One of the top trending wineries in Temecula Wine Country is Peltzer Farm & Winery off the Calle Contento wine trail. Big on holiday events and long on interesting grape varietals, this is a great starting point. It all started with the Peltzer Pumpkin Farm in 2006 on the current 25- acre homestead and future winery site.
Peltzer is best described as having a “quaint farm-like vibe with an industrial chic flair.” Farm animals can be spotted around the property and there’s great photo ops of vintage tractors and farm gear. And, another perk – this is by far the cutest gift shop in Temecula!
Fun annual events such as the Pumpkin Painting and the holiday ice rink draw huge crowds, as do the regular gourmet food trucks on site.
The big red varietals make fabulous food-friendly wines, running the gamut from estate grown Sangiovese, Barbera, Malbec, Syrah and Zinfandel. For lighter tastes, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Grigio, Albarino, Prosecco, Syrah Rosé and craft beers are available.
Right around the bend, off Ranch California Road, is a beautiful Tuscan-style winery surrounded by lush rows of vineyards and orange trees. Lorimar Winery’s founding brother-in-laws Mark Manfield and Lawrie Lipton’s dream in 2012 was to create “a fusion of wine, art, music and food.” Today, Lorimar Winery is one of the most popular wineries in the valley. The 22-acre estate was first planted to Cabernet Sauvignon followed by the addition of Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese, Viognier and Muscat. 
Lorimar Winery showcases live entertainment on weekends, featuring local musicians, comedians and artists. Enjoy sweeping views of Mount Palomar and the Santa Ana Mountains while relaxing on the expansive outdoor patio. Reservations are highly recommended on the weekends.
Lorimar also offers vineyard and barrel room wedding venues. If you can’t make it out to wine country, there is another tasting room location in Old Town Temecula on Main Street.
Last stop on the wine trail….
About half-mile from the main road, you’ll find Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery off Barksdale Circle. Unwind on the rustic stone terrace overlooking the vineyards with a glass of perfectly aged 2015 Cabernet Franc or 2016 Monastrell wine. Aged wines are the norm here, with a bevy of library wines in the cellar waiting to be uncorked. Artisan winemaker Nick Palumbo and wife Cindy call this little slice of heaven, home. With culinary training in Nick’s previous life before turning artisan winemaker, the wine and food events are spectacular and not to be missed.
As past president of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, Nick understands that sustainable farming practices are key to maintaining a balance in both the vineyard and in the cellar. Better practices, make perfect wines.
Ryan hails from five generations of vineyard management in Sonoma County and definitely knows how to select the top vineyards and grape varietals, utilizing drone technology. One thing is certain, Ryan’s charismatic nature is endearing and his depth of enology is as impressive as the array of wines.
An apple orchard in days gone by, the 110-acre Hallberg Ranch is truly a sight to behold. Estate Pinot Noir grapes are also sourced from Annapolis’ Sonoma Coast (Welsly Vineyard) and Sebastopol Hills’ Northern Wind Gap (Pinot Hill). Nothing but heavenly Pinot Noir at Emeritus, but who’s complaining?
Flanagan is definitely a family affair, with Eric Flanagan at the helm and 20 year old daughter Riley following in his footsteps with her own label, Riley’s Rows. Meeting Riley was awe-inspiring. Her bubbly personality and talent for winemaking is inherent and will serve her well in years to come.
