Baily Vineyard & Winery is an excellent stop on your Temecula Valley wine country Tour. Be sure to visit this winery with its medieval flavor and artistic courtyard fountain. The cost for a regular tasting is ($5), which includes five different tastes and a 12-oz. souvenir wineglass. They also offer a premium tasting ($10) of five tastings and a souvenir 19-oz. wineglass.

Falkner Winery sits high on a hill with panoramic views of the mountains and vineyard. It’s open for tasting 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. The cost is ($10), which includes four tastes of white or red wines. On the weekends, wine tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. They also have an outdoor tasting area. Plus, they offer wine tasting classes monthly. The winery also has an art gallery featuring talented Southern California artists and a gift shop filled with unique gifts.

Wiens Family Cellars are famous for their “Big Red” wines in the Heart of Temecula Wine Country. This winery is literally family run, with four brothers working together to grow, produce and distribute their “Big Red” wines. Their selection of handcrafted wines includes over 15 different varietals like Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Port and Amour de l’Orange, which is a sparkling white wine with a touch of orange. Tastings are ($10) for six tastes. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on their patio.

You’ll feel on top of the world at Falkner Winery’s hilltop Pinnacle Restaurant. Its location on top of a 1,500-ft. hill offers panoramic views of the Temecula Valley. Relax in the fresh air of their open balcony or dine with comfort in their window-enclosed dining room. The Pinnacle features delicious American/Mediterranean cuisine at affordable prices. It is also a wonderful venue for weddings and other special events. As would be expected, their wine list is excellent.

Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery is perfectly situated in a high-ceiling room dominated by a huge fireplace, the restaurant seems to be of another, perhaps medieval, time. Ask for seating inside next to the fireplace or on their delightful terrace overlooking their Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. Their patio is covered by a pergola and nestled between the restaurant and the Cabernet vines provide a great place for al fresco dining when weather permits, which is most of the time.

Another winner is the new Meritage Restaurant at the Callaway Vineyard & Winery (3), this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serves tapas and light and delicious cuisine and features a breathtaking vineyard view.

The best place to stay in Temecula is the Inn at Churon Winery (5), a French-style boutique Chateau situated amid the breathtaking views of the Temecula Wine Country, the Inn at Churon Winery beckons new friends and old acquaintances alike with its serene atmosphere and exquisite wines. They are also open daily for wine tasting from 10am to 4:30pm, which comes with a beautiful cheese platter.