There is a slice of heaven in California’s glorious Temecula Wine Country that aims to transport guests to three of Europe’s prime winegrowing regions. Its name? Aptly, Europa Village. The all-consuming bucket-list destination for wine lovers sprawls across 40 acres and has three separate winery experiences, each with its own personality, charm and Old World vibe.
Bolero
This is a winery, but so much more. Inspired by Spain, Bolero is covered in olive trees, fountains and seductive nooks. It also boasts its own casitas for guests who wish to make it an overnight experience. Designed much like intimate bungalows, each of the 10 casitas features vaulted ceilings, smart TVs with steaming services and a private courtyard as well as expansive en suite baths, many with soaking tubs. Those who stay are invited to Bolero Restaurant (just steps away each day and facing the vineyard) for breakfast, thanks to a daily casita credit.
A farm-to-table celebration of the flavors of Spain, expect patatas bravas, chorizo gravy, tortillas espanolas and Spanish sausage at breakfast as well as a host of other goodies. Also open for lunch and dinner, Bolero Restaurant is especially adept at tapas (do not miss its Tapas Tuesday if local or visiting) and paella with dishes of note including:
- Wild mushroom and artichoke paella with saffron-infused bomba rice, organic wild mushrooms, oven-roasted artichokes, asparagus and Manzanilla olives
- Pork belly chicharrones with hibiscus-tea leaf-marinated and smoked pork belly, spring onions, roasted garlic, raspberry and piquillo aioli
- Potato croquettes in a braised beef short rib nest with garlic aioli
- Manchego asparagus fritas with buffalo foam and cabrales crema
- Gambas con espaguetis, also known as grilled jumbo shrimp, with garlic pasta, heirloom cherry tomatoes, baby arugula and manchego in a white wine butter sauce
If visiting with a group, mix and match a dozen items to maximize the menu. Also, do not miss the section of the menus with Spanish hams and artisan cheeses. Consider putting a few together to create the perfect charcuterie board.
And what goes best with charcuterie? That would be wine. Wine tasting at Bolero may certainly happen at the restaurant, but there is also a lovely tasting room offering flights, wine by the glass and bottle service. The tasting room is first-come, first-served, and seatings are limited to 90 minutes, so the best bet is to use the time on a flight guided by Level 2 Certified Sommeliers. While tasting, be sure to sneak over to Brio on property as well. It is a Spanish boutique with luscious olive oil tastings and specialty gifts.
C’est La Vie
Anthophiles (a k a flower lovers) will be as delighted as oenophiles (a k a wine lovers) here. This Parisian paradise – located where Prelude used to be for those who have visited in the past – is covered in stunning rose gardens and celebrates all of the finer things in life. There is also an exclusive winery cave in the space, which is best used for special events, wine country events and weddings. As a whole, this portion of the property is in the process of expanding to include a boutique and culinary experiences, and there are rumbles of dining on property as well. Until then, guests may stay at Bolero, or take advantage of The Inn at Europa Village, which was renovated in 2022 and serves as a boutique bed and breakfast for those looking to plan the ultimate escape to Temecula Wine Country.
The Inn, which boasts fabulous firepits that offer a truly majestic view at sunset and even after dark under the light of the burning flames, sits on the hill overlooking both the vineyards and C’est La Vie.
When visiting C’est La Vie, the same tasting tiers – flight, glass, bottle – are available, and there is an option to bundle tastings at both locales into one “passport” to enjoy 10 total tastings between the two experiences.
And even better bet? Take the Vineyard Tour ($75). This 90-minute adventure explores all of the best behind-the-scenes aspects of both properties and has a food and wine pairing. It also showcases the third member of the Europa Village trifecta: Vienza.
Vienza
Set to open any day this fall, Vienza is Europa Village’s third winery experience. As the name might suggest, it is a celebration of the Italian countryside and its winemaking legacy. When it launches, expect a tasting room, a mercato (a combination deli/market popular in Italy), Italian olive oil tasting, a wine cave and wine-making facility, a Barrel Room and special event space.
Inside news: there are plans down the line for a spa on property and additional dining experiences as well.
For more information about each of the experiences or the property as a whole, visit www.europavillage.com.
41150 Via Europa
Temecula, CA 92591