At the far end of the De Portola Wine Trail, Masia de la Vinya sits high on the hill, offering mainly Spanish-influenced wines, plus a few French and Italian varietals. The charm of the unassuming “Spanish Manor” unveils as you walk around. A fountain bubbles in a nearby courtyard. Pops of colorful tile add interest to floors and walls. Bistro tables line the patio on one side, and white Adirondack chairs line the other. Each thoughtfully placed to help guests make the most of the surrounding views.
Masia de la Vinya opened its doors in 2008 and was taken over about a decade later by Ken and Tina Smith, a couple with deep roots in the valley. They bought and turned around the fortune of Galway Downs, which is now scheduled to host the equestrian portion of the 2028 Olympics, and also own Danza del Sol Winery just down the road. Justin Knight is the winemaker at both, and gravitates toward a specific “Old World” style with his lighter reds and fruit-forward whites. A Temecula native, he studied at UC Davis and apprenticed under several local winemakers before taking over the helm at Masia and Danza.
Wine Tasting at Masia de la Vinya
Wine tastings at Masia are a casual affair. Parties under eight need not make reservations, and a tasting includes a generous six pours, which can be enjoyed at the indoor bar or outside on the patio. Wines are also available by the glass or by the bottle. There’s no restaurant, but you’ll likely find a food truck parked at the top of the driveway on the weekends. Wine club members enjoy a separate, cozy indoor lounge with its own bartender and an exclusive outdoor patio.
On a recent visit to the tasting room, my husband and I stood at the indoor tasting bar and were hosted by a charming young server and former college baseball player. He enthusiastically described the tasting profiles for each pour and encouraged us to try his favorites. We both enjoyed the 2022 Garnacha and Monastrell that he suggested, both with flavors of tart cherry. The standout red was the more complex 2022 Orquestra, a blend of Syrah and Monastrell with darker fruits and a subtle tobacco finish. On the white side, the 2022 Estate Chardonnay and 2024 Sauvignon Blanc were the winners for us, as was the California NV Brut. The 2022 White Milenio, a blend of Gewürztraminer and Albariño, is a top seller for sweet wine fans.
Pours and Pairings: The Masia Experience
For a more in-depth experience, guests can book Masia’s Pours and Pairings tasting experience. It starts off with a pour their crisp NV Brut and a brief tour of the small property, followed by a guided seated tasting of 6 wines, each paired with a small gourmet bite. The bites are crafted by Grazing Theory, a popular local charcuterie provider, and are designed to enhance the flavors in the wines. There might be a Sauvignon Blanc paired with a pairing of prosciutto, mozzarella, pesto, and pear, or a beautiful red blend paired with Humboldt Fog, fig jam, prosciutto, and lemon zest.
The experience is mainly held outdoors to make the most of the gorgeous views, but on very hot or rainy days, they are held in a private room to keep the experience exclusive. If you are able, book your Pours and Pairings experience on a weekday for a significantly reduced price.
The winery prides itself on guest hospitality and holds regular tasting events to keep its community engaged. Past events have included a friendly blind tasting competition, a sparkling wine educational (but still fun!) tasting, and a Tempranillo vertical that included both Masia and Danza del Sol wines. Keep an eye on our upcoming events page to find out about the best winery happenings in the valley.
www.masiadelavinya.com | 40230 De Portola Road, Temecula, 92592
