If you love winetasting but prefer to sample wine at its source, there's no better or closer destination than Temecula Valley wine country. It's a fun-filled experience that is less than 90 minutes from Orange County yet feels as though it's worlds away. 

Summer is the perfect time to visit Temecula wine country. The weather is warm, nights are cool, and the grapes are hanging prominently on the vines.

"Temecula" comes from the Luiseño Indian word "Temecunga," which means "place of sun." The Spanish interpreted and spelled that word as "Temecula," but over the years it has been translated into several different versions, including, "Where the sun breaks through the mist." No matter the meaning, the combination of mild climate and beautiful rolling hills has long attracted people to this area.

Forty years ago, Vincenzo Cilurzo (then a noted Hollywood lighting director) planted the first vineyard in Temecula. Cilurzo sold his grapes to Eli Callaway and other pioneering Temecula winemakers before starting his own Cilurzo Winery (renamed Bella Vista by new owners after Cilurzo retired).

Since then, the number of wineries in Temecula has grown from a mere handful to more than 30, with a majority of the growth occurring in the last 10 years. Wineries range from small family operations that produce a few thousand cases a year to large facilities whose annual production tops 60,000 cases. And each winery has its own personality.

Most of the wineries are located along a stretch of Rancho California Road several miles east from the I-15 freeway. Additional wineries are also located on De Portolo, a side road that connects with Highway 74.

Whether visiting the area for a day or a weekend, remember that summertime is a busy time in Temecula. Larger wineries such as Wilson Creek, Wiens, Thornton, Ponte and South Coast accommodate crowds by opening additional tasting areas (including wine club-only tasting bars) and offering plenty of parking. Smaller wineries are often easier to navigate (particularly on Saturdays) and usually provide visitors with direct access to the winemaker, who is often the one pouring the wine.

Making a choice
Ask anyone who's been to Temecula for their favorite winery and you will get a range of answers. With so many wineries, and wine varietals, it all comes down to a matter of personal taste. Remember, the best wine in Temecula is
the one you like.

Numerous grape varietals grow in the Temecula Valley region, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and many more. About the only grape you won't find much of is the delicate Pinot Noir, although some wineries are starting to explore that potential.

A hint for those looking for certain types of wines: Thornton is the king of bubbly, although Wilson Creek is renowned for its almond champagne. Many wineries make a variety of whites, including Hart, South Coast, Ponte, and Stuart Cellars. For big reds, try Wiens, Hart, Palumbo, Callaway and Frangipani.
For a list of wineries, check out temeculawines.org and swcv.org.  
   
Out and about
Options abound for getting to and around Temecula. If you're driving from OC and don't own a convertible, rent one and enjoy cruising through wine country with the sun shining on your face, the wind blowing in your hair, and the scent of the fresh grapes and orange groves filling your senses.

Groups of eight or more should consider renting a limo or shuttle so the group can share the experience while enjoying the luxury of drinking while someone else drives. One cost-saving option is to have everyone meet in Temecula and rent the limo from there. Make sure you call ahead to the wineries and confirm they allow limos on the day you want to visit and can accommodate your large party.

The Grapeline (gogrape.com) is another great way to get around wine country. This shuttle picks up passengers at most local hotels and provides all-day transportation among the wineries.  

Choosing the cuisine
Until recently, Temecula wine country dining options were virtually non-existent. Now, many wineries have notable restaurants on site with beautiful décor, views of the vineyards and excellent cuisine.

Most wineries also offer scenic picnic areas. Bring your own basket of goodies and purchase wine by the glass or bottle, or you may find picnic items such as meat, cheese and baked bread available at a few wineries.

One of the most popular Temecula treats can be found at Maurice Carrie winery: a large hollowed bread bowl stuffed with a chunk of brie cheese and baked until it's melted and ready to be devoured. It can take up to a half-hour to make Vineyard events.

The fun doesn't stop in Temecula when the sun starts to set, especially during the summer. Special winemaker dinners can be found everywhere, as can live music and summer barbecues. You can find jazz concerts at Thornton Winery or Wilson Creek, blues and rock at Stuart Cellars, or even Flamenco at Miramonte Winery. Weins Family Cellars and Longshadow Ranch offer comedy nights on Fridays, and many wineries now feature monthly wine club member nights with appetizers and entertainment.
June 1-3 is the annual Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival at Lake Skinner.   

Recreation and shopping
Some of us love the idea of wine tasting all weekend, but others will appreciate the range of activities available in Temecula.

Old Town Temecula, located one mile west off of the I-15 on Rancho California, offers a variety of antique stores, restaurants, gift shops, and even olive oil tasting, all in an area that has the unmistakable look and feel of the Wild West.Duffers will enjoy any of Temecula's four golf courses, including Temecula Creek Inn Golf Resort and Temeku Hills Golf & Country. A number of companies offer hot air balloon rides, and some include sky diving and biplane rides as optional activities.  In town, Pechanga Resort and Casino is run by the same band of Native Americans who helped name Temecula.

For more information on Temecula, visit TemeculaCVB.com.