The most common request we get from California-bound travel clients? To help them experience California like a local, Temecula is the perfect destination. Californians have long traveled to Temecula because it’s ideal for food-focused travelers seeking a unique culinary experience. However, it’s a hidden gem, as it’s largely unknown to out-of-state visitors.
As a travel planner and editor at Salt & Wind Travel, I’ve spent over a decade researching and writing about travel. I was born and raised in California and have traveled extensively throughout the state. For this article, I traveled to Temecula with California Grown and visited the farms in person.
Food Lovers Temecula Itinerary
On a recent trip with our friends at California Grown, we came up with a Temecula itinerary for food and wine-focused travelers. e learned what is grown in Temecula Valley, visited a few farms, and saw it firsthand. Here are the must-do activities for your next food adventure in Temecula.
Wine Tasting
The local wine scene in Temecula dates back to the late 1960s when the Cilurzo planted the first commercial vineyards, and the area was designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1984. According to the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, there are now over 47 wineries, and 33,000 acres are planted to grapes scattered throughout the rolling hills.
Whether you prefer robust reds or crisp whites, Temecula Valley Wine Country offers a delightful array of wines to please every palate. The easiest way to dive into the local wine scene is to explore one of the three main wine trails: Rancho California, Calle Contento, and De Portola. A few wineries of note include Cougar Winery, Raúl Ramirez, and Halter Ranch.
Avocado Orchard
Many of the commercial avocado orchards in California are between San Diego and Riverside counties. In fact, San Diego County is considered the nation’s avocado capital because it produces 60% of all California avocados.
We visited family-owned Fairfield Farms in San Diego’s Pauma Valley, where citrus and avocados reign supreme. The folks at Fairfield Farms specialize in blueberries and avocados and are highly committed to sustainability.
We got to pick their plump, juicy blueberries straight from the bushes, connecting us with nature while enjoying the freshest berries imaginable. As far as their avocados go, they have many types across the property, but the vast majority are of the Haas and Pinkerton variety. While you can’t visit Fairfield Farms IRL, you can look for their produce in local farmers markets and grocery stores.
Lavender Farms
For those seeking a fragrant and serene experience, dive into Temecula lavender. This part of Southern California boasts several lavender farms that burst into vibrant purple blooms during summer. Head to Temecula Lavender Company in Old Town, where owner Jan Schneider creates lavender-infused products, such as essential oils, soaps, and culinary delights.
Flower Farms
In addition to lavender, Temecula is also home to captivating flower farms. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors as you explore fields of sunflowers, wildflowers, proteas, and other blossoms.
One of the best-known operations in the area is the family-owned Resendiz Brothers, which started in 1993 and grows mostly (over 80%) protea flowers. They pride themselves on growing California flowers because the vast majority of California flowers are organic, while imported flowers have to be sprayed to make it through the border. You can find their flowers at markets or order directly from their online store.
Olive Oil
No trip to Temecula would be complete without exploring the region’s thriving olive oil industry. Temecula’s Mediterranean-like climate and fertile soil create optimal conditions for growing olive trees. From robust and peppery to smooth and buttery, the range of flavors will entice your taste buds and inspire culinary creations. Head to Temecula Olive Oil Company at Olive View Ranch where you can do a ranch tour and tasting.
Farmers Markets
To immerse yourself in the local food scene and discover the freshest produce, be sure to visit one of Temecula’s vibrant farmers’ markets. There, you can peruse an array of locally grown fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and much more. Engage in conversations with local farmers, artisans, and chefs to gain insights into their craft and the passion behind creating these exceptional products.
According to Visit Temecula, there are three weekly farmers’ markets. The latest, the Old Town Market, takes place every Saturday, while the Vail HQ Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays, and the Promenade Temecula Farmers Market is on Wednesdays.
Eat And Drink Local
Beyond the wine scene are craft breweries (more than 17 breweries and counting), distilleries like Galway Spirits Distillery, and even Batch Meadery, a gluten-free cidery. There is also a wealth of fresh, local farm food to discover.
Lunch on farm-fresh sandwiches at E.A.T Marketplace (EAT stands for “Extraordinary Artisan Table”), and be sure to save room for turtle cheesecake. The Goat and Vine is another popular establishment renowned for its delectable burgers and sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, the Bank Mexican Restaurant and Bar offers a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary Mexican dishes, complemented by a selection of handcrafted cocktails.
Pro Tip: Also, make time to visit local u-pick farms in California, and consider adding these 15 farm tours to your California food adventures.
Hot Air Balloon
Temecula’s hot air balloon rides are a must-try if you’re searching for an exhilarating adventure and panoramic views. Soar above the picturesque landscape of vineyards and rolling hills as the morning sun paints the sky with hues of gold and pink. Upon landing, some tours, like A Grape Escape Hot Air Balloon Adventure, even end the tour with Mimosas.
Temecula, California, is a hidden gem for food-focused travelers, offering a captivating blend of wine tasting, lavender farms, flower farms, blueberry picking, hot air balloon rides, olive oil tastings, and vibrant farmers’ markets. With its bountiful harvests, charming countryside, and warm hospitality, Temecula offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking to savor the flavors and enjoy the unique experiences that make this region truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions About Temecula
Temecula is situated in Riverside County, Southern California. It is a one-hour drive from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs, and approximately 90 minutes from Los Angeles. The city of Temecula is situated in the heart of the Inland Empire. It is home to the burgeoning Temecula Wine Country, as well as the historic streets of Old Town Temecula.
With its idyllic Mediterranean climate and stunning landscapes, this charming Southern California destination offers numerous activities for food lovers. From a thriving wine industry and an up-and-coming craft beer movement to vibrant farms and farmers' markets, people travel there for farm-to-table local cuisine, wine tasting, and hot-air ballooning.
The region of Temecula has a rich indigenous history ,and it is known as a travel destination for food and wine lovers thanks to its vibrant agriculture and wine scene.
Temecula means "Place of the Sun" in the native Luiseño language, and the Pechanga believe that life on Earth began in the Temecula Valley. The indigenous Temecula Indians (comprised of the seven bands of the Pechanga, La Jolla, Soboba, Paala, Rincon, Pauma, and San Luis Rey) inhabited the valley for thousands of years before contact with the Spanish missionaries.
The area's rich agricultural heritage began in earnest in the 1820s, when it served as a ranching hub for the San Luis Rey Mission. It gained even more recognition when it became a stagecoach stop in the 1850s. Thanks to the historic facades that line Old Town, the city still retains a wild west vibe, and its population now exceeds 100,000 full-time residents.
The most widely planted crop in Temecula is wine grapes. Still, the area has a history of diverse activities, including ranching and cultivating specialty crops such as lavender, avocados, and olives. Temecula's high-quality soil and moderate climate make it ideal for cultivating a diverse range of crops. Today the primary agricultural products of the region are nursery plants and flowers (horticulture), milk, wine grapes and table grapes, and dates.
We've previously discussed what is grown in California, and to put it in perspective, Riverside County ranked 14th in agricultural production value last year among all California counties. That's just behind nearby San Diego County, where the top crops are horticulture, avocados, oranges, and lemons.
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15 Iconic U-Pick Farms In California
This list of 15 farm tours is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unique food experiences in California. To get even more hands-on with your food, check out our list of 15 iconic u-pick farms in California.
From Chileno Valley Ranch and Noble Orchards in Northern California to Underwood Family Farms and Tanaka Farms in Southern California, these are u-picks that are both well-known and under-the-radar across California.
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Photo Credit: Photos by Paprika Studios for California Grown
