With more than 40 licensed wineries and 80 growers across Temecula Valley – and counting – how is one to choose from all the amazing bottle options? Here are 14 great Temecula wines ready to drink right now:
South Coast 2019 Chardonnay Sans Chêne
Aged in stainless steel, the butter flavor commonly used to describe California chardonnay is replaced with tropical fruits and apples followed by luscious honey and pear notes then finally a kiss of bright citrus. $19.99
Wilson Creek Winery 2021 Roussanne
While this icon of Temecula is best-known for its almond champagne, this herbal and floral varietal is well worth your time this summer. Refreshing to the sip, the more tea-like flavors give way to a touch of delightful melon and pear on the palate. $26.99
While Miramonte makes some crave-worthy reds and whites, this time of the year the brand’s bottled sangria flies off the shelves. The white varietal is sweet and light, begging to be paired with freshly cut fruit and ice, with notes of honey crisp apples and peach pie filling. $28
While not a common varietal in the United States, Arneis is well-known and oft made into wine across northern Italy. The fragrance alone is worth a pour or two. Expect big, bold, wafting aromas of apple and pear from this great Temecula wine. While both are also detectable to the taste, there also is a surprise nuttiness as well as juicy apricot notes, upping the overall fruitiness to the overall profile. $24
Bottaia Winery 2017 Cartuccia White
Balanced and bright, this is a blend of Muscat, Arneis and Pinot Grigio grapes, each chosen as they are native to Italy. The honeysuckle in every sip makes this perfect for warm weather days, but it is not overly sweet thanks to balance from notes of orange blossom. There is even a touch of vanilla, but it does not overpower or make feel heavy in any way. $34
Given its name, it should come as no surprise that both this winery and each of its wines is meant to whisk you away for Europe. This varietal was developed in partnership with Europa’s friends in Italy to transport all those who drink it to their epic waterfront coast. It made using stainless steel during secondary fermentation – very different from the traditional Champagne process in France – to elicit a light, delicate effervescence heavy on the bubbles but light on alcohol and acid. $35
Carter Estate Winery Blanc de Noir
Bubbles are a must this summer, especially these toasty nose ticklers with hints of toffee, nuts, ginger and even toast and stone. Feeling cheesy? Open this bottle of great Temecula wine, because when perfectly chilled, it pairs with pretty much every kind of cheese you can imagine. $35
Akash Winery 2021 Parlez Vous Rosé
This cheeky bottle translates to “do you speak rosé.” Upon one sip of this particularly pink palate pleaser, which is made from Zinfandel grapes, the answer will be a resounding yes. Refreshing and perfect for pool days, the ripe strawberry and tart cranberry notes are exceptional here, tempered with the perfect amount of citrus on the nose and mouth. $36
There is nothing like an off-dry wine when temperatures rise. They’re not as bone dry as, say, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, yet they also have a lingering sweetness that’s simply delicious. $42
Lorimar Vineyards 2017 Mourvedre-Petit Verdot
Bold and dry, this deft blend of two prized red grape varietals has some very surprising notes of sour cherry and raspberry, tempered by sweeter flavors of plum. There is a buzzy acidity that leaves you always wanting a little bit more. $52
There is nothing like a crispy Sauvignon Blanc with cube or two of ice on a hot day. This perfect pool or beach bottle is a punch of refreshing grapefruit combined with what almost tastes like Sour Patch Kids, meaning tart with a kiss of sweetness, in every sip. $32
Callaway 2019 Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay
While perhaps best-known as a golf empire, Callaway’s work in winemaking pre-date the golf company by nearly a decade. Each vintage of Chardonnay is a winner, especially this buttery beauty. This great Temecula wine balances all that rich oak many covet in a California Chardonnay along with ripe melon and a touch of acid. $36
Robert Renzoni Vineyards 2019 Petite Sirah
This bottle marks the first vintage release of Sirah at the growing winery. Full-bodied but not overwhelming, the sweet tobacco and dark chocolate are notable here, combining in perfect harmony with notes of blackberry and black currant. $55
Leoness Cellars 2017 SS Meritage
Complex and elegant, the “SS” in its name should stand for super smooth. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this varietal offers aromas of blackberry on the nose before offering currant and silky fruits to the taste. Expect a long, velvety finish. $99