Danza Del Sol
There’s no better way to appreciate Temecula’s terroir than hopping in a UTV for a drive through the vines up to a lookout complete with a tasting table. That’s what Danza Del Sol offers on their personalized, 90-minute Grapes and Gears tour, immersing curious imbibers in their rows of Syrah, Viognier, and parcel of Sauvignon Blanc grapes planted in 1972, one of the oldest in Southern California. Their 40 acres of estate vines also produce a varietally correct Gewürztraminer, Tempranillo, and Orange Muscat that you shouldn’t knock until you try it.
Doffo Winery
Motorcycle and Malbec enthusiasts unite! This unique destination on the northern cusp of Temecula is a family success story that dates back to its founding in 1997. The second generation continues to evolve the micro-boutique winery on the former plot of a historic landmark schoolhouse, continuing the legacy of its Motto reputation inspired by their father’s collection of 200 vintage motorcycles with award-winning wines, philanthropy efforts, and a seasonally updated, bespoke merchandise line. Taste their signature, juicy Concreto Malbec surrounded by a selection of Vespas and Ducatis or plant yourself on the patio among the hills of estate vines that portray the family’s Argentinean-Italian heritage.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards
A brick and stone villa facade you might find on a Montalcino hillside framed by a rose- and palm-lined terrace transports visitors to Tuscany with vines following the undulating landscape of eastern Temecula’s countryside. Renowned for their softer expressions of some of Italy’s bold red varieties like Brunello and Barbera, Robert Renzoni has earned its mark as an Italian stalwart of the region. Most recently, they replaced Cabernet Sauvignon vines with Montepulciano to further their Italian footprint. As luscious as their red varieties are, the lighter sips are just as satiating, including refreshing Pinot Grigio, limited edition rosé, and Vermentino.
Where to Eat
Leoness Cellars
Farmers since 1972, the founders of Leoness show a deep respect for the land as they transitioned citrus orchards to vineyards that now supply their portfolio of world-class wine. Their onsite restaurant offers a platform for visitors to not only sample their wines but to pair them with seasonally-driven fare and elevated comfort dishes like shrimp scampi, burgers, and their famed duck fat fries. If you’re strapped for time or can’t snag a reservation, a wine tasting experience is still a must here sans food, as their Grenache Blanc and Syrah are showstoppers. Ask about their small-batch, cold-pressed olive oil produced from their estate trees for a singular souvenir worth checking a bag for.
Bolero Restaurant
Located at Europa Village, Bolero Restaurant celebrates Spanish food from north to south, including Valencian sea bass, Andalusian tapas like croquetas, and seafood paella. Other regional ingredients dot the menu, including Marcona almonds, saffron, Manchego cheese, Guindilla pepper, and Iberico ham, so that it really feels like an authentic trip overseas.
Mama Rosa’s Trattoria
Attached to Robert Renzoni Vineyards, this Italian eatery evokes the best of the family-owned Tuscan counterparts it’s styled after. Burrata and soppressata are flown in from Italy regularly, as is the flour they use for their daily-prepared dough that’s zapped in the brick-oven pizza for a crispy crust and fluffy interior. They’re also praised for their sandwiches, like the fan-favorite Muffuletta that’s stacked with homemade olive and pepper tapenade and a quartet of meats as well as the marinara-smothered That’s a Spicy Meat-a-Ball roll-up.
