With the Temecula Wine Country’s unbeatable views, many wineries and restaurants understandably focus their experience outside. So what to do when temperatures soar over 90 degrees in the valley? This itinerary guides you to fantastic wineries with large indoor tasting rooms and air-conditioned restaurants serving up creative cuisine. You’ll also spend a morning exploring Old Town Temecula before the sun starts blazing and an evening of fine dining at Pechanga Casino.

This itinerary is best for groups of 2-6 who prefer to stay mostly indoors on Temecula’s hottest days. For all restaurants, make reservations ahead of your visit. The tasting rooms all take walk-in guests.

Itinerary
at a Glance

Friday Afternoon

Start your weekend in wine country at Altisima Winery. The winery opened its doors in 2022 and has quickly become one of the area’s most popular. With beautiful wine and spectacular views, it’s easy to see why. Try one of their wine cocktails or sangrias under an umbrella on the lawn, or step up to the tasting bar inside their beautiful equestrian-inspired tasting room for a proper wine tasting. 37440 De Portola Rd, Temecula, CA 92592

Dinner at Corkfire Kitchen

In the evening, make your way over to Corkfire Kitchen on the west edge of town for cocktails and dinner. Tucked in behind the golf course at Temecula Creek Inn, Corkfire Kitchen is a restaurant and bar featuring a seasonal menu of elegantly prepared steak and seafood entrees. There are creative cocktails with names like “To the Victor Go the Spoils” and “Let’s Get Fizzical” as well as bar bites and crisp salads. Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, there will be beautiful golf course views whether you dine indoors or out. 44501 Rainbow Canyon Rd, Temecula, CA 92592

Saturday Itinerary

Brunch at The Cave Cafe at Oak Mountain Winery

For lunch, you’re off to a one-of-a-kind experience in wine country. The Cave Cafe at Oak Mountain Winery is the only wine cave in the region. Racks of wine barrels separate each table, creating individual dining “rooms” that are perfect for intimate lunches or small groups. You might start with the whipped feta or the birria empanadas—both nice choices for sharing. The heirloom tomato and buffalo mozzarella flatbread is another favorite as are the Kalua pork tacos. Make reservations at least a week or two ahead. 36522 Vía Verde, Temecula, CA 92592

Wine Tasting at Ponte Winery

Start at Ponte Winery for your first taste of the day. Ponte is the perfect place for red wine fans to bring their white wine-loving friends. Those who enjoy the big and bold can sip Tempranillo or Montepulciano and those who prefer something more delicate can try the Vermentino or more floral White Pinot Noir. The attractive tasting room double as a beautiful gift shop for the home, and it’s fun to browse and sip while staying out of the hot weather. 35053 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591

Taste Wines Fit for a Queen at Callaway Winery

Head west back down Rancho California Road for your final stop and turn into Callaway Winery. Up high, overlooking the vines, Callaway has been making wine since the 1970s, and its selection is wide-ranging. Callaway’s wines were served at an event attended by Queen Elizabeth back in the day. She enjoyed the white wine so much that she famously asked for a second taste. If you want to taste like a queen, choose the reserve wine list. The bottles are pricey, but the wines are special. 32720 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591

Dinner at Pechanga Resort Casino or The Cellar Bar

In the evening, rideshare to Pechanga Resort Casino. They have several fabulous restaurants, but the one I visit on repeat is Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar. It’s an upscale venue with land and sea menu items and an exciting cocktail and sake list. The restaurant just off the casino floor, putting you close to the action, so request a table toward the back of the restaurant if noise is a concern. The casino is large, so allow time to find your way to the restaurant. Reservations strongly recommended. 45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592

For a more laid back evening in wine country, head downstairs to the Cellar Bar at Ponte Vineyard Inn for dinner and live music. The Cellar Bar is the only late-night spot in wine country, so you can hang out as long as you like…or at least until 1 am. 

Sunday Brunch

Before leaving Temecula, visit instagram-worthy Haven Haus Cafe on Front Street in Old town. Stay cool with an iced Matcha or their seasonal latte flight to go with your Avocado Toast. With breakfast skillets and sandwiches, waffles and Benedicts, omelets, and burritos, Haven Haus has a menu designed to make everyone happy. This is a popular place, so sign up on their online waitlist before you go. 28693 Old Town Front St Suite 101, Temecula, CA 92590

Places to Stay

Choosing a hotel with a pool seems like a good idea on a warm weekend. Below are a few ideas to get you started. 

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