A Toast to Temecula: A Day of Wine and Wonder

The Journey Begins

The sun was already blazing in the sky as my boyfriend and I embarked on our much-anticipated wine tour in Temecula Valley. We had taken a few days off work, eager to escape the hustle and bustle of Orange County. Little did we know, we had chosen the hottest weekend of the year, with temperatures soaring to a sweltering 112 degrees. Despite the heat, our spirits were high as we were picked up from our hotel, the luxurious South Coast Winery. I highly recommend splurging on the villas there; they are worth every penny.

Our driver and host for the day, Mike, greeted us with a warm smile and a playful twinkle in his eye. As we boarded the bus, he explained the itinerary and set the tone for the day with a fitting tune, “Heard it Thru the Grapevine.” His humor and enthusiasm were infectious, and we couldn’t help but laugh when he mentioned that by the second winery, we probably wouldn’t be paying much attention to his announcements. With the A/C on full blast, we set off on our adventure, ready to explore the best of Temecula’s vineyards.

Savoring the Flavors

Our first stop was Avensole Winery, a charming estate nestled among rolling hills. We were greeted by a knowledgeable sommelier who guided us through a tasting of their exquisite wines. Despite the early hour, the heat was already intense, and we quickly moved inside to a cool, barrel-lined room. The sommelier’s passion for wine was evident as he shared stories and insights about each varietal. It was a delightful start to our day, and I found myself savoring every sip.

Next, we arrived at Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery, where we were given poker chips to use for our tastings. The rustic, saloon-like interior added a unique charm to the experience. Although the staff was busy, the wines were exceptional, and we enjoyed sampling a variety of reds and whites. The highlight was a vintage wine, which we savored with a sense of reverence. The atmosphere was lively, and we left with a newfound appreciation for the art of winemaking.

A Feast for the Senses

Our third stop was Cougar Vineyard and Winery, where we were treated to a gourmet lunch in their cool barrel room. The pre-ordered meals exceeded our expectations; my Chicken Caesar salad was crisp and flavorful, while my boyfriend’s Italian sandwich was a hearty delight. Paired with a choice of red or white wine, it was a feast for the senses. After lunch, we continued our tastings in the main room, where the owner, Jim, regaled us with tales of the vineyard. His enthusiasm was contagious, and we couldn’t resist trying the Peach Sangria, a refreshing and fruity concoction that was perfect for the hot day.

Our final destination was Lorimar Vineyards and Winery, a place that quickly became my favorite. The ambiance was inviting, and the staff, particularly Matt, were attentive and knowledgeable. By this point, we were all feeling the effects of the day’s indulgence, but Matt’s engaging personality kept us entertained. The wines were superb, and I found myself purchasing several bottles to take home. As Mike had predicted, we had each consumed the equivalent of a bottle of wine by the end of the tour. We returned to our hotel, tired but content, and promptly took a nap to recover from our delightful day.

If you’re looking for a memorable day out with friends or a significant other, I highly recommend booking this tour. And if you can, request Mike as your host. His humor, kindness, and attention to detail made the experience truly unforgettable. Just remember to keep an eye on his hat – when it’s turned backwards, it’s time to go!