Temecula Wines by Temecula Wine Tours

Temecula Valley, California Wineries produce a variety of wines

Whether you are looking for Zinfandel or more traditional wines such as Chardonnay or Cabernet, you will find them in Temecula Wineries.

When taking a Temecula wine tour you will run across a variety of wines, many using grapes grown in Temecula Valley. Below are examples of some of the wines you will find when touring Temecula Wineries.

Zinfandel - Introduced in the US in the 1830's the Zinfandel grapes flourish in warmer climates such as Temecula Valley. Many of the Temecula Wineries produce this wine in both red and white. Zinfandel tends to be a sweeter and somewhat spicey wine, pairs well with American cuisine. Zinfandel wines do not age as well as others and should be consumed within a few years of the manufacture date in most cases.

Cabernet Sauvignon - Another common wine throughout the valley is Cabernet Sauvignon. California is the second largest producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, mostly in northern California wineries but also Temecula Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon wines generally have a bolder flavor than other reds and do age well.

Merlot - You wont find as much Merlot during your Temecula Wine Tour as you would at colder climate wineries. Merlot is a red wine, not quite as bold as Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is best consumed within 6 years of the vintage date in most cases.

Syrah - Also known as "Shiraz" depending on your location. Syrah is widely produced in Temecula Valley by several of the wineries. Syrah is a dry red table wine and pairs well with many foods. Premium Syrah is generally best within 10-15 years of its vintage date.

Chardonnay - The most popular white wine is also found at Temecula Wineries. Chardonnay can be fruity or have a smokey flavor depending on how it was aged. Premium Chardonnay can be aged up to 4-5 years.

Pinot Noir - Rarely found in Temecula Valley due to the hotter temperatures, Pinot Noir is one of the oldest and most difficult to make wines. Pinot Noir can be aged 5-8 years from vintage for some premium wines. Pinot Noir can vary in flavors and textures.

Riesling - You will find mostly late harvest dessert Riesling in California which varies from what you will find in NY and Europe. Even inexpensive Riesling can be aged for a couple years.

Sauvignon Blanc - A white wine that usually has fruity flavors or sometimes a melon flavor.

*most wines under $20 are best consumed within one year of purchase, or immediately. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

Temecula Valley Grapes

A variety of grapes have been successfully grown in Temecula, CA. Learn more about Temecula Valley Grapes.

Wine Pairing

Pairing wines with specific foods makes both taste better. Learn how to pair your favorite Temecula Valley Wines.

Wine Tasting Prices

Compare wine tasting prices among Temecula Wineries. Most wineries include a wine glass with wine tastings.