Located about an hour north of San Diego and two hours South of Los Angeles, there are few regions more accessible from city centers than Temecula Valley. This Tuscan-like wine region is within a one- to two-hour drive from most of Southern California’s major cities and airports, making it an ideal Wine Country getaway for SoCal natives, or those traveling to bigger cities like San Diego, Palm Springs, and Los Angeles.
Just 22 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, Temecula Valley is not just a great place to vacation; it’s home to the perfect Mediterranean climate in which to grow grapes. The region is bordered by coastal mountain ranges and inland valleys. As the sun warms the valleys east of Temecula, the warm air rises, forming a low-pressure area that pulls the cooler, much heavier air from the Pacific Ocean in through two breaks in the mountains—the Rainbow Gap and the Santa Margarita Gap. This cool air creates the pattern of warm sunny days, breezy afternoons, and cool nights, resulting in ideal conditions for the wine grapes to develop complex flavors and aromas, while retaining pleasant balance and freshness from desirable acidity levels.
Think about it: With virtually year-round sunshine, warm temperatures, cool nights, and relatively little rainfall, not to mention quality wines, unique wine-tasting experiences, and the relaxed vibe that is synonymous with Southern California, Temecula Valley should be added to your list of wine destinations to visit, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a dream vacation.
