Natural wines have a reputation, and it’s not always a good one. Google “natural wine taste” and the AI engine will tell you to “Expect notes of earthiness, funk, and sometimes a slight sourness or vinegar-like character.” Local natural winemaker Dirk Uys told me that he has guests show up because they “want to taste the funky wine.” These visitors were surely disappointed, because the natural wines being made in this town are beautiful and ones you’ll want to bring home, as Dirk responded, “I only make wines I’d want to drink myself.”
At these four wineries, you’ll discover delightful takes on Pet Nat, trendy orange or skin contact wines, and beautifully made classic European single varieties and blends.
Uys Garagiste Winery
In early 2025, I made an appointment for a “Garagiste Tasting” with Dirk & Michelle Uys (pronounced “ace”) in the barrel room at their home in Temecula Wine Country. The South African couple crafts small-batch, natural wines, and I left feeling like I’d just discovered some of the best wines in the valley. Thirsting for a lower alcohol, more nuanced, European style of wine that they weren’t finding in California, the couple decided to try their hand at making their own. So, in 2009, they planted their first acre of Syrah vines and bottled their first wine three years later.
These days, they grow several varieties, and are consistently winning awards from the Orange County Wine Society at the Orange County Fair. This year, Uys won gold with 90 points for their 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon and silver for their 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, which has already sold out. Favorites from our last tasting were their two styles of 2021 Grenache Blanc, and the 2021 Cote de Rancho, Dirk’s local take on the classic Rhône blend. I’m looking forward to trying the newly planted Pinotage in the coming years.
Book a winemaker-led tasting or a vineyard tour and tasting on their website.
More about UYS Garagiste Winery
Pamec Winery & Vineyards
Pamec Winery has big plans for a grand tasting room in wine country, but right now, they hold tastings on their new patio bar in Old Town Temecula, adjacent to the historic Hotel Temecula on Front Street. They too are focused on the local terroir, growing mainly in Temecula and nearby regions. They harvest grapes on the early side for higher acidity and lower sugar. Standouts from our tasting with the 2022 Rosé, the 2024 Chardonnay (soft, with hints of green apple and pear), and the tart cherry 2022 Sangiovese, are all well-balanced and easy-drinking.
Visiting Pamec is a lounge-like experience. It has a casual, laid-back vibe with music and food vendors on the weekends. Just walk up for a tasting or glass, no appointment required.
nude by Matin du Bois Vintners
Nude is a line of natural wines from Matin du Bois Vintners. Second-generation winemaker Regan Schneider also owns Corbeaux Wine and Tea House (one of our favorite fine dining options in Temecula) and these Paso Robles grown natural wines can be found on the restaurant’s wine list. Order by the glass or bottle to accompany your dinner, or sit at the bar for a taste. The 2022 Mourvèdre Piquet Pet Nat is a chilled effervescent red, that’s light and refreshing with flavors of red berries. The 2023 Vinho Blanc is a soft and lovely blend of Grenache & Sauvignon Blanc with noticeable floral aromas.
Not a natural wine, but very much worth your time is the Matin du Bois 2020 Merlot sourced from 50 year old local Temecula vines. The Merlot and the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon were our favorites from the parent Matin du Bois label.
More about Corbeaux Wine & Tea House
Lost Ranch Winery
Lost Ranch is another new winery to keep your eye on. Former Wiens Cellars winemaker Joseph Wiens and his wife Jasmine created Lost Ranch in 2020 and have just begun to make appearances with their wines at local events. They grow organic and regeneratively farmed grapes in Temecula and nearby De Luz, and source from nearby regions like the Cucamonga Valley, known for its 100-year-old Zinfandel vines. The Lost Ranch 2023 Zinfandel is definitely one to try. Others to try are the 2024 Viognier and 2023 Nero d’Avola. The Viognier is citrusy and full-bodied thanks to some time on the lees in neutral French oak. The Nero d’Avola, which we’re starting to see more of here in Temecula, is bold with flavors of black cherry.
Lost Ranch doesn’t have a public tasting room yet, but, like Pamec, they have plans for building one over the next two years. Right now, you can try their organic and regeneratively farmed wines at E.A.T. Marketplace, Two Travelers Wine Bar, or sign up for their email list to find out when they’re hosting their next winemaker dinner.
