Wine-Tasting in Temecula Just as Expensive as Wine-Tasting in Napa

Sorry Temecula Valley, try as we might, we aren�t blown away by most wine coming from your region. Maybe someday, but right now, we think a little more finesse is in order to play with California's big guns.

Nevertheless, we heart wine and want to stay in the loop of what�s new (without having to commit to buying a whole bottle without a little R&D) and find the best way to sip, swirl and swallow your way through any wine region is by spending some time in its tasting rooms. Timing-wise, we're on the heels of grape harvest and there's no better time to witness the action of what goes into picking and processing grapes to make the almighty elixir we call wine.

Personal preferences aside, Temecula Valley is a far more civilized experience than braving the always-packed tasting rooms of certain unnamed wine regions in Northern California. Just saying.

Since we almost never say no to vino (what a sacrilege idea!), we like Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa's wine lovers� package, the Estancia Temecula Wine Country Experience. It�s a little bit of beautiful SoCal beach, a whole lotta booze and most importantly, a super fun weekend getaway.

Check in and get whisked away without DUI worries in the comfort of a limousine for three private tastings through Temecula Valley, plus a stop at Temecula Olive Oil Company. Be sure to hit up the complimentary bar in the limo -- it's fully stocked and has Temecula-made sparkling wine. Cheers. Back at the Spanish-style hacienda, siesta off your grape-fueled buzz and soak it all up the next day with breakfast in bed (hands down, our fave hotel indulgence) or in the Adobe El Restaurante�s terrace overlooking the Hacienda Courtyard.

Package prices are kinda spendy, starting at $715 a night. It includes room accommodations, breakfast for two, parking, and hotel services fees, a full day of chauffeured wine country touring/tasting, plus associated taxes and gratuities. Depending upon how romantic you wanna go, you can tack on several amenities, including spa treatments for two ($250.00), a gourmet picnic lunch ($40.00) or dinner for two at Adobe El Restaurant ($100.00).

This package runs through the fall. Book your reservation here or call (877) 437-8262.

[Photo: CourtneyMay]

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