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(credit: Visit Temecula Valley)
Temecula Valley is a year round destination offering award-winning wineries, a charming Downtown Old Town Temecula and Pechanga Resort and Casino, each offering a unique, premium varietal character worthy of exploration. The casual yet refined and picturesque destination provides a wide variety of things to experience, enhanced by the sunny, relaxed spirit of Southern California and the richness of the valley. The Valley is Southern California’s largest wine producing region by volume with a collection of more than 50 family-owned wineries. From the homegrown and small artisan offerings from Hart and Doffo winery to the newer and more luxury Bottaia and South Coast Winery, wine enthusiasts and wine novices alike are found in every corner of this vibrant valley.
Situated within southwest Riverside County and conveniently located about an hour from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Desert, and one-and-a-half hours from Los Angeles, it has become the destination hub for entertainment opportunities, stellar dining options and an assortment of casual to luxury hotel accommodations in Southern California.
(credit: Pechanga Resort Casino)
As one of the largest resort casinos in the United States, Pechanga Resort Casino is nestled just south of the Temecula foothills encompassing 550 acres. Following a $300 million expansion which was completed in late 2017, the resort now offers a total of 1,100 rooms and suites.
Pechanga offers everything discerning resort guests expect from an acclaimed casino/resort with more than 12 restaurants, concerts and shows, on-site golf and a 25,000 sq. ft. luxury spa, The Cove (a massive four-and-a-half acre pool complex) and a 24-hour casino with 200,000 square feet of gaming space. From dining at Great Oak Steakhouse and trying their succulent USDA prime dry-aged filet mignon or NY Steak, to catching a show at the 1,200 seat Pechanga Theater, to challenging yourself at Journey at Pechanga (one of the top public courses in California which rises and falls more than 300 feet over its 18 holes), the resort also has an adjoining RV Resort and offers more than 275,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space. It’s a top spot for weddings, retreats, or simply a needed getaway.
(credit: Visit Temecula Valley)
Nearly 50 wineries populate the region’s rolling hills and sprawling valleys producing a variety of wines, including award-winning and artisan Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. As part of the South Coast American Viticulture Area (AVA), within Temecula Valley’s 33,000 acres, are 5,185 acres which are protected in an agricultural preserve known as the Citrus/Vineyard zone. Grown at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 feet above sea level, there are approximately 2,525 planted vineyard acres and thanks to the ideal temperature year round and unique micro-climate (morning mist, warm midday sun, cooling afternoon breezes and cooler nights), the grapevines thrive and provide clean, pure and varietal wine flavors. Since the area started to produce wine back in the late 1960’s, it has grown a collection of more than 5,000 awards, which attests to the quality of Temecula Valley vintages.
(credit: Visit Temecula Valley)
Along with hot air balloons, which can be seen dotting the skies, the area offers a number of unique tours like their agricultural tours, downtown tours and unique offerings. One option that must be experienced while in the Valley is the thrilling sidecar wine tour by So Cal Sidecars. As the world’s first and only tandem motorcycle sidecar experience, knowledgeable guides make your wine experience a memorable experience.
Whether visitors are looking for a new fun activity or just itching to ride the vines in style, this experience is a showstopper. Guests are given a unique, immersive and intimate tour of the wine region and can select between 8 tour options. From riding through the actual vineyards themselves, through the backroads and stopping at tasting rooms along the way, their knowledgeable drivers provide a top-notch experience and make sure they provide the most fun visitors can have in the wine region on three wheels.
(credit: Cork Fire Kitchen)
Although it is most known for its wine, the region has a growing gastronomy attracting talented chefs and restaurateurs. From enjoying a meal at one of the many tasting rooms to contemporary and relaxed Old Town to white tablecloth options, the area has something for everybody. There are a total of 19 dining options in Downtown Old Town Temecula highlighted like Small Barn, and Be Good restaurant, Nine winery restaurants like the popular The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery and Cork Fire Kitchen at the Temecula Creek Inn. Each (of course) paired with the premium wines of the area, offer uniquely inspired menus featuring seasonal foods.
The best of a top wine destination, gambling, a burgeoning dining locale, Temecula makes for a great getaway for a lovely weekend.
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