A Luxe Escape: Indulge in the Finest of Temecula Valley

A covered patio with sofas, tables, and chairs, overlooking a vineyard.
Bottaia winery. Photo courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley

A private poolside tasting, a historic home serving modern cuisine and craft cocktails. A stylish tasting room with an ultra-smooth Syrah. Upon exiting the freeway, Temecula may appear to be a land of big box stores, but look a little closer, and you’ll find it’s also a town of locally owned gems. This itinerary explores a few hot spots in Old Town Temecula, some of the area’s best restaurants, and premiere wineries. Places where you can sit and savor and skip the more crowded scenes. 

Reservations are recommended at all locations, especially on the weekends. Each one can be booked online.

Itinerary at a Glance

Dining

Small Barn

Bouquet

Domenico’s Italian Chophouse

E.A.T. Marketplace

Wine Tasting

Bottaia Winery

Lorenzi Estate

Voux Wines

Truffle Pig Winery

Places to Stay

Domaine Chardonnay

Ponte Vineyard Inn

The New Inn

See details

Friday Afternoon Itinerary

The outdoor deck at Bottaia Winery. Also pictured at the top of the page.

Wine Tasting at Bottaia’s Resort-Like Winery

With Bottaia Winery’s cathedral-like roofs and expansive views, the resort-like setting alone is an experience not to be missed. Make a reservation for the outdoor deck where you can order their Italian-style wines by the glass or hand-pick a flight. They have a generous charcuterie board and other small bites to indulge in. On Friday afternoons, there will likely be live music outside as well. Reservations recommended. 21+ only. 35601 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591



An interior showing a granite bar with white leather and brash stools set in front of it.
The bar at La Fata Cellars in Old Town.

Evening in Old Town Temecula

In the evening, ride share into Old Town Temecula to browse the shops or visit a tasting room. La Fata Cellars has an attractive bar and pours wines from Temecula and Santa Ynez vineyards. Fans of bold reds should try their estate Syrah.  41955 5th St, Temecula, CA 92590

Outdoor dining tables and chairs on a dirt patio
The outdoor dining room at Small Barn (photo courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley)

Dinner at Small Barn

Small Barn is a casual spot with outdoor lounge areas, strings of lights, and fire pits. It’s in the location of one of Temecula’s historic old homes. On the menu, you’ll find elegantly prepared seasonal dishes of seafood, steaks, small plates, plus a quality burger or salad. They have a terrific cocktail menu too. Seating is primarily al fresco, so dress for the weather. Reservations recommended.  28535 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590

Saturday Itinerary

Hot air balloons and a paraglider flying over Temecula Vineyards.
Balloons rise over Temecula’s wine country almost every morning of the week.

Morning Balloon Ride or Massage

For a romantic way to start the morning, book a balloon ride for two, or maybe go for a massage. The New Inn offers this as an enhancement. You can book one at the Grapeseed Spa at South Coast Winery and Resort even if you’re not staying there.

A small white building with a sign that reads Lorenzi Estate Tasting Room
Lorenzi Estate Tasting Room. The entrance is around the side of the building.

Wine Tasting at Lorenzi Estate Winery

Start your first day of tasting at Lorenzi Winery. Nestled amongst vines, rose bushes, and bougainvillea, Lorenzi is an award-winning, family-run winery that makes French-style wines from vineyards in Temecula and Napa Valley. Their small tasting room sits in the middle of the vineyard, and the patio where they hold seated tastings looks out over the vineyard. Reservations are recommended. 36095 Monte De Oro Road, Temecula CA 92592

A pool with a small clubhouse behind it. There are two men at a table.
The private, poolside clubhouse at Voux Wines

Wine Tasting at Voux Wines

What could be more luxurious than a private tasting held poolside at an exclusive clubhouse? That’s the experience that Chad Hughes, winemaker and owner of Voux Wines, has created for his guests. He farms using organic practices and takes deep pride in his wines. The Petit Sirah and rosé are both beautiful, as are the views from the clubhouse. 36149 Meadow Ridge Rd, Temecula, CA 92592

A seating area with sofas and dining tables in the background.
Domenico’s Italian Chophouse at Truffle Pig Winery.

Wine Tasting Tasting and Dinner at Truffle Pig Winery

Truffle Pig Winery opened in July of 2025, and it still has this small town buzzing thanks to its stylish new interiors and delicious food and wine. The main tasting room has a glass wall that peers into the fermentation room and there’s a lovely outdoor sitting area next to a pond. Stop in for your final tasting or a glass before you head over to the winery’s restaurant Domenico’s Italian Chophouse. Domenico’s is an upscale restaurant with steak, seafood, and pasta options. Restaurant reservations strongly recommended on weekends. 34567 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92592

Sunday Breakfast

  • A piece of thick sourdough toast with avocado and egg on top. Balsamic is drizzled on the plate.
  • A pastry counter with donuts and other baked goods.

E.A.T. Marketplace

Don’t leave town before stopping in at a local brunch spot and coffee house, E.A.T. Marketplace. Tucked in the back of a small shopping center at the entrance to Old Town, E.A.T. serves up fresh baked goods and coffee drinks to take on the road and organic brunch dishes made to order. A great option is the “Pesto Egg” (pictured above). A toast with avocado, two farm eggs, and Monterrey cheese on house made sourdough bread. 28410 Old Town Front St. Temecula, CA 92590

Places to Stay

When you book through the “Reserve online” links below, Two Days in Temecula receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. The opinions on this page are entirely our own.

A mission-style hotel with a courtyard and pond.
Photo: NuAerial

Ponte Vineyard Inn

With two wonderful restaurants, a pool, and bar on-site, you could check in and never leave all weekend.

The New Inn Exterior
Photo credit: Expedia

The New Inn

Each villa has unique design touches, and are appointed with soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor rain showers, and private outdoor seating area.

The exterior of a French chateaux style home with a circular driveway and fountain in front.

Domaine Chardonnay

With only three guest suites and an adult-only policy, you’ll feel like you booked a private home, but with the service of a luxury resort.