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Posted February 2006
Temecula’s Many Wineries are Easy to Visit
Southern California has long been known for its weather and
beach attractions, and many a TV show attests to its appeal (Can
you say “Baywatch?”). But just as many people are beginning to
find that inland also has its entertainment advantages.
The rugged-frontier town of Old Temecula is a great jumping
off point to 20 nearby wineries in this Valley community just
60 miles north of San Diego.
In the heart of California’s South Coast wine region, the closely-clustered
wine producers make Temecula a fun day of wine tasting and exploration.
Take the Rancho California exit east off Highway 15 to begin
your journey.
Thornton Winery
If you are a fan of sparkling wine (or Champagne)
your first stop will be Thorton Winery which produces several
wines in the methode champenoise manner. You can purchase, and
taste onsite bruts (vintage and non-vintage), brut roses, and
a blanc de noir, as well as a couple of other sparklings. Tastings
range from $9 to $15 and you can partake of sit down service
with complimentary bread and goat cheese spread. If that isn’t
enough, appetizers may be ordered as well.
 32575 Rancho California Rd
Temecula, CA 92589
(951) 699-0099
www.thorntonwine.com/
Maurice Car’rie Winery
Further up the road (on the same side)
and in a similar vein, stop at Maruice Car’rie Vineyard and Winery.
Here you will find an unusual Pineapple-flavored sparkling wine
which you can enjoy with fresh-baked brie and sourdough bread
either in the tasting room, or picnic-style on the grounds. With
14 varietals available for sale, it is likely that everyone in
your group will find a wine to suit their tastes. Maruice Car’rie
produces chardonnays, sauvignon blancs, chenin blancs, Rieslings,
cream sherry, Muscat Canelli, White Cabernet, Cabernet Franc
blush, pinot noir, merlots, etc.
34225 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 92592
951-676-1711
www.mauricecarriewinery.com/
South Coast Winery, Resort and Spa
For the most complete experience
you may have in California, stop by the South Coast Winery. In
addition to the winery, this expansive property boasts luxury
lodging, restaurant, and spa. You could spend your entire winetasting
trip here; well actually you should just book it for your vacation.
If you just want to taste the wines, however, don’t hesitate
to stop in tasting room. $8 will get you five tastes. If you
are curious about the wines before stopping in, read
WineCountry.com's Wine Editor, Thom Elkjer’s, review.
34843 Rancho California Road
Temecula . California 92591
951.587.WINE [9463]
www.wineresort.com/
Miramonte
Heading back toward Highway 15, and on the opposite
side of the road, is the family-run boutique winery, Miramonte.
Reds, whites and sparklings are served here, including Syrahs,
and Zinfandels.
Best deal: Every Friday night, dinner and music is served with
the wines. Hot Latin jazz, Rhumba, and Flamenco are the musical
menu; dinners are $8 to $10 an entrée and the price of admission
is your tasting fee: $6 to $8 (waived if you are a club member).
Saturdays are similar, but the music choice is blues.
33410 Rancho California Rd.
Temecula, CA 92591
Ph: (951) 506-5500
www.miramontewinery.com/
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