Looking for a fun and relaxing girlfriend's getaway? Look no further than Temecula Valley Wine Country!
Living in Southern California, I've had the opportunity to visit Temecula, CA pretty often. Temecula is the perfect long weekend spot for you and your girlfriends to reconnect and have fun. Why? Well, it is just a short drive to San Diego, near the world-famous Glen Ivy Hot Springs, and home to over 40 wineries, and Pechanga Resort Casino.
Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect girlfriend's getaway to Temecula.
Wineries
There are over 40 wineries in Temecula, so you and your girlfriends will definitely want to dedicate at least one day of your trip to wine tastings! Many of the wineries offer stunning views of the surrounding valleys, and some even have picnic areas where you can enjoy a bottle of wine with a cheese plate.
Some of my favorite wineries are:
Wiens Family Cellars is the perfect place to explore your adventurous side. Located in the heart of Temecula Wine Country, Wiens offers a variety of delicious wines, from their famous "Big Reds" to their sparkling wine. In addition to their impressive selection, Wiens also offers a variety of exclusive tastings, including Wine Club tastings in the Barrel Room and seated tastings of limited production wines in the Cellar Room.
Altisima Winery was founded by eight local families who wanted to create a legacy project. The founders wanted to build an atmosphere where people could come together and enjoy good wine and company.
Altisima Winery produces premium wines with varietals that are designed to be enjoyed with food. The mission of the winery is to honor the traditions of those who paved the way for Temecula Valley's wine industry. Visit Altisima Winery to enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning view of the Temecula Valley.
Source: Google Earth
Lorimar Winery is a unique winemaking experience in the heart of the Temecula Valley. Founded in 2009 by brothers-in-law Lawrie Lipton and Mark Manfield, it combines their shared passions of music, hospitality, and culinary and performing arts. The Tuscan-style facility overlooks breathtaking views of Mount Palomar and the Santa Ana Mountains.
While there, visitors can enjoy wine tastings and purchases at the onsite tasting room as well as special events such as live music concerts, wine dinners created by gourmet chefs, cooking classes, yoga classes, educational seminars about wine making and vineyard care, and other interactive activities for all ages.
Besides producing exceptional wines from some of Southern California's most premium grapes varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Zinfandel - Lorimar also produces Sangiovese which many consider one of Temecula Valley’s signature grape varieties. Whether looking for a place to sit back or an opportunity to explore all aspects of winemaking - Lorimar Winery is sure to provide an unforgettable experience!
Leoness Cellars
Leoness Cellars is a highly regarded winery founded by Tim Kramer. The winery has become renowned for producing a wide variety of exquisite wines. Leoness Cellars takes great care to ensure each wine is reflective of the unique characteristics of Temecula Valley.
The wines crafted at Leoness Cellars include an array of wonderful varietals such as Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Merlot, Muscat Canelli and Cinsault Port plus small lots of other specially selected varietals. Winemaker Tim Kramer’s creations have earned recognition across the country for highlighting the true potential of Temecula Valley wines.
In addition to crafting award winning wines, Leoness Cellars offers several delightful experiences to enjoy while visiting their beautiful estate vineyards. From tasting flights and barrel tastings to picnics and private events - there are plenty of ways to savor the flavors of Temecula Valley's finest winemaking traditions at Leoness Cellars.
The staff also offer tours throughout their vineyards which can be followed with a stop at their tasting room where guests get to sample various varieties in a cozy setting surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
BOTTAIA Winery is a leading producer of Italian varietals. The winery is known for its commitment to creating quality wines using sustainable viticulture practices and modern winemaking applications combined with traditional Old World techniques. The grapes used in their production are all sourced from BOTTAIA's own estate vineyards. The cellars employ experienced staff and feature state-of-the-art equipment, such as large format concrete and oak vats and casks, where the aging of the wine takes place.
The selection of single-varietal Italian wines and blends crafted by BOTTAIA Winery include red wines aged in oak vats or concrete tanks, and then aged further in large capacity oak casks for at least two years. For the reserve wines, they are aged an additional two years in the bottle before being released. All these processes ensure that each bottle encapsulates the essence of the Temecula region's terroir and grape varieties grown on their own estate vineyards.
Beyond producing wine, BOTTAIA is committed to giving back to their local community by participating in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting local charities and sponsoring events such as live music performances at nearby parks. They also strive to reduce their environmental impact through sustainable farming practices, so that future generations can continue to enjoy their local heritage while enjoying great Italian wines from BOTTAIA Winery.
Pechanga Resort & Casino
Pechanga Resort Casino is an award-winning property run and owned by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. The resort has a total of 200,000 square feet devoted to gaming, 1,090 rooms for guests to enjoy, as well as a 25,000 square feet spa facility. The AAA Four Diamond Award-winning property was also named “Best U.S. Casino” by USA Today in 2015.
Visitors can enjoy the variety of amenities Pechanga has to offer such as the luxurious hotel accommodations, 18-hole championship golf course designed by Arthur Hills & Associates and rated four stars from Golf Digest Magazine; world-class spa services including massage therapy, body treatments and fitness classes; multiple restaurants featuring cuisine from around the world; 6 swimming pools; expansive shopping outlets with high-end clothing stores and jewelry shops; live entertainment ranging from comedy acts to popular bands; numerous bars for late night enjoyment; and of course one of the largest casinos on the West Coast with over 4200 slot machines and 225+ table games.
Whether your goal is relaxation or entertainment or a combination of both - Pechanga Resort Casino is guaranteed to make your visit an unforgettable experience.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs is the perfect destination for a getaway with friends. Located in Corona, CA, just 30 minutes away from Temecula, it offers something unique and special that you won't find anywhere else.
From mud baths to mineral pools, massage treatments to facials, Glen Ivy will keep you entertained and relaxed all day long. Plus, visitors can take advantage of the Southern California sun by renting one of the private cabanas available. All in all, Glen Ivy Hot Springs is a perfect place to hang out with friends and enjoy a few hours of rest and relaxation.
With its picturesque views and calming atmosphere, it's no wonder why this popular hot spring has become such an attraction for those who are looking for something different and exciting in their travels. And if you're looking for something even more special than just treatments and pool time, you can join one of the yoga or Pilates classes available at Glen Ivy too! With so much to do and enjoy, a trip to Glen Ivy Hot Springs is sure to be memorable for everyone involved.
Proximity to San Diego
Temecula is just a short drive from San Diego, so you can enjoy all that San Diego has to offer without having to travel too far away. From world-class museums and galleries to delicious restaurants and vibrant nightlife, San Diego has something for everyone. And if you're looking for some fun in the sun, don't forget about San Diego's world-famous beaches!
With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that San Diego is one of California's most popular tourist destinations. So why not make Temecula your basecamp for exploring all that the area has to offer?
Final Thoughts
Temecula is the perfect place for a girlfriend's getaway. With its proximity to San Diego, its many wineries, and casino - there's something for everyone in Temecula. So, get your girls together and enjoy a fun-filled getaway.