Wine Tasting in Temecula Wine Country
Last weekend, we spent a few days with my aunt who lives in Murrieta, CA, about 65 miles away from Orange County. When she moved there, I thought she was crazy for living in what I considered was out in the middle of nowhere.
What I didn’t realize was that the new communities popping up in the Temecula area were actually creating more awareness for a hidden gem that I never knew existed until now – a quaint little Wine Country.
If you’re from southern California and want to do a quick weekend getaway that doesn’t require flying north to Napa Valley, jump in your car and drive out to Temecula. There’s plenty to do for the entire weekend – hanging out at the nearby lakes, outlet shopping right off the I15 freeway, and wine tasting, of course!
Last Monday, the Boyfriend and I drove down the main road to Wine Country and decided to stop at my aunt’s favorite tasting stop, the Ponte Family Winery.
The Ponte Family Winery has been growing grapes in Temecula for over 20 years but just opened their winery and began creating their own wines since 2003. We took a stroll around the grounds; the landscaping is really gorgeous and we think it would be perfect for those who want a local wine country wedding.
After oohing and aahing at how cute everything was, we settled into their Marketplace and Tasting Room to try 6 wines each for $10 per person (or $12 if you’re visiting Fri-Sun). With 6 pours each, we got to taste virtually every wine we wanted to try, minus ports. The Boyfriend and I aren’t really into dessert wines. Afterwards, they even give you souvenir glasses to take home with you (I love free stuff!)
All in all, their wines were lovely although I think their white wines taste yummier than their reds. We brought home a bottle of Sangiovese for my aunt and her hubby as well as a bottle of Graciela (chardonnay and sauvignon blanc mix). It has delicious fruity notes of peaches and pears making it the perfect wine for me on that warm autumn day in the valley.
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On October 26th, 2008 Anne said:
Thank you for sharing this! I’ve been wanting to go wine tasting but Napa Valley is a tad bit far.
On October 26th, 2008 Marisol said:
I ♥ me some wine tasting. Did you know that there are also some good wineries in the central coast of CA (Paso Robles)?
On October 26th, 2008 Jeannie said:
No way! I went to the same winery the last last time I was in town. My favorite is one Graciela.
On October 27th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Anne,
No problem! Are you from Orange County too?
Definitely check it out, it’s not too far from San Diego or Los Angeles either
On October 27th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Marisol,
I’ve never been to Paso Robles, I don’t think. But the Boy and I tried some wines at a tasting room in Monterey when we were there a couple of years ago.
I’ll have to put Paso Robles on my list for someday!
On October 27th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hey Jeannie,
That’s so funny that you just went there too! I def loved Graciela – maybe I should have bought two bottles to bring back home.
Maybe next time you’re down here we should go together!!