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A TASTE OF TEMECULA Southern California’s largest wine country is a hidden culinary gem
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Diverse, dynamic and oh-so-delicious, Temecula Valley is an epicure epicenter on the rise. Just a five-hour drive from Scottsdale, or an hour-drive from San Diego, Temecula is Southern California’s largest wine-producing region by volume and was recently named among the Top 10 Wine Destinations in the World by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The region has exploded in growth over the past decade, today boasting nearly 50 unique wineries and vineyards as well as several dozen award-winning eateries.
Epic Accommodations The overnight accommodations include a blend of boutique options as well as large-scale resorts, and even wine country estates. Of note are Europa Village, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, and Wilson Creek Manor. Europa Village sprawls across 40 acres and has multiple Old World-inspired winery experiences, as well as boutique lodging options in Bolero and The Inn at Europa Village. Bolero features 10 intimate Spanish bungalows nestled between olive trees and fountains, each with vaulted ceilings and a private courtyard and just steps from Bolero Restaurant, which specializes in tapas. The Inn at Europa Village is a small Parisian bed and breakfast overlooking the property’s vineyards and the C’est La Vie French tasting room. South Coast Winery is located just down the street. The only state winery to claim the title of California Winery of the Year five times at the California State Fair Wine Competition, South Coast is situated on 63 lush acres and features a grand resort with 132 rooms and magnificent villas, the full-service Grapeseed Spa, and the lauded Vineyard Rose Restaurant in addition to its full-scale winery operations. Finally, Wilson Creek Manor comes from the iconic family winery of the same name that helped put Temecula on the map with its world-renowned almond Champagne. In addition to multiple vineyard experiences, including wine glass engraving, Wilson Creek boasts a 12,000-square-foot manor in the heart of its vineyard. It features 10 well-appointed bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a game room, a private outdoor pool and spa, a barbeque, a gazebo, a basketball court, and a commercial-grade kitchen. It also comes with Wilson Creek wine stocked in the bar and exclusive access to both the acclaimed winery and its eatery.
Tour the Town There are nearly endless options for oenophiles in Temecula. The best bet is to lock in a tour for at least one day of any visit. With both preplanned itineraries that include vineyard picnics and custom tours, The Grapeline is a great option, especially since
108 So Scottsdale! December ‘23