913, they planted a 20-acre citrus farm in Anaheim, CA, on land that is now Disneyland. After selling the property to Walt Disney, they relocated their citrus trees to another part of Orange County, eventually adding a thriving pine tree and pumpkin farm. Fast-forward to 2004, when fourth-generation Charlie and Carrie Peltzer decided to continue the farming tradition on 25 acres in Temecula, where vintage “century-old” tractor and tractor parts decorate the property. Peltzer Family Cellars opened in 2016.
The Experience
Long, high-top tables for parties of six line the Crush House—Peltzer’s “industrial-chic” tasting room—and a large John Deere tractor is the centerpiece. With wines by the glass ($13-16), beer, sangria, and a few pre-mixed cocktails on the menu, they are well suited to entertain parties who want to hang out and have a great time. Picnic tables are set up outside to take in the view, and food for purchase is available from on-site food vendoers.
In the early fall, the pumpkin patch opens for the season and you’ll likely find young moms with toddlers in strollers negotiating angles for photoshoots. It’s very cute.
Inside the Crush House, small groups out tasting for the day will gather at the long tables, a tour might be standing at a corner bar for a guided tasting, and couples will find corner spots away from the line at the bar. Families will find spots at the picnic tables just outside (the Crush house is 21+ on Fridays and Saturdays). On weekends, there are often bars open both inside and out.
In the winter, there is a similar scene, but at the seasonal ice rink instead. It’s an 8,400 square foot covered rink, complete with bar, DJ, rink guards, and picnic tables. You’ll find couples on dates, parents with young children, groups of teens, and even company holiday parties all taking part in the fun.
What to Drink
A wine tasting is ($25), which includes your choice of 6 wines, including one taste from the “wax” collection, Peltzer’s “Best of the Best.” While Peltzer is well-designed to entertain, partaking in a traditional wine tasting proved to be a little more complicated without a scheduled tour. Glasses of wine, beer, and sangria are all poured from the same bar where they serve tastings, which requires queueing up repeatedly in a sometimes long line to acquire each new taste. Nonetheless, the busy bartenders are very personable and most will take the time to help you find a taste or glass that you’ll enjoy.
At my last tasting, my favorites were the 2020 Malbec, full of warm spice and blackberry, and the 2020 Wax Collection Cabernet Sauvignon — super smooth with flavors of berry and vanilla. The wax collection is available by the taste or bottle, not by the glass, so if you’re visiting with a group of red wine lovers, I’d suggest sharing a bottle. At $82 for non-members, it may sound pricey, but if you consider the cost of tastings per person, you’ll save money with a group of four to six. A recent article from Forbes magazine suggests Peltzer’s 2020 Cabernet Franc, a medium-bodied wine with prominent raspberry and red currant. Those who prefer fruity, sweet wines might try the DOCG Prosecco or a glass of the house Sangria.
Things to know before you go: It’s a walk up a long dusty driveway to the tasting room, so plan your shoes accordingly. Peltzer is open daily but sometimes closes early for events, so check the events calendar before you head over. 40275 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591
