At Two Days In Temecula, we’re wine lovers, but we also understand that visiting a winery is not solely about the wine. We know that everyone has a certain picture in their mind about what a weekend in wine country is going to be like. This is a fun and simple guide to help steer you toward the kind of wine country experience that you’ve been dreaming of.

You might also visit our prettiest wineries guide, our picks for the best views in wine country, and of course, the best wine in Temecula.

Resort Vibe

These wineries each exude something that instantly makes you feel like you’re miles away — even if you’re a local living just down the road. They all have sweeping views and settings that feel transporting. Akash and Altisima tend to be more boisterous on the weekends, so choose one of the others if it’s a more mellow resort vibe you’re after. Voux Wines is by appointment only.

COUNTRY / FARM

All wineries are working farms, but if you really want to feel like you’re down on the farm, these two are the ones to visit. At Longshadow, you’re greeted by a pair of gorgeous horses. Peltzer has animals too and has decorated the property and tasting room with vintage John Deere tractors. The tasting rooms of both are surprisingly stylish in their own country-style way.

FAIRYTALE

These wineries are also transporting but in a very different way. Briar Rose was designed to look like Snow White’s Cottage and they often have themed events that evoke the story even further. Leoness has the most magical vineyard view in the valley, and Vitagliano is an al fresco experience with winding paths around a lake.

Romantic

If you’re looking to experience the romance of wine country, even if you’re just out with your pals, these are the places to visit. With garden settings and vineyard views, these wineries make it hard to leave. 

GRAND

These wineries are for those who appreciate the big and the bold. From a single winery that takes you to three European countries to a tasting room with soaring ceilings and a glass floor, these wineries have created grand estates that are each designed to impress.

Intimate

When you want to get up close and personal with the winery team, or maybe the winemaker himself, visit one of these spots. These are smaller wineries where the team is there to give you personal attention and help you find the perfect glass to suit your palate. 

Classic

These tasting rooms exude a classic old-school winery vibe, with wood-beamed ceilings and standup tasting bars — they are some of the older establishments in Temecula. But their longevity and popularity are a testament to their quality and the dedication of the families that run them, and three of them appear on our best wines in Temecula guide.

PARTY!

These wineries take on a different personality from weekday to weekend. Like most Temecula wineries, they tend to be quieter Mondays through Thursdays, but on the weekends, they come alive with live music, visits from tour busses, evening concerts, and bachelorette outings. Lorimar is the outlier here, where they have live performances every day at their restaurant, so it’s a party every day of the week.