We’ve Got a Crush on This Often Overlooked California Wine Region

Thanks to the “Rainbow Gap,” more than 40 wineries call this valley home.

With big players like Napa and Sonoma drawing thousands of oenophiles to their wineries and tasting rooms each year, some of California’s smaller wine regions often get drowned out. That’s why we’re thrilled to see the Temecula Valley make Wine Enthusiast’s list of 10 Best Wine Destinations of 2019. Just outside San Diego and not too far from the OC and Los Angeles, Temecula has long been a SoCal favorite for getaways, hot-air ballooning and, of course, the grape juice.

“You can find almost every familiar variety in California here, from Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to Syrah, Zinfandel, Grenache and Merlot. There’s also some grapes that aren’t so common, like Vermentino, Falanghina and Counoise. Red blends are popular, whether they’re classic styles like Rhône and Bordeaux mixes, or amalgams that break all of the Old World rules. Grapes that originate in warmer climates, like Sangiovese and Tempranillo, also do well. And keep a lookout for wines that come from the De Luz Hills, where the cooler climate and mosaic of volcanic soils may one day produce world-class wines.”

Before planning your trip to Temecula, read more about the destination here for some helpful tips.