Top photo by Darya Petrenko for 123RF
Historically, Temecula has not been known for its white wines. But these days, it’s not hard to find more than one seriously drinkable white in a single tasting. Temecula is home to several microclimates thanks to the rolling hills and ocean breezes that flow across the valley, plus several wineries are bringing in grapes from our northern neighbors to round out their menus. This means you’ll find many different styles of white wine as you tour the valley.
My top picks for Temecula white wines (plus some favorite dry rosés) are below. Are you a red wine drinker? See our top winery picks in Temecula »
Ponte Winery
Tasting experience:
Ponte Winery has a big beautiful tasting room with high, wood-beamed ceilings. Guests can wine taste at the bars that line three sides, or take their glasses into the garden (pictured at the top of the page) to enjoy the view. The winery also has a lovely al fresco restaurant open Wednesdays through Sundays. Reservations are not required for tastings, but strongly recommended for the restaurant.
White wines to try:
- 2024 Vermentino, refreshing and floral with flavors of mango and pineapple
- 2023 Pastorello, a medium-bodied, fruit-forward Pecorino.
- 2024 Pas Doux, a dry rosé with aromas of rose petal and flavors of strawberry and melon.
- 2023 White Pinot Noir, another floral rosé with flavors of peach and watermelon.
UYS Garagiste Winery
Tasting experience:
UYS Garagiste Winery makes well-priced natural, minimal intervention wines, and winemaker Dirk Uys (pronounced “ace”) excels at whites. Seated wine tastings take place in his production room are by appointment. He also offers a vineyard tour and tasting also by appointment.
White wines to try:
- 2021 Grenache Blanc (Oak Barrel), soft with notes of tropical fruits and honey.
- 2021 Grenache Blanc (Stainless Steel), bright with aromas of tropical fruit.
- 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, flavors of passion fruit and lemon with aromas of grapefruit.
- 2022 Chardonnay, crisp with green pear and peach flavors.
Miramonte Winery
Tasting experience:
Miramonte Winery sits high up on a hill with fantastic views. They have a terrific al fresco bistro, attractive wine tasting counter, outdoor seating area where guests can take their pours, and cabanas available to rent. Reservations are not needed for tastings, but advance bookings are required for the cabanas.
White wines to try:
- 2022 Albariño, a refreshing and aromatic glass with citrus flavors.
- 2022 Verdelho, bright with peach, pineapple and lemon notes.
Raúl Ramirez Bodegas Y Viñedos
Tasting experience:
Seated tastings at Raúl Ramirez Bodegas Y Viñedos take place in their colorful tasting room or outside on the patio. They are about a 12 minute, beautiful drive beyond the rest of wine country, but the wines and views are worth your time. Raúl Ramirez is one of the few wineries that allows picnic lunches. Reservations for wine tasting are not required, but recommended on weekends.
White Wines to try:
- 2022 Estate Albariño, dry and refreshing with lemon and grapefruit flavors.
- 2022 Estate Xarello, a crisp wine with floral aromas and flavors of green apple and tropical fruits.
- Estate Gran Reserva Brut Cava Style Sparkling Wine
- 2018 Estate Rosato, a light and beautiful rosé of Tempranillo.
Chapin Family Vineyards
Tasting experience:
Chapin Family Vineyards sits in the center of a gorgeous, palm tree-lined vineyard. There are seated wine tastings out on the patio with a vineyard view, and a small tasting bar inside. They host a wood-fired pizza truck on weekends. No reservations are required.
White wines to try:
- 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, aromas of passion fruit with peach and melon.
- 2024 Viognier, floral aromas with flavors of mango, rose, and peach.
- 2023 Chardonnay, easy drinking and refreshing, with pear, melon, peaches and ripe apple flavors
Lorenzi Estate
Tasting experience:
Make an appointment at Lorenzi Estate Winery for an outdoor seating tasting where you’ll sit at the edge of the vineyard on the covered patio. There are four different wine tasting menus to choose from for all palates and budgets and well-educated serves to guide you on your journey. Charcuterie is available for purchase.
White wines to try:
- 2021 Estate Chardonnay, light and crisp, the antithesis of the California “butter bomb.”
- 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, a softly fruity wine that paired well with their charcuterie plate.
Callaway Vineyard and Winery
Tasting experience:
At Callaway Winery, you’ll stop first in the shop and choose from a standard or library wine tasting—opt for the library tasting if it’s in your budget. You’ll next move on to the huge tasting room with a huge bar that looks out at the valley hills. Guests can also take their glass outside for an unobstructed vineyard view and live music on the weekends. They also have a restaurant that recently updated their menu, and outdoor dining service on the weekends.
White wines to try:
- 2020 Owner’s Private Reserve White ($90), a blend of Roussane and Viognier, with aromas of floral and vanilla, and flavors of honey and apricot.
- 2024 Special Selection Sauvignon Blanc, more approachable at $35.
- 2024 Wild Yeast Viognier, very floral, which creates the perception of sweetness, without being sweet.
- Sweet wine lovers might try the 2022 Harmonique or 2024 Special Selection Monarque, both softly sweet, great summer sips, and pair beautifully with desserts like a dark cherry tart or cheesecake.
Pamec Winery
The tasting experience:
Pamec Winery is the new kid in town and, right now, only pours wine at events or on the outdoor patio next to Hotel Palomar in Old Town Temecula. There are standing tables and a few covered lounge areas. Guests can order by the glass, bottle or tasting, and reservations are not required.
White wines to try:
- 2024 Chardonnay, soft with hints of green apple and pear.
- 2022 Rosé, refreshing and very slightly sweet with strawberry and peach aromas.
Danza del Sol Winery
The tasting experience:
Danza del Sol Winery has some of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines in the valley, dating back to 1978. You can try the wine in the tasting room, they’re very generous with their pours, and no reservations are required. Better yet, book a UTV Tour and Tasting and see the beautiful, gnarled old wines for yourself.
White wines to try:
- 2023 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, bold citrus flavors and easy drinking.
- 2023 Viognier, aromatic with flavors of peach and apricots.
