Local Wally's Guide to Temecula Wineries and 2 for 1 Discounts

Get 2 for 1 wine Tasting Deals for Temecula

Looking for wine tasting 2 for 1 deals in Temecula?

An hours drive from San Diego and Orange County and an hour and a half from Los Angeles is Temecula Valley, San Diego’s own Wine Country. With over 40 wineries in a condensed area, it’s no wonder that Temecula has become a favorite day trip destination for both visitors and locals alike.

Country roads, quaint shops, and wine, lots of wine, it’s the perfect way to getaway without actually going far.

But before you get into your car know that wine tasting can be expensive! Most Temecula wineries charge $20 or more per person to taste. Figure a couple will go to 5 wineries and that’s easily $200 bucks in tasting fees. But don’t worry, I got you covered on how to do Temecula on a Budget. Just read on!

Temecula Wine country 1o1 - planning your 2 for 1 wine tasting day trip

HOW MANY WINERIES ARE IN TEMECULA? There are nearly 50 wineries and growing, most of them very close to each other. The main drag is Rancho California Road but there are many wineries tucked away here and there. Know where you are going before you get here.

IS A DAY TRIP GOOD ENOUGH OR SHOULD I SPEND THE WEEKEND? Temecula is perfect for the day tripper, though there are plenty of places to spend the night should you want to make it into a longer adventure. Some of the wineries have actually built resorts on their property and there’s also great rooms at the Temecula Creek Inn, a pretty golf course and resort setting.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT? There are plenty of restaurant/winery combinations (see below for full listings) but for me I’d save the money and do a picnic. The best, and I mean the best sandwiches in Temecula are at Campani’s Italian Deli, worth the extra few minutes to stop in to grab some food to go. TIP: Don’t assume you can bring in outside food to a winery, especially now that there are so many wineries with their own restaurants onsite.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN TEMECULA? Closer to the freeway is Temecula Old Town, a street of antique stores in a Frontier Village, old time western motif. There are plenty of restaurants there as well, from casual Mexican food to sit down fancy steakhouses. You like antiques, you’ll love Old Town.

WHAT ABOUT BREWERIES? Yes, Temecula has around 15 breweries open featuring local craft beer.

HOW DO I GET TWO FOR ONE TASTINGS AND OTHER DISCOUNTS? The easiest way to get 2 for 1 tastings and discounts is with the Priority Wine Pass. You buy one pass per couple (get it here to get my discount). The pass is $20 off if you get it from me so as long as you go to two wineries you break even. Drink more, save more, what a great concept! And the pass is also good in Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, even Oregon, and good for a full year. Don’t come to Temecula without it!

IS THE PRIORITY WINE PASS WORTH IT FOR LOCALS? Of course - in fact, it’s an even better deal for locals who might visit the wineries multiple times throughout the year. Some wineries limit their deals to weekdays so locals can sneak away (aka “work from home”) can really take advantage of the deals. Save $20 or more at every winery for the next 12 months? You really only need to go to a couple of wineries to more than break even. You don’t even need a calculator to know that’s a good deal!

Perhaps stating the obvious but I’m not responsible for winery deal changes as I don’t own the Priority Wine Pass company and I definitely don’t own the wineries!

All Temecula Wine Tasting deals!

CURRENT PRIORITY WINE PASS OFFERS: CALL WINERIES TO VERIFY CURRENT OFFER

Get one Priority Wine Pass per couple for 12 months of wine tasting discounts

Avensole Winery: 50% off tasting for up to 4 people ($30 Savings)

Bel Vino Winery: 2 for 1 tasting (except Saturdays) ($18 Savings)

Briar Rose Winery: With the purchase of a tasting receive 25% off 1 bottle purchase - same day Reservations are required ($20 Savings)

Cougar Vineyard & Winery: 25% off 90 minute tour, tasting and food pairing with reservation ($20 Savings)

Danza del Sol Winery: 2 for 1 Tastings and 10% off Bottle Purchases. ($25 Savings)

Falkner Winery: 10% off wine purchases

Long Shadow Ranch: Monday thru Thursday BEFORE 2pm receive $10 off purchase of TWO tastings and 20% off all bottles purchased. ($10 Savings)

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery: 50% off Wine Tastings Sunday through Friday (Saturdays excluded) & 10% off Pairings Food Truck and Wine Purchases every day (inclusive of wine by the glass and bottles) ($25 Savings)

Masia de la Vinya: 2 for 1 Tasting and 10% Off Wine Purchases ($25 Savings)

Maurice Car’rie Winery & Ultimate Vineyards: Monday-Friday: 2 for 1 tastings Saturday-Sunday: $10 off regular price tasting, $15 off private wine tour & tasting Every day: 10% off wine bottle purchases ($25 Savings)

Oak Mountain Winery: 2 for 1 Tasting and 10% off wine purchases ($20 Savings)

Poggio Leano Winery and Vineyard: Purchase two "Poggio Leano Wine Tasting for 5 tastings + Chef's appetizer" and receive a FREE bottle of our sparkling Bollicine. Valid Saturday and Sunday between 12-4PM. ($46 Savings)

Raul Ramirez Winery: 2 for 1 tastings Wednesday-Friday ONLY. 10% off wine purchases daily. ($30 Savings)

Wiens Family Cellars: 2 for 1 tasting Monday-Thursday ($30 Savings)

Wine Tasting Deals in Ramona (San Diego Area)

Hatfield Creek Winery: $5 off tasting or purchase of wine ($5 Savings)

Mermaid Valley Vineyard: 10% off your total wine purchase

Pamo Valley Winery: 2 for 1 Tastings and 10% off bottle purchases. ($12 Savings)

Scenic Valley Ranch Vineyards: 2 for 1 tastings, 10% off wine purchase ($15 Savings)

Vineyard Grant James: 2 for 1 Tasting & 10% off wine purchases ($18 Savings)

THE PRIORITY WINE PASS TO THE RESCUE!

Why pay full price for wine tasting in Temecula when you could get big discounts with the Priority Wine Pass? Do the math, if you visit more than two wineries you come out ahead with the pass. And since it’s good for a year you can use it again and again.

Vacationers - even if you are coming for a day you can still walk away with money in your pocket by using the pass! That should buy you a nice dinner or lunch. Treat yourself!

The pass is $20 OFF if you get it here.

No Deals Here But Worth Checking Out

Akash Winery: With a gorgeous open air patio with vineyard views, get tasting flights, wines by the glass, oh heck, just get the whole bottle. Tacos every Tue-Thur from 1:00 until closing.

Altisima Winery: A modern winery with a nod to Spanish roots. Impressive winery with a full Spanish inspired restaurant and live music.

Avensole Winery: Sprawling grounds with a full restaurant that features not only their wines but beers and cocktails. Views from the patio of their pond and vineyards, very relaxing!

Baily Vineyards: I like their wines but I really love their restaurant called Carol’s. The Reuben sandwich is a knockout though I totally disagree with serving a sandwich like this with a salad instead of fries. That’s ridiculous.

Bella Vista: One of the oldest wineries in Temecula, Bella Vista offers a quaint wine tasting experience.

Bottaia Winery: Chic, modern winery inspired by the luxury and refinement of Northern Italy. An elegant and calm tasting experience, away from the party crowds.

Callaway Vineyard: Wait, Callaway as in the golf clubs? Yes, those are the roots of this long time Temecula favorite though the relationship is in name only these days. Live music Sat and Sundays. Onsite restaurant open for lunch on M, T, W, Th, and open later on Fri, Sat and Sun.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort: A refined tasting experience, enjoy a flight, a glass, or a bottle. Full restaurant onsite, plus bungalows and resort should you just want to kick back and enjoy the relaxing environment. Dog friendly, too.

Chapin Family Winery: A small boutique winery with beautiful views of the vineyards. Small lot, handcrafted wines. Want to stay a bit longer? They have a 2 bedroom luxury apartment above the barrel room.

Churon Inn Winery: Opened in 2001 to be a Tuscany inspired B & B complete with Jacuzzi tub for two, fireplace, and a gourmet breakfast brought to your room. Live music on Sat, cafe open F-Sun from 11:30 to 4:30.

Danza del Sol Winery: Focused on bringing friends together with their affordable, quality Mediterranean styled wines in their rustic and beautiful setting.

Doffo Vineyard: Slightly off the beaten path at the far end of Rancho California Road is Doffo Winery, a peaceful retreat and the first true petite winery in Temecula Valley. Check out their vintage motorcycle collection while there.

Europa Village: Big plans here, Europa Village is to be a homage to the wine styles of France, Italy and Spain. A work in progress and a fun stop, you can even stay overnight at their Inn.

Monte De Oro Winery: Impressive winery with its 2,500 square foot tasting room with a glass floor that gives tasters a peak into the barrel cellar.

Mt Palomar Winery: Established in 1969, Mt Palomar wines are a long time favorite to locals who are looking for both great wines and views.

Ponte Winery: I like Ponte even if they said I couldn’t take photos there for my website :-). Oh well, I still think they are worth a stop and the outdoor restaurant on a sunny day is one of the best.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa: For those looking for a weekend escape and want to stay at a winery, check out this one. Nice restaurant on site, good wines, solid stop.

Wilson Creek Winery: OK, haters step aside but Wilson Creek is famous for their almond flavored sparkling wines that just screams Par-Tay! A popular stop on the Temecula Wine Trail, taste if for yourself.

Make it a Combo! Temecula Wineries with Restaurants and Food

BABA JOON’S KITCHEN AT FAZELI CELLARS: $$ Cheese platters and hummis, salads and Persian tacos, Gyros and sandwiches and flatbreads. Menu

BISTRO AT MIRAMONTE WINERY: Flatbreads, salads, mac and cheese, Waguu and Impossible burgers, craft food using freshest ingredients in a casual setting. Menu

BISTRO AT MONTE DE ORO: $$ Casual lunch fare, salads, panini’s and pastas, sandwiches and pizzas. Menu

BOLERO RESTAURANT AT EUROPA VILLAGE: $$$ A taste of Spain with plenty of tapas, small plates to share. Extensive menu with salads and seafood, even paella. Menu

CAFE CHAMPAGNE AT THORNTON WINERY: $$$ - $$$$ Temcula’s best sparkling wine house with full blown restaurant features casual sandwiches, flatbreads and full entrees, including fish and chips, with suggested wine pairings. Menu

CREEKSIDE GRILLE AT WILSON CREEK WINERY: Dine at the Creekside Grill for full entrees such as lamb shank or ribeye steak $$$$, along with more affordable burgers and sandwiches $$. Menu. Courtyard Bar and Grill offers more casual dining, burgers and pizzas $$. Menu

CAROL’S RESTAURANT AT BAILY VINEYARD: $$$ They call this dining in a medieval castle which might be pushing it, but I do like their food which offers salads, appetizers, sandwiches and even steak and pasta. Official Site

CAVE CAFE AT OAK MOUNTAIN WINERY: $$ I’m not a huge fan of their wines but for a lunch spot this is right on. Flatbreads, burgers and sandwiches, tacos and complete entrees, a nice setting both inside their cave and outside on the patio. Menu

MAMA ROSA’S TRATTORIA AT ROBERT RENZONI VINEYARDS: $$ - $$$ Italian comfort food such as pizzas, pasta and sandwiches such as an authentic NY Pastrami, beer options. Menu

MERITAGE AT CALAWAY WINERY: $$$ Casual outdoor eatery with burgers, flatbreads, all the way up to full entrees such as pan seared scallops or braised short rib. Menu

PINNACLE RESTAURANT AT FALKNER WINERY: $$ - $$$ Large restaurant on a hilltop with great views and patio, featuring sharable plates such as charcuterie plates, sandwiches and burgers, and full entrees such as grilled octopus or beef stroganoff. Menu

SANGIO’S DELI AT COUGAR WINERY: $$ Great views and casual dining with sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, salads and appetizers. Dog friendly, there’s even a special menu just for your pooch. Menu

THE RESTAURANT AT AVENSOLE WINERY: $$$ Great views overlooking their pond and vineyards, indulge in oysters or entrees with salmon or ribeye steak, burgers and salads. Menu

THE RESTAURANT AT LEONESS CELLARS: $$$ - $$$$ Classic French cooking techniques with modern California Cuisine. Full restaurant service experience. Menu

THE RESTAURANT AT MOUNT PALOMAR WINERY: $$ Flatbreads and sandwiches, salads and shareables, lakeside dining among the vines. Menu

THE RESTAURANT AT PONTE WINERY: $$ - $$$ Nice outdoor setting, share starters such as fried calimari or mussels, big salads with protein options, pizzas and sandwiches and full entrees. Menu

THE VINEYARD ROSE RESTAURANT AT SOUTH COAST WINERY: $$ - $$$ Large, elegant dining room with California Cuisine, burgers and sandwiches as well as full entrees. $$$ Menu