Clink glasses at local wineries draped in golden and crimson vines. Need we say more?
In other parts of the country, autumn’s arrival is palpable—the leaves will explode in bright oranges and yellows, and they’ll produce the most satisfying crunch underneath your boots.
Yet, in most areas of the Golden State, the fall season is usually characterized by more cloudy, rainy days than sun and mild temperatures. If the absence of autumnal cheer has you feeling down, we’ve got the solution. As it turns out, some California greenery does ignite in fiery colors each fall, but it’s not the trees you’d expect.
Across the Temecula Valley, local wineries dripping in grapevines see their foliage turn gold and even crimson each fall. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect: the best time to see the vineyards turn colors is mid-October through late November, perfectly aligning with the region’s post-harvest crush season, or when grapes are processed to become wine.
It’s a rather extraordinary sight to behold in Southern California, a region whose color-changing forests can be counted on one hand. And yet, here in southwestern Riverside County, vines enter their winter dormancy period by displaying vibrant shades. As the leaves turn gold from green, the process of photosynthesis continues, storing nutrients in the vines’ root and trunk systems in preparation for next season. When a vine stores the right amount of nutrients, chlorophyll in the leaves starts to break down, allowing carotenoids—which produce yellow and orange colors—along with anthocyanins—which produce reds and purples—their time to shine.
That’s enough science talk, though. Leaf-peeping in the Temecula Valley is a bucket list-worthy venture because of the area’s sheer excitement for autumn activities. Located just 60 miles north of bustling San Diego, the Temecula Valley is a world-renowned wine destination, with an ever-growing culinary scene and an easy-going, small-town atmosphere. When autumn rolls around each year, visitors pour in to take part in both adults-only and family-friendly activities.
For example, the family-owned and operated Peltzer Farms opens its pumpkin patch to the public each fall, offering thrilling, country-chic entertainment like pony rides, gem panning, corn mazes, and picnics galore. Meanwhile, the area goes all out for spooky season with walking ghost tours, Halloween markets, masquerade balls, and even horse-drawn wagon rides led by none other than the Headless Horseman.
Ready to usher in autumn’s arrival amid vines dripping in gold? Here are our picks for the best local wineries in the Temecula Valley for leaf-peeping, plus one can’t-miss carriage ride option and a public park that’s actually home to deciduous trees! (They were planted there by the city’s parks department, but we won’t tell if you don’t!)
Thornton Winery
Since opening in 1988, Thornton Winery has made a name for itself as the Temecula Valley’s premier Champagne House. Specializing in French-style sparkling wines made using the Méthode Champenoise process, Thornton Winery invites guests to sip flights of bubbles each Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. If the champagne gets you feeling a little light-headed, pair it with a delicious meal at the winery’s own restaurant.
Café Champagne offers al-fresco dining amid the golden and crimson vines, and its menus pair light bites like charcuterie and cheese plates with hearty dishes like filet mignon and braised short ribs, prepared in a red wine sauce, of course. Autumn is also the perfect time to visit Thornton Winery for its packed entertainment schedule—the Champagne Jazz Series sees regional talent visit most Saturdays and Sundays in October.
South Coast Winery Resort and Spa
Did someone say, “Girls’ weekend?” Enjoy golden hour surrounded by golden vines for however many days you’d like with a stay at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, the Temecula Valley’s only winery resort experience. Gaze out at more than 60 acres of vines with a glass of wine in hand at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant, whose terrace and elegant dining room both offer unspoiled views of the vineyards.
The on-site Grapeseed Spa offers a heated, saltwater pool and a sun-drenched veranda where you can relax on a chaise lounge, overlooking the vineyard’s fall display. Accommodation options include spacious villas and oversized suites, both with private patios facing the vines.
Harveston Lake Park
Need to walk off your wine buzz? Stroll among deciduous trees at Harveston Lake Park in Temecula. The Harveston Lake Loop plants you among stately oak trees, whose leaves turn bright shades of wine-red and orange-gold each autumn. Sure, they’re not native to Southern California, but their beauty is unmatched and will surely put you in an autumnal state of mind. The 17-acre park itself also offers pedal boats to rent and plenty of shady picnic spots.
Monte de Oro Winery
Sip wines crafted exclusively from Temecula Valley grapes at Monte de Oro Winery, whose massive wine tasting room boasts cathedral ceilings and a glass floor overlooking a 900-barrel wine cellar. Each Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the tasting room welcomes guests to sample its diverse collection of varietals, which includes syrah, cabernet sauvignon, and viognier. When the early evening sun casts its glow over the vineyards, move to the expansive patio, complete with panoramic views of the vineyards and the surrounding Temecula Valley.
Temecula Carriage Company
If you’d prefer to view the Temecula Valley’s golden vineyards in style, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage ride with Temecula Carriage Co. There’s nothing more autumn-themed than the Great Turkey Hunt Ride, a 20-minute excursion through wine country that concludes with a cup of cider sipped in a barn. The carriage company also offers more private, romantic experiences for couples, as well as family-friendly, covered wagon rides. Note that every ride requires advance reservations, which can be made on the website or over the phone.
Leoness Cellars
This Temecula Valley staple wants you to experience its vineyards firsthand with guided tours. Choose between a wine education tour, which travels through the vineyards, the barrel aging room, and the winery’s state-of-the-art production spaces, and the Vineyard Tour and Taste, which pairs tours of the vineyards with curated wine and cheese bites in a private room. No matter which option you select, Leoness Cellars’ experienced hosts will make sure you learn how the Temecula Valley’s soil, climate, and seasons produce each delicious glass of wine.
