Temecula - Southern California's Wine Country

Finally got my US Visa and my first stop is at Temecula.  It seems an odd place to start touring, but my family is here, so i got to know this side of the US first.  Temecula is a laid back city on the southern part of California known for it's wineries along it's valleys.  It is about an hour drive (approx. 60 miles) from San Diego.  I like it here because it is not so touristy compared to some of the famous places in California.  There are places here that are worthwhile.  Here are some of the places I have visited during my stay here:





TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY

The Temecula Valley Wine Country as they call it, is one of the featured attractions of Temecula.  There are over 40 wineries in the area, mostly along Rancho California and De Portola Road.  Wine aficionados go wine hopping in search for the best wine the area could offer.  Most of these wineries also have their own restaurants so you need not worry if get hungry. We visited 3 wineries when we went there.


Avensole Winery
34567 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
http://www.avensolewinery.com/

Ponte Winery
35053 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
https://www.pontewinery.com/

Smokehouse Salad

Calamari

Angry Wife Red 2015

Doffo Winery
36083 Summitville St, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
https://www.doffowines.com/

Miramonte Winery

33410 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591

http://www.miramontewinery.com/

Cali Burger

BBQ Chicken Flat Bread

Stuffed Mushrooms

OLD TOWN

Located at the heat of Temecula, Old Town takes you back in time as most establishments here are preserved since 1859.  You can walk around the wooden boardwalks and explore historic buildings, antique shops, and restaurants.  Every Saturday, there's the popular Farmer's Market which offers variety of fresh produce.

Old Town, Temecula, CA 92590, USA
https://temeculaca.gov/



VAIL HEADQUARTERS

Vail Headquarters is a historical park with specialty restaurants, boutique stores, and special events.  Originally a cattle ranch in 1867, the place was recently restored to provide a venue wherein the community can come together.  Special events here include, Farmer's Market every Tuesday, Starlight Bazaar every last Friday of the month, and Funday for the family every Sunday.

Vail Headquarters
32115 Temecula Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
https://www.vailhq.com/





THE COVE AT PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO

We were sponsored an overnight stay at Pechanga Resort and Casino and we checked out their new pool area called The Cove.  The Cove is comprised of 4 pools, nestled between the mountains which provides a very good panoramic view.  The place is really nice and perfect for a family staycation.

Pechanga Resort & Casino
45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
https://www.pechanga.com/





TEMECULA DUCK POND

The Temecula Duck Pond is one of Temecula's most visited parks. Its central location and wildlife make it a favorite Sunday destination. Families come to feed the wildlife and enjoy a warm sunny days in Temecula. There are many popular restaurants and shopping centers within walking distance.  The Temecula Duck Pond is also home to The Temecula Veterans Memorial park titled "Letters Home" by Fallbrook artist Christopher Pardell, which honors all members of the armed forces that have defended freedom and currently serve in the protection of our country.

Temecula Duck Pond
28250 Ynez Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, USA

ROSE HAVEN HERITAGE GARDEN

Rose Haven Heritage Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens organization and also a certified wildlife sanctuary recognized by the National Wildlife Federation in 2011.  It begun in 1991, is home to approximately 1,600 roses: hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers and mini‑roses.  In addition, there are many succulents and xeriscape plant sections. First blooms are enjoyed during April and May. June through August are spent weeding and deadheading. The cooling in Autumn brings another flush of bloom before we let the garden slip into dormancy at the end of the year.  The garden is open every day of the year from dawn to dusk. Please do not cut the flowers – leave them for others to enjoy.  Rose Haven Heritage Garden Temecula grows happily in Temecula and is a private garden open to the public. The 3.4 acre garden is owned and maintained by the Temecula Valley Rose Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit .  Visitors (and photographers) are always welcome, and there is ample parking on site. Professional photographers are expected to make a suitable donation for using the garden.

Rose Haven Heritage Garden

30592 Jedediah Smith Rd, Temecula, CA 92592 USA

HARVESTON LAKE

Harveston Lake Park is a picturesque lakeside park with a tranquil vibe offering trails for walking and jogging. The 17-acre park is surrounded by the beautiful Harveston Master Planned Community. You can rent pedal boats off the dock or enjoy a relaxing lakeside picnic.  The Lake House private facility has been designed for the exclusive use of the Harveston residents and their guests. Featuring a pool, spa, splash park and pavilion. The Lake House also provides an Event room with lakeside terrace with fireplace & bbq, along with a large greenbelt area, a Dance room that hosts a variety of fitness classes, and Classroom designed for small meetings.  Catch the community trolley to the Promenade Mall and a wide variety of restaurants, shops and quaint Old Town Temecula.   The community is also just a short drive away from the famous Temecula Valley wineries and breweries. 

Harveston Lake

40148 Village Rd, Temecula, CA 92591

DRIPPING SPRINGS TRAIL

Located in the heart of the Agua Tibia Wilderness, Dripping Spring trail offers great exercise with an elevation gain of almost 3000, scenic ridge line and mountain views, on a well maintained trail that traverses Temecula County where row of wineries and Vail lake can be seen in great clarity. Those looking for overnight camping accommodations after a long day on the trail can cozy up under the stars at the Dripping Springs Campground.  Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 15 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.  Get great views of the "Big Four" peaks to the north: Santiago Peak, Mt. Baldy, San Gorgonio, and San Jacinto, as well as High Point and the 200" telescope on Palomar Mountain, nearly all the time.  The best cardiovascular workout close to Fallbrook and Temecula. Distance: 12.8 miles. Elevation gain: 3200 ft.

Dripping Springs Trail

Forest Rte 8S07 - Dripping Springs CG 38814, CA-79, Temecula, CA 92592

Temecula is a lovely place.  If you want a place that is less touristy and more inclined to history and nature, visit Temecula when you're around Southern California.


Here are some travel tips if you want to visit Temecula:

1. If you're coming from the north, avoid the rush hours and traffic.
2. Unlike the northern parts of California, the southern part, including Temecula can be really hot specially on summer time.  Make sure to use light and free clothing during these months. 
3. The closest International Airport to Temecula is San Diego International Airport.
4. If you're planning to visit Temecula, 1-2 days is enough to cover the attractions in the area, so it's good for a weekend getaway or a side trip if you visit San Diego.
5. There are several casinos in Temecula, so it is a more subtle alternative to Las Vegas.
6. For more info about Temecula, please visit https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/   and https://temeculaca.gov/

For more travel and food blogs, please visit:  http://haringlarga.blogspot.com/p/home.html