How to Spend a Weekend Wine Tasting in Temecula, California (with map)

Temecula Wine Tasting is the best!

Best wineries and where to go in Temecula, California - with map!

My sister and I had a wedding to attend in Temecula and decided to make the most of it. Since it is only a few hours away from Los Angeles, we decided to drive up on a Saturday morning and come back on Sunday. We went to 4 wineries across the 2 days and here's how it went down..

My sweet sister kindly picked up some Starbucks and swooped me up along the way, leaving LA with enough time to drive to Temecula (approx 2 hours without traffic) to make it to our wine tour!

Here is a Temecula winery map made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation! 

Map courtesy of Wanderlog travel planner

ENTRANCE TO OLD TOWN TEMECULA

A little after 9a, we arrived at our hotel, the Extended Stay America (see review below), checked-in and called for our Uber to take us to the Stampede where we were to meet our tour, Grapeline Wine Tours Temecula, and get our taste on. 

Temecula Antique Shop

We entered through the Old Town, which the downtown area, that looked like an old miners town with wood-planked sidewalks and old tanks of all sorts, with antique shops galore! Super charming!

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Grapeline Wine Tours - Best Wine Tour in Temecula!

OUR WINE TOUR ITINERARY FOR THE DAY.

We booked a half-day wine tour for $95 which included tasting flights at 3 wineries, vineyard tour, cheese pairing, and a driver for the day. We reserved our spots about a month prior and emailed them directly, requesting the vineyards we were interested in.

The tour picked around 10a and was scheduled to drop us off at 2p just in time to get ready for the wedding we were attending at 5p. We were greeted by Robert, our guide, and he told us that we would be visiting all the wineries we requested and we had a great selection. He handed us a detailed itinerary and a discount card that basically gave 10-20% off all bottle purchases! He also told us the cheesiest, most amazing jokes to keep us entertained.

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South Coast Winery

STROLLING THROUGH SOUTH COAST WINERY, TEMECULA

We traveled about 10 minutes to our first stop, South Coast Winery.

The grounds were so beautiful, full of flowers and Instagrammable photo ops. The inside was different with animals everywhere. We went in for our tasting and we were the first and only ones there, but it was also 10:30am. Pamela helped us out, and she was very generous with her pours. She even volunteered to take a picture of us... and we got a selfie of her as well! Didn't even know she was taking it!

The most notable wines we enjoyed were:

1. Extra Dry Sparkling - Yummy Champagne taste

2. Boulder Red 2.0 - Closest to a petite Sirah

3. Wild Horse Peak Temporale - Earthy with a pepper taste

South Coast Wine Tasting Room

Robert kept us on schedule (even though we wandered off to take pictures) and got us back on the bus to take us to our next stop, Falkner Winery.

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Falkner Winery

Gorgeous Temecula Views from Falkner

Falkner had beautiful views from the top of the hill of Temecula Valley. We really wanted to come here because of the name to say things like Falk you and Falk off. Robert said no one had ever made those jokes before. We didn't believe him!

We went down into the cellar where we had the wine tasting along with a cheese and fruit pairing. Our fave was the Amante Super Tuscan which was similar to Sangiovese. I wasn't sure if I liked the Risque Riesling, or if I just liked the bottle and name... either way it wasn't bad! 

We were kinda disappointed we were in this dark room and the day was so beautiful. I was just excited that they let us keep the glass! FREE SOUVENIRS! 

Falkner Winery Free Glasses

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Europa Village Winery

THIS WAY TO EUROPA VILLAGE WINERY!

Our last stop was Europa Village Winery which was under construction but you couldn't really tell at first glance (especially after 2 other tastings). 

EUROPA VILLAGE WINERY - OUTSIDE TASTING BAR AND SEATING

EUROPA VILLAGE WINE TASTING PASSPORT AND COUPON

We were handed a tasting passport that they would stamp after each tasting (sometimes they forgot) and had a large selection of wines. Our favorite Europa wine was the Vendetta, which was a fruity yet rich red. We decided to buy a couple bottles and upon purchasing, we decided to become a member! 

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We were dropped back off at the Stampede in the old town area and picked up a pizza to eat at our hotel to get ready and go to our friend's wedding. We proceeded to eat our Shakey's pepperoni pizza and popped a bottle of Vendetta.

Old Town Temecula Restaurants

The next day we got ready (slowly) and sought out a good brunch spot. Our options seemed limited via Yelp so we decided we would drive through Old Town until we found a place we liked. 1909 was the happening spot, we put our name down for a 40-minute wait while we looked around for another restaurant before we ate each other out of starvation. Luckily it didn't come to that and right next door was Public House, which had a shaded patio and no wait! I had the eggs benedict with bacon (pork belly) and a coffee since we weren't ready for mimosas yet.

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Briar Rose Winery

Briar Rose Winery House - Straight out of a Disney movie

Before heading back to LA, there was one more spot we HAD to check out, Briar Rose Winery. It was like a Disneyland vineyard, with a cottage and princess statues. 

The gardens were filled with statues that were very Disney like. We were convinced that Snow White or Cinderella were going to come out and break into song at any moment! It didn’t happen, probably for the best!

We didn't make a reservation so our only option was to buy a bottle or glass of wine to walk around. I got a glass of the White Zin which I hadn't seen white zin at any other vineyard (or ever) - it was refreshing and pink! 

Briar Rose Wine Tasting Room

Finally, it was time to head home to beat traffic. I took one last look at the rolling hills covered in grapevines. BUT, before we left, we needed ice cream! So we stopped at Creamistry for some Liquid Nitrogen ice cream and then got on the freeway.

VINES AND KATE SPADE ICE CREAM UMBRELLAS

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Where we stayed: Extended Stay America - Temecula Hotels - Wine Country

27622 Jefferson Avenue, Temecula, CA 92590

I would never stay here again. We booked through Expedia which apparently means you are automatically signed up for a smoking room. The lady at the front desk said it doesn't smell THAT bad. She at least let us check it out before we took it. The hallway smelled terrible but the room wasn't too bad. It had new hardwood floors and was relatively clean. The view was of the parking lot and the freeway, which you could hear the cars rushing down the 15. The clientele was interesting as people hung out and smoked blunts in the parking lot. We were worried our car wasn't going to be there the next day. Luckily, we spent just one night and had enough wine to make it bearable. I’d recommend staying at an Airbnb or some of the vineyards have fancy rooms available!

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If you have ever been to Temecula, let us know about your favorite places! We'll be back soon - I have to pick up wine at Europa Village for my wine club! A hot air balloon ride over Temecula is on my list, which my friend highly recommended! Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

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Wine Tasting in Temecula

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Need another glass? Try these posts:

10 Best Brunch Los Angeles Restaurants - with map!

Santa Monica Pier

10 Best Brunch Spots around Los Angeles - Map included!

Brunch is my favorite meal! I love meeting with my friends all over LA for some breakfast food and a couple of drinks. Let me guide you to great food, bottomless mimosas, outdoor seating, and who takes reservations! It will be the perfect weekend brunch!

Here is a map made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation! 

Map courtesy of Wanderlog travel planner

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WESTSIDE BRUNCH

26 Beach

Address: 3100 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292

($$) With beach umbrellas out front and a mix match of coffee mugs this is such a unique and fun restaurant! I love it because you can have ice cream for breakfast and Mom won't get mad!

Must Haves:

• Polar Bear French Toast - Croissant french toast topped with ice cream and berries! Sometimes its not on their menu but you can still order it! 

• The Peach Melba - 2 "croissant" French toasts, caramelized peaches, vanilla ice cream, melba sauce. Melba is pureed raspberries thickened with powdered sugar. 

• Reese's Piece's - Stuffed with peanut butter, chopped Reese's, served with Callebaut chocolate sauce on the side

Speaking of ice cream, see our other local ice cream suggestions in our Best Ice Cream in Los Angeles post 

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes and a covered patio - can get hot on warm summer days!

• Parking?: Street Parking - I usually park in the residential neighborhood across the street

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: YES!

• Menu: 26 Beach brunch Menu

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 SALT at the Marina Del Rey Hotel

Address: 13534 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

($$$) Located in the Marina on the water, this place has stunning views of boats floating by and great brunch dishes!

Must Haves:

• Croque-Madame - Fra’mani ham and gruyere cheese on brioche, sunny side up farm egg, sauce morna (MOUTH IS WATERING) Morna sauce is like an aioli 

• Buttermilk Pancakes with Berries and Cream - reminds me of the Starburst commercial every time

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes, usually pretty sunny - bring sunscreen! Firepits are available too for those cold mornings!

• Parking?: Valet parking only ($4 for 4 Hours)

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Nope, by the glass

• Menu: Click Here

Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar

Address: 417 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292

($$-$$$) Jeremy Fall has concocted a special menu incorporating breakfast items into almost anything, even cocktails! The restaurant was inspired by serving breakfast to musicians after finishing their sets during the wee hours of the morning on the Sunset Strip in the 80's and 90's.

Must Haves:

• Spiked Cereal Milk - I loved the Cocoa Puffs and Vanilla Vodka. Just like it sounds - cereal milk with the cereal strained out and add alcohol! Why didn't I think of that?

• Benedict Fries - the only funky thing was the gruyere cheese - it smelled bad and I picked it off. 

• Chicken and Biscuits - the gravy is perfection, phenomenal dish

• Nighthawk Breakfast Sandwich - maple bacon sausage, scrambled eggs, gruyere cheese, arugula, peppercorn mayo, champagne vinegrette, pretzel bun

• Stack O'Bacon - Sweet Tapatio candied bacon! Kinda pricey for bacon.

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Not exactly, but there are seats by the windows that are wide open

• Parking?: Valet or Street - valet would be easier

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: I don't think so. but get the Spiked Cereal Milk

• Menu: Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar

Whiskey Reds

Address: 13813 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

($$) Family owned and located in Fisherman's Village in Marina Del Rey, just before the boats hit the channel! There are plenty of covered tables outdoors to enjoy the sea lions swimming and boats sailing by. On Sundays, they offer a brunch buffet. 

Must Haves:

• Breakfast burrito with a side of tots! 

• Eggs Benedict - a classic and always great

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Tons of outdoor seating with plenty of umbrellas and fire pits if its cold

• Parking?: Valet Parking or lot next door (free with validation)

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: YES

• Menu: Whiskey Reds Brunch

Killer Cafe

Address: 4213 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

($) Our favorite place to stop for a quick breakfast burrito and hash browns or to nurse a hangover. As a sister to Killer Shrimp and just next door, this has a nice cafe atmosphere complete with a long counter where coffee constantly flows to your cup! 

Must Haves:

• Breakfast Burrito with avocado and Hash Browns! The hash browns are sooo goood - thick slices of potatoes and a huge brick serving! 

• Scrambles - huge portions! 

• I'm not a shrimp fan, but there are a lot of Shrimp items on the menu!

• Coffee is great, you can get a free cup if you check-in on Yelp! 

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: There are a few tables on the patio but they are usually in full sun in the morning

• Parking?: Parking lot in front

• Takes Reservations?: Nope, but you can order from Grubhub if you really can't wait!

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Nope, but you can get them by the glass

• Menu: Killer Cafe Brunch

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Huntley Hotel - Penthouse Restaurant

Address: 1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Must Haves:

• b a c o n w a f f l e s t a c k - Bacon Waffle Batter, Topped with Two Eggs Any Style, Maple Syrup

• e g g s b e n e d i c t - Two Poached Eggs, Canadian Bacon, Classic Hollandaise

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Nope, but beautiful Penthouse views!

• Parking?: Valet Parking in the hotel or Street Parking

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Sometimes? They didn’t offer it last time I went.

• Menu: Penthouse Brunch

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The Rose Venice

Address: 220 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

($$) Properly named, located off Rose Ave and Main St, Rose Cafe had a major facelift a few years ago. Chef Jason Neroni (formerly of Superba) has brought back life to this cafe presenting local Southern California cuisine with an international influence from his world travels. Inside you'll find a gorgeous bar designed with a local touch from Studio UNLTD and a bakery with an impressive selection of baked goods on the front counters. 

Must Haves:

• Pasteries! Served in threes this is a perfect start to your meal

• Classic Quiche - Leek, toma, honey nut squash, garden salad with poppyseed vinaigrette 

• Avocado Toast - So LA, but with a twist - Fried duck egg, pickled fresno chillies, pistachios 

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes, lots, both covered in the beer garden or open air out on the front patio

• Parking?: Valet Parking in the back or Street Parking

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Nope, but you can get them by the glass or a carafe of Rosé

• Menu: Rose Cafe Brunch

HOLLYWOOD Brunch Spots

Norah 

Address: 8279 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

($$$) Fancy brunch for fancy friends! Note: If you go for a birthday, they don't have dessert at brunchtime! 

Must Haves:

• Cast Iron Corn Bread - YUM

• Breakfast Sandwich - so basic, but the combo of egg, sausage and american cheese is pure genius! 

• Duck Confit Hash - was very popular among the table! Yukon gold potatoes, poached eggs and chili sauce

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes, if you count a large open window creating a patio atmosphere

• Parking?: Street Parking

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Nope, but try the seasonal spritzer! 

• Menu: Norah Brunch
  

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Hamburger Mary's

Address: 8288 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

($$) Enter if you're looking to have a good time! On weekends the drag queens come out and put on a great show at this famous hamburger stand! 

Must Haves:

• Chocolate Chip Pancakes! 

• Mac 'N Cheese Hamburger

• Cookies and Cream Milkshake - spectacular!

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes, there is a patio off of the street

• Parking?: Street Parking or a garage across the street 

• Takes Reservations?: Only for large parties

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Yep, the Bloody Mary's are also amazing 

• Menu: Hamburger Mary's Menu
  

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MALIBU Brunch Places

Malibu Farm Pier Cafe

Address: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

($$) This spot is located at the end of the Malibu pier and has great farm to table options!

Must Haves:

• Breakfast burrito - scrambled eggs, chicken sausage, black beans, cheese, peppers, onions, guacamole

• Fried egg sandwich - bacon, arugula, baby potatoes, havarti, country wheat toast, lemon aioli

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes, lots of patio seating!

• Parking?: Lot just before the pier

• Takes Reservations?: No, you order at the registers and take a number

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Nope, they only have beer and wine, the Malibu Farm Restaurant at the beginning of the pier does have a full bar.

• Menu: Malibu Farm Menu
  

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Don’t forget the brunch essentials:

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Thanks for reading! 

Love and ice cream,

Kathleen

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