The Temecula wineries are the perfect place for a romantic getaway in Southern California. Check out our tips for hotels, restaurants, and activities for couples visiting Temecula.
Since first visiting Temecula, California wine country in 2014, my husband and I have visited the area at least twice a year. It is our favorite place for an adults-only getaway. We only recently started visiting the wineries. There is plenty to do in Temecula even if you aren’t a wine lover!
Temecula is located inland California between Los Angeles and San Diego. It’s an easy hour drive to the beaches of San Diego or downtown San Diego. We love to go to the beach in Carlsbad, California from Temecula. Little Italy San Diego is also an easy drive for a delicious dinner.
Tips for A Romantic Weekend at the Temecula Wineries
Temecula Hotels – Where to Stay in Temecula
It is most affordable, and far less crowded, if you can visit Temecula during the week. That said, the crowds aren’t too terrible on weekends. Summers are hot so those months are also less crowded.
You can choose a hotel that is in town or in wine country. We prefer to stay in the wine country area as it is easier to get around and you do a lot less driving. But the hotels in town are definitely cheaper.
The Inn at Churon Winery – This is the hotel we almost always stay at in Temecula. We love it that much! On a whim, I bought a Groupon for a little place called the Inn at Churon Winery. I didn’t really pay much attention to the hotel when I bought the voucher. But it was an absolute delight! It is showing it’s age but it is still our favorite place.
Your stay will include a made-to-order breakfast every morning that you can either eat in your room (for a fee) or in the dining area. There is a beautiful outdoor patio you can eat on if the weather is nice.
Rooms include either king-size or 2 queen beds. The beds are very comfortable.
Every room we have stayed in, including a suite, has an electric fireplace. These are really nice in the winter months.
They also each include large, jetted, 2 person tubs in a spacious bathroom.
Almost every room at the Churon includes a private patio or balcony and an incredible view.
There are plenty of other hotels in Temecula wine country including:
- Carter Estate Winery and Resort – this property looks very nice and offers bungalows.
- Ponte Vineyard Inn – we have eaten dinner here and it’s very nice!
Temecula Restaurants – Where to Eat in Temecula
There is no shortage of delicious food in Temecula. There are romantic restaurants in Temecula and there are casual restaurants. Some wineries offer food and others do not.
Robert Renzoni Winery – This is great for lunch with beautiful views. The pizza is fantastic. The wine at Robert Renzoni is also delicious so stay and do a wine tasting.
Avensole Winery – Avensole is one of the best places to eat in wine country. The charcuterie board is one of the largest you will find. You will definitely want to make reservations. Try the lavender martini!
Pala Casino Lobster Buffet – This one is a bit of a drive (like 45 minutes) and it’s in a casino. But it’s the best seafood buffet we’ve ever had. Go early and get in line before it opens or you’ll be waiting a long time. It’s also ONLY on Tuesday and Thursday so plan accordingly.
Rosa’s Cafe and Tortilla Factory– Pass up the full-service Mexican restaurant for this counter-service place. It is cheap and it was delicious. We are stuffed for under $20.
Maurice Car’rie Winery – This little winery is absolutely gorgeous. They also happen to be famous for sourdough bread filled with Brie cheese. It’s cheesy and garlicky with a butter flavor. You will not be disappointed! Have them heat one up, grab a couple of glasses of wine and sit outside on the porch.
Temecula Wine Tasting – Where to Taste Wine
Temecula wine country is home to over 40 wineries. We have not even hit half of them in 7 years. You probably don’t need to get a tasting for each person. We usually do 1 tasting and share. Tastings usually cost $25-$30 per person and include 4-6 wines.
Miramonte Winery – If you stay at the Inn at Churon, Miramonte is right across the street. Go for a wine tasting and makes sure to try the sangria. Miramonte also has a bistro. Wines to try: We love them all!
Wilson Creek Winery – Wilson Creek is one of our favorite places to hang out in Temecula. Go early in the day because it gets crowded. Wilson Creek has a restaurant as well. You can sit in the courtyard here, or by the creek. It’s a great place to hang out for the day. Wines to try: White Cabarnet and any of the sparkling wines
Leoness Cellars – Leoness offers beautiful views of their vineyards on a patio setting. They also have a restaurant. They have a very nice patio for members so it may be worth joining their wine club to access it. Wines to try: Anything red!
Lorenzi Estate Vineyards and Winery – Lorenzi is a small winery that specializes in artisanal red wines. If you love red wine, then you should do a tasting here. Their bottles are on the pricier side but still worth a tasting.
Other Temecula Activities – What to Do In Temecula
Visit Old Town Temecula – This is a cute downtown part of Temecula with shops and restaurants. It does close down around 5 PM so make sure to check it out in the day.
Coin-Op Game Room – Go for dinner and drinks and play vintage arcade and pinball games. This place is super fun and for 21 and over.
Go to the Beach – Spend a day at the beach in Carlsbad, California. It’s about an hour’s drive and very easy to get to. Carlsbad is one of our favorite California beach towns. It has great beaches, a quaint downtown, and lots of places to eat.
The Temecula wineries provide a low-key, gorgeous location for a romantic weekend away.