DAY TRIP: Temecula Valley Wine Country

Located in southwestern Riverside County, in the heart of California’s South Coast wine region, the climate of the Temecula Valley makes it a perfect place for wine production. A dry, moderately warm daytime climate with evenings cooled by ocean breezes from the west helps to create wines with distinctive flavors and structure. Many of the wineries offer wine tasting, tours of the vineyard and picnic areas on the grounds.

GETTING THERE

Take the 405 south to the 55 north. Merge onto the 91 east toward Riverside. Take the I-15 south toward San Diego. Take the Rancho California Road exit toward Old Town Front St. Turn left onto Rancho California Road. Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 12 minutes.

THORNTON WINERY

The Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, is a French-style chateau overlooking the vineyards of the Temecula Valley. It includes a fountain terrace, herb garden, gift shop and champagne lounge. The winery produces sparkling wine or champagne, and offers tastings of vintage and nonvintage brut, brut rose, blanc de noir and other sparkling wines. The tasting room and gift shop are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The tasting fee is $9 to $15; sit-down service with complimentary bread and cheese is available or appetizers may be ordered. For more information, call (951) 699-0099 or visit www.thorntownwine.com.

WILSON CREEK WINERY & VINEYARDS

Wilson Creek describes its winery as “the fun family winery with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.” The grounds surrounding the winery at 35960 Rancho California Road include a pavilion, gazebo and jazz stage, and are a great place for a picnic lunch. The tasting room offers two long tasting bars, so the wait is minimal. Wilson Creek is famous for its almond champagne and its Sunset Jazz in the Vines concert series, which benefits children with autism. The tasting room is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. The tasting fee is $10. For more information, call (951) 699-9463 or visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

MIRAMONTE

Heading back toward Highway 15 you’ll find Miramonte at 33410 Rancho California Road. The winery offers reds and whites — including Syrah and Zinfandel — as well as sparkling wine. The tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The tasting fee is $6 to $8. Dinner and Latin jazz and flamenco music are offered every Friday night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is the tasting fee. Blues music is offered on Saturdays. For more information, call (951) 506-5500 or visit www.miramontewinery.com.

— Sue Thoensen