The Temecula Tasting Shuttle is the newest, and possibly the most straightforward, way of exploring wine country. It’s different than the countless party busses or even luxury car options because you are in control of your experience. Unlike a tour where guests follow an itinerary with a pre-defined list of wineries to visit and schedule to follow, the Temecula Tasting Shuttle is simply hop-on, hop-off transportation. It allows for more spontaneity too. Did a tasting bar server just recommend a winery to you? Great, make it your next stop. It’s a fun, safe, and worry-free way to spend the day wine tasting in Temecula.
The shuttle is brand new, so right now it operates Friday through Sunday, solely along Rancho California Road. Once there’s more demand, shuttle will run along the De Portola wine trail, too. Even with the current limited route, there are 17 wineries to choose from, including some of the most popular wineries in Temecula like Wilson Creek, Europa Village, Miramonte Winery, and Callaway Winery, and some of the best winery restaurants, too, like The Restaurant at Ponte Winery, Domenico’s Italian Chop House at Truffle Pig Winery, and Bolero Restaurante at Europa Village. In fact, about half of the wineries on the route have dining options.
How it Works
Shuttle passengers have three options for pick-up points: Pechanga Resort Casino, Old Town Temecula, or South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, which you’ll select at the time of booking. The shuttle arrives between 10:15 and 10:45 am. Once on board, you’ll let your driver know your first destination. After that, you’re in control. Visit your favorite wineries or ones you’ve been wanting to try, it’s all up to you. It’s not complicated, and that’s the point.
The company’s website says that you’ll have around 75 minutes at each winery before the shuttle comes back around. On the day I rode, it was very flexible. The driver gave everyone a card with his phone number and told us to simply call him whenever we were ready to go to the next winery. It was pretty great, like having our own limo driver at our beck and call. Whether that practice is maintained once they are busy remains to be seen. It was a weekday, and the bus was half full. But either way, there’s also the option to hang out longer if 75 minutes is not enough time at your favorite winery.
My friends and I planned our day strategically and had a great time hopping around wine country. The driver was friendly and the seats were large,spotless, and comfortable. We hopped on at South Coast Winery, then went over to Bottaia Winery, a personal favorite. We went first and early to make sure we got a table with a great view. For our next stop, we chose Europa Village so we could share a pizza at their Italian market located inside Vienza, the Italian section of Europa. We met up with another friend there, so we hung out at that one a little longer to catch up and explore the grounds. (Europa Village is a big place!) We chose to end our day at Ponte Winery out on the vineyard view deck. Partially because it was a beautiful day and it’s a gorgeous view, but also because it’s within walking distance from South Coast, so if we were ready to leave before the shuttle was, we could easily walk over to another winery. Ponte Winery is also walking distance to Wiens Cellars.
Things to know
At the time of writing, tickets for the shuttle are $49.99 per person and that’s just for transportation. Wine tastings are not included. In my opinion, this is an advantage over a winery tour. You only pay for what you eat or drink. You can order a glass, flight, or bottle to share. You’re not committed to a predefined experience. I recommend following the company on Instagram, because they’ve been periodically offering ride giveaways and promo codes.
While advanced tickets are not necessarily required, reservations are strongly recommended. It’s a small bus with only about 10 or 12 rows.
