The Temecula Valley is a stunning wine region, with rolling hills and high mountains reaching up to 11,500 feet. It's the perfect place for wine lovers, thanks to its long, sunny days that allow grapes to ripen and develop the sugars that will turn them into wine. But it's also home to an important maritime influence, with refreshing ocean breezes that flow over the coastal mountain range to the west. This helps to moderate the daytime temperatures, making it an ideal climate for growing a wide variety of grapes. The region is known for its diverse range of grape varieties, from cold-climate grapes like Riesling and Gewurztraminer to moderate-climate Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
It's also home to warmer Mediterranean varieties such as Viognier, Syrah, Garnais Sangiovese, Sangiovese and Tempranillo. All of these grapes thrive in the Temecula Valley and produce exceptional wines. At Falkner Winery, you can enjoy award-winning wines while taking in the breathtaking views of the Temecula Valley from 1,500 feet above sea level. The winery has invested in a machine to analyze the chemistry of wines and has adopted new grape growing methods that are better suited to the local terrain. They're also pushing for renowned wine critics to come and sample their wines without any prejudice. The Temecula Creek Inn is another great place to stay if you want to experience the resort lifestyle.
You can relax in luxury and even play a round of golf while you're there. Vindemia is one of the leading producers in the Temecula Valley, representing the most picturesque side of the wine scene. Five wineries have joined forces to challenge the long-held belief that the region is only good for limousine tastings and bachelorette parties. They've achieved a consistent quality mark and have received numerous awards. According to renowned wine critic Matt Kettmann, nearly half of the 80 Temecula wines he's evaluated over the past two years have scored 90 points or more. This is a testament to how far the region has come in terms of quality. The winemakers have also begun planting more Italian, rocky and Spanish varieties that are better suited to the Mediterranean climate of Temecula.
Robert Renzoni, one of the leading winemakers in the region, believes that Temecula is heading in the right direction. If you want to sample everything that Temecula has to offer, Ponte Vineyard Inn is a great place to stay. It's owned by Bottaia Winery and offers a luxurious experience for wine lovers. Nicholas Palumbo is another winemaker who has made his mark on Temecula. He arrived from Orange County and settled on an old cattle ranch when his health forced him to slow down. He now produces Cabernet Franc grapes at Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery. One of the best things about Temecula is that it's a small, close-knit wine community.
Everyone knows each other and there's a real sense of camaraderie among winemakers. This makes it a great place for wine lovers who want to experience something truly unique.
