Destination Temecula
There are several compelling reasons to visit Temecula. They include the history of the area, outstanding vineyards, year-round tourist events, outdoor activities and two terrific resorts.
History - The Luiseno Indians first inhabited the region during the 1700s. When the Spanish settled the area the name became Temecula, which evolved from the Indian word Temecunga meaning "the place of the sun." Frontiersmen Jedediah Smith and Kit Carson traveled through the region in the 1800s. Temecula was officially established in 1859 with the opening of its post office.
The Old Temecula Jail Was Originally Built as a Wine Cellar
Vineyards - Did you know that the California Winery of the Year is located in Temecula? In fact, it’s won the award for the past two years. In 2008 and 2009, the California State Wine Fair Competition’s Golden State Winery of the Year “Golden Bear” Award went to the South Coast Winery. With only five years of wine production, they now turn out over 40 different wines. In 2009, they won an astonishing 353 medals. In addition to South Coast Winery, 3,000 acres of picturesque vineyards with over 20 wineries can be found in what is referred to as Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country.
California Winery of the Year 2008 & 2009: South Coast Winery
Events - We attended the 6th. Annual Temecula Valley International Jazz Festival. The weekend festivities
were held in Old Town Temecula which is celebrating its 150th. anniversary. Pancho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band headed the all-star lineup. There were outdoor music venues, jam sessions, a youth jazz concert and performances in the state-of-the-art Old Town Community Theater. Featured events in November and December include Heritage Days, a Quilt Show, the Fall Rod Run, an Earle Stanley Gardner Mystery Weekend (he was a one-time resident), Jazz at the Merc, Wine Country Harvest Celebration and lots more. Check the online calendar at www.temeculacvb.com.
The Temecula Valley International Jazz Festival
What to Do – You won’t be bored. Try a hot-air balloon ride, play golf, visit vineyards, the Temecula Valley Museum and the Old Town Farmers Market (held every weekend). Explore historic downtown and its shops, featuring everything from western art and antiques to trinkets and imported cigars. There are also numerous restaurants and bars. A short drive away is the 600,000 acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It is home to hiking trails and wildlife, including the endangered long eared owl, desert fox and Peninsular bighorn sheep.
Shopping in Old Town Temecula
Resorts – We stayed at two very special spots. The first, the Temecula Creek Inn, is the “grande dame” of the area. It is owned by JC Resorts, which also operates the Rancho Bernardo Inn and the Surf & Sand Resort. The property features comfortable and spacious rooms, the award-winning Temet Grill, 27 holes of championship golf, a swimming pool, tennis courts, jogging paths and bike trails. There is free parking, complimentary wi-fi and a fitness center. Dinner at Temet Grill, overlooking the golf course with the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, is a treat. Their seasonal specialties are enhanced by the presentation and service. Don’t miss the roasted lamb sirloin filet entrée and chocolate decadence for dessert. The wine list features interesting vintages by the glass or bottle. Their Sunday champagne brunch is spectacular. My favorites were the Bloody Mary bar, peel-and-eat shrimp, smoked salmon, carving station, eggs benedict, fresh fruit and an assortment of desserts including a chocolate fountain and an ice cream sundae station.
View From Our Room of the Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course
The beautiful South Coast Winery Resort and Spa was our next stop. Set within their vineyard, it encompasses 39 acres and features 76 luxurious private villas with fireplaces, spa tubs and free Internet access. A nice touch is the complimentary bottle of wine in your suite. Other amenities include the 15,000 square foot GrapeSeed Spa, a tasting room, large pool area, beautiful landscaping and the Vineyard Rose Restaurant. Breakfast on the terrace, overlooking the rows of grapevines while sipping mimosas, is decadent and highly recommended. Sign up for their behind-the-scenes, hour-long guided winery tour which finishes up in the tasting room with wine, fruit and cheese pairings.
View From Our Villa at the South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Contacts and Special Notes
Temecula Creek Inn
1-800-698-9295
www.temeculacreekinn.com
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
1-866-994-6379
www.WineResort.com
Historic Temecula insights can be found at www.temeculainformation.com. For one-stop shopping and information including a schedule of events, where to stay, vineyards and restaurants contact the Temecula Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.temeculacvb.com or call 1-888-363-2852. Ask about specials, discounts and packages.
The International Jazz Festival is produced by music buffs Jon and Jane Laskin. Contact them at 1-951-678-2517 or log onto www.TemeculaJazzFest.com.
Sponsors of the Temecula International Jazz Festival included the Family Readiness Office, 1st. RECON BN Camp Pendelton and the Camp Pendelton Marines. Over the festival weekend, The Wounded Warriors of San Diego’s Balboa Naval Hospital contributed drawings to The Art Miles Mural Project that were exhibited in support of the UN International Decade for the Culture of Peace.
The Art Miles Mural Project
Safe Travels and enjoy the journey…
Howard Hian
www.Travels-with-Hian.com
Thanks to the various websites for information. Before you go please check details, dates, rates, availability. Some restrictions may apply.