Temecula Valley Wine Region

Mid-way between San Diego and Los Angeles, the fast-growing wine-growing region of Temecula is set in a picturesque valley at a 1,500-foot elevation. Its genteel climate and pleasantly cool evenings are perfect for enjoying musical concerts hosted at wineries sprinkled along Rancho California Road and Dr. Portola Road. Overlooked by most visitors, Old Town Temecula blends historic buildings and wooden boardwalks lined with antique stores and restaurants. Why not snuggle up with your loved one on a horse-drawn carriage ride through town? Or treat yourself to a hot-air balloon ride over the valley. Golfers will want to tee off on any of eight ...

Mid-way between San Diego and Los Angeles, the fast-growing wine-growing region of Temecula is set in a picturesque valley at a 1,500-foot elevation. Its genteel climate and pleasantly cool evenings are perfect for enjoying musical concerts hosted at wineries sprinkled along Rancho California Road and Dr. Portola Road. Overlooked by most visitors, Old Town Temecula blends historic buildings and wooden boardwalks lined with antique stores and restaurants. Why not snuggle up with your loved one on a horse-drawn carriage ride through town? Or treat yourself to a hot-air balloon ride over the valley. Golfers will want to tee off on any of eight championship golf courses. Hikers can explore along the trails of Santa Rosa Plateau Wildlife Preserve, where fishing draws anglers to Lake Skinner. And the Pechanga Resort & Entertainment Center - California's largest casino - is a venue for boxing matches and concerts. The valley is renowned for its Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival featuring top-name entertainment, and the annual roster also includes car shows. Kids in tow? Take them to Professor Phineas Pennypickle's Wacky Imagination Workshop Children's Museum.

About the Expert

Christopher P. Baker has authored guidebooks to Costa Rica, California, and various Caribbean islands for Frommer's, Lonely Planet, and National Geographic, among others.