Temecula: Southern California's Wine Country

The California Railroad made its first journey through the Temecula valley in 1882, and it didn't take long after that for Old Town Temecula to spring up around the train tracks. Today, the railroad is no longer running, but the Old Town remains and still has a number of whimsical, historical features that make it a great place to visit.

It's home to an astonishing array of art galleries, specialty boutiques, and antique stores, and it also features a wide variety of independent restaurants. Events are held in the Old Town all throughout the year, some of which include art festivals, parades, and live music. Dine at great Temecula restaurants.

The Temecula Valley Museum has exhibits that explore the most important historical moments of Temecula from its discovery to the modern day. The museum features three permanent exhibits, and these displays include antique farming equipment, handcrafted artifacts, photographs, and old documents.

The museum is family friendly; an interactive discovery area is available for children to play in, and picnic facilities and a playground can be found onsite. The museum offers weekly walking tours of Old Town Temecula for a small fee, and booking in advance is recommended in order for guests to secure themselves a spot on the tour.

28314 Mercedes St, Temecula, CA 92590, Phone: 951-694-6450

The Old Town Temecula Farmers' Market is one of the most popular weekend events in the Temecula Valley. Visitors can browse a selection of works from local artists and crafters, pick up lunch from one of the many international food stalls, and check out a unique variety of beautiful plants and flowers.

Fresh fruits and vegetables from more than 40 California-certified farmers are available, and there is a wide range of options that includes both organic and conventionally grown produce. The market takes place every Saturday morning rain or shine, and some street parking is available.

41952 6th St, Temecula, CA 92590, Phone: 760-728-7343

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

The Ponte family, whose members have been growing grapes in the Temecula valley since 1984, owns the gorgeous Ponte Family Estate Winery. Guests can wander through the manicured gardens, taste a variety of wines in the tasting room, or book one of several winery tours.

There are three award-winning restaurants onsite: The Restaurant at Ponte for casual dining, the Bouquet Restaurant for gourmet Italian meals, and the Cellar Lounge, which is the only full-service cocktail lounge in the area. The winery also has as well as a four-diamond luxury hotel onsite, as well as facilities for weddings and private events.

35053 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92592, Phone: 877-314-9463

As part of the Pechanga Resort and Casino, the Pechanga Theater is one of the premier performance venues in Southern California. It regularly hosts a wide variety of concerts, Broadway theatrical performances, stand up comedy shows, and musicals.

The venue has 1200 permanent seats, as well as first class sound and lighting systems. Patrons can purchase refreshments, including alcoholic beverages, in the foyer prior to shows as well as during intermissions. Some events may contain adult content; all ages are welcome unless otherwise noted, but children 17 and under must always be accompanied by an adult.

45000 Pechanga Parkway Temecula, CA 92592, Phone: 888-732-4264

The family owned and operated Vindemia Estate Winery offers guests a serene, intimate experience with a spectacular view. The owners are passionate about sustainable farming and grow their own grapes as well as 100 olive trees that they harvest and press to get fresh oil that's available at select times of the year.

As Vindemia is a boutique winery, their wines are only available for public purchase at the winery itself. Guests are welcome to sample wines in the outdoor tasting room and are encouraged to bring their own food to enjoy an al fresco meal in the estate's rose garden.

33133 Vista Del Monte Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, Phone: 951-760-9334

Grapeline Wine Tours offers a wide variety of different tours to suit all budgets, tastes, and group sizes, and they will also help arrange big events like corporate team building outings, holiday celebrations, and awards banquets. Some tours include light snacks while others feature a picnic lunch, and they all boast wine tastings at several wineries.

The company is happy to personalize private tours to include specific wineries or special events like live music, and when food is offered there are a variety of menu options. Grapeline offers scheduled pickups only, so tours must be booked in advance.

28765 Single Oak Dr Suite 175, Temecula, CA 92590, Phone: 951-693-5755

Destination Temecula Wine Tours and Experiences, established in 1993, provide services for groups ranging from 1 member to 500 members. Available options include narrated wine tasting tours, private limousine tours, and magical sunset dinners at a winery reserved just for you.

Destination Temecula will also help businesses plan fun team building excursions and corporate retreats, and multi day events are available for groups of a larger size. For most tours, guests can choose to be picked up and dropped off at any Southern California location. Gift certificates and gift packages are available for purchase.

28475 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590, Phone: 951-695-1232