Meet Me in Temecula: Summer Wine Tasting
Story by Aja Goare
Photography by Dustin Klemann
As we enter the dog days of summer, many San Luis Obispo County residents may appreciate the short drive and European charm of Temecula. Here, we share a shortlist of scenic wineries with delectable wines.
Carter Estate Winery and Resort
A tidy bungalow with a private patio is tucked into 112 acres of grape vines at Carter Estate Vineyards. Hidden from the main road, lizards scamper by as birds of prey soar overhead. The proximity of this oasis to the grapes that grow just feet away makes it a cozy and convenient place to stay while wine tasting in Temecula.
A short walk from the front door of the bungalow to the main entrance of the tasting room allows guests to sip with ease. This particular vineyard and accompanying tasting room are known for their sparkling wines. Though only sparkling wine produced in Champagne, France can be named as such, sparkling wine produced here is Méthode Champenoise. Carter Estate Winery works with estate grown chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot blanc and pinot gris grapes for its sparkling wines.
A tasting flight of five sparkling wines includes a glass of the estate’s cuvée prestige, which has been aged for nine years. For added flair, the flight can be paired with chocolates handmade by a local Venezuelan chocolatier. As the climate is comparable to the Mediterranean – characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winter – hot summer months can be remedied with Carter’s newly minted sorbet pairing. Climate controlled rooms bungalows are also privy to the onsite swimming pool and snack shack.
Akash Winery
When the Patel family first acquired and built on the property 20 years ago, they began with a capacity for 3,500 cases of wine. Now, that figure is 8,500 and it’s still growing with plans to build a new facility. On 20 acres of land, they’ve grown four grapes – sauvignon blanc, petite syrah, cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel. The latter was the first wine produced at the vineyard in 2016. As Akash Assistant Winemaker Roberto Sais, who makes wine alongside his brother, Ronato, explains, “We try to understand, not change nature.”
That sentiment is also evident in the design of the tasting area, which offers open-air seating to the public, along with a private tasting space that’s situated among the vines. “This is my favorite place to have tea in the morning,” Roberto says.
Akash features two labels; one with grapes from the estate and the other produced with fruit from neighboring vines. The bottle labels identify the exact harvest date, name of the artist and pH. Roberto says the thinking is as much about transparency as it is pride in the process.
Lorimar Winery
Live music is a cornerstone of Lorimar Winery, where the labels on wine bottles feature music notes. In 2024 alone, Lorimar hosted 515 musicians, whether it was a sunny day or otherwise. Art is important to winery owners, too, with the works of local artists featured around the tasting room.
Framed by citrus groves, the property features a beautiful Tuscan style tasting room where estate grapes – cabernet sauvignon, syrah, grenache, muscat, viognier and sangiovese – are served. The nearby “Loft” is used as an event space and holds barrels used for aging wine. A breathtaking view of the vineyard can be found on the string light adorned green space that serves as a dance floor for wedding parties.
“We’re proud of our barrel program,” says a tasting room attendant. “We’re French oak exclusive. Our reds are aged 18 to 30 months, and our whites are aged 12 to 20 months in stainless steel. All [whites] except chardonnay go to the punching barrel.”
Along with their wines and a full menu of food offerings, Lorimar also partners with local breweries to provide options for guests who prefer an alternative to wine.
South Coast Winery
Tunes are also pumping at South Coast Winery, where a local acoustic guitarist was strumming for a lively audience until closing time. The winery has been repeatedly named winner of Golden State Winery of the Year by the California State Fair in the California Commercial Wine Competition. Their mettle stands the test.
Its adjoined restaurant, the Vineyard Rose, is not without its own accolades. In 2024, it won the Wine Spectator Award as one of only four winners in Temecula. An extensive menu includes offerings like seafood linguini, ribeye asada and assorted salads, along with a strawberry tiramisu for dessert from their summer winemaker dinner menu. Each item listed in the menu offers a suggested wine pairing.
Executive Chef Jon Alcala incorporates innovative seasonal menus that conceptually focus on hyperlocal ingredients procured from a network of artisans and organic farmers.
Meritage at Callaway
Founded in 1974, Callaway was the first winery to open its doors in the Temecula Valley. It has a royal history – in 1976, Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince Duke of Edinburgh toasted the President of the United States at a luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The only wine served at this bicentennial event honoring the Royal couple’s visit to the U.S. was Callaway’s estate bottled 1974 White Riesling.
Meritage, the onsite restaurant, uses ingredients from local farmers and its own garden and greenhouse. The lamb flatbread, curry muscles and cioppino join mainstays like a burger and fish taco on the menu. Specialty ingredients include a cardamom beer sauce, pea mint puree and salmon chicharrons.
The dining area is set in an environment that appears much like a greenhouse, with immersive views of the vineyard at every angle. Songbirds flit from tree to tree nearby as a New York cheesecake topped with berry compote is delivered to the table.
