Although it sometimes fancies itself as America's Tuscany, does Temecula Wine Country--located in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego--deliver on that promise?
 Northern California has Napa and Sonoma and Central California has its own wine appellation. The Temecula Valley at the southern tip of Riverside County, while less familiar, is now home to more than 20 locally-based wineries. Almost all are concentrated in a region just east of the city. These establishments are centered along Rancho California Road, which runs east from Interstate 15. At more than 1,100 feet above sea level, with its own unique microclimate combined with a well-drained decomposed granite soil, this area now produces many award-winning premium wines that rival those produced in California's better known regions. Most wineries offer their own tasting rooms, and several feature their own fine dining establishments.
 In addition to its rapidly developing wine culture, the Temecula area features a half dozen championship-level golf courses open to the public, hot air balloon tours, a preserved turn-of-the-century downtown district, several casino hotels, a number of bed and breakfasts, and chain hotels that provide a wealth of lodging opportunities for every budget.
 I am fortunate to live just 15 miles north of Temecula, so it was easy for me to remove the T-tops from my now vintage Fiero and enjoy a wonderful spring Sunday exploring wine country. If approaching from Los Angeles to the north, getting to Temecula is easy on Interstate 15 south. If arriving from outside the region, consider flying in via San Diego 60 miles to the south instead of Los Angeles. And while you can rent a sedan, minivan, or SUV at the airport, if it's just you and your significant other, take advantage of the wonderful climate by splurging on a convertible. In San Diego, Rent-a-Vette offers Audi's exciting TT roadster for just $179/day or $999/week with 100 miles free each day.
 If you truly want to be in the center of things and are seeking a unique resort experience, consider a spacious villa at the AAA Four Diamond-rated South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. With the units placed within the cultivated vines, it presents a unique setting for that special getaway. If an intimate B&B is more your style then the Castle Bed and Breakfast is an alternative well worth considering.
 If you are going to embark on a tasting tour, remember to eat a hearty breakfast each morning before starting out. After familiarizing yourself with the region--the Temecula Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau's website is a good place to start your research prior to visiting--plan on limiting yourself to a maximum of four tasting rooms each day. This will afford you an unhurried schedule in which to appreciate the work of the region's passionate wine makers.
 As the region's wine culture has developed, the Temecula Valley Wine Growers Association now offers five special events. First up is the Big Red Weekend in May followed by the Winemakers Gold Dinner & Auction in July. At the end of the summer, Vine 2 Wine comes in August with the Harvest Wine Celebration in November. The recently held Winter Barrel Tasting takes place in January and as most events sell out in advance, reservations are strongly recommended. In addition to these scheduled events, individual wineries (see list at the end of the article) hold their programs throughout the year.
 While there is certainly plenty to do in the Temecula Valley--more than can be packed into a long weekend--if your stay in the region is longer, two separate side trips are well worth your time. If you're a fan of mid-century architecture and art, Palm Springs is less than two hours away, and can be reached avoiding the Freeways by setting your GPS with the mountain town of Idyllwild as your midpoint. If you're a fan of the desert, Anza-Borrego State Park is about an hour south.
With its wealth of activities, great climate, and convenient location both for day trippers from Los Angeles or San Diego as well as those seeking a longer getaway, Temecula's Wine Country is an emerging and close-by destination that is worth considering when planning your next getaway, especially when there's not enough time for a trans-Atlantic adventure to Tuscany.
Temecula Valley Wineries
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