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You might think you're in Tuscany, but you're actually in Temecula, California
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Is it Tuscany — or Temecula?
The first thing you'll notice when you enter the lush Temecula Valley, just one hour north of San Diego and 90 minutes south of Los Angeles, are the many stately Italianate wineries surrounded by vineyards and hills reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside.
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Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Winery fun for the entire family
Just like in Italy, multi-generational families can spend a relaxing day together at a local winery. Here at the Peltzer Farm and Winery, families can enjoy strolls through the vineyards and a farm-to-table al fresco meal on the terrace. The winery’s spirited dogs never tire of playing catch with the kids while the rest of the family unwinds in the bucolic setting.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Raise a glass to friendship
In a festive, best-friends-forever moment at Fazeli Cellars, long-time friends raise a glass to continued health, success and happiness.
Photo courtesy of Visit Temecula
Horsin' around in Temecula wine country
Hop on a gentle steed and discover a delightful way to explore the lush vineyards of Temecula on horseback. Choose among several companies that offer unique horseback riding experiences through the picturesque trails of Temecula Valley. For the ultimate in romance, you can ride through the vineyards in an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and taste wine along the way.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
A stroll down Main Street
You’ll love strolling down Temecula's Main Street and taking in the variety of retail shops, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and pubs that await visitors.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
A foodie's delight
Temecula is located just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean and smack in the middle of a fertile valley, so it’s no wonder that the cuisine offered in this farm-to-table, surf-to-turf paradise is exceptional. Enjoy a delightful culinary experience at any one of 11 restaurants in the Pechanga Resort & Casino (2015 winner of the 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best U.S. Casino), situated in the heart of Temecula Valley.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Hike the hills
Temecula offers miles of hiking trails where you can explore the local flora and fauna, such as the delicate purple-fringed Datura wildflower. Over 200 species of birds can be spotted in the oak woodlands, wetlands, prairies and vernal pools that line the hiking paths.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Buildings from yesteryear
Everywhere you look in Temecula’s Old Town, you’ll see architecture of another era in the city’s history. These late 19th-century buildings now serve as business offices.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Shop for all sorts of collectibles
If you love specialty shopping, Old Town Temecula is the place for you. More than 60 individually owned specialty stores offer everything from antiques and vintage clothing, to whimsical garden-related items, to one-of-a-kind American furniture dating back to the 1800s.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Nostalgia in Temecula's Old Town
You’ll see remnants of just about every decade in the late 19th and 20th centuries as you stroll through Temecula’s colorful streets.
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Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
It's a dog's world
People-watching (including man's best friend) is a favorite pastime along Temecula Old Town’s colorful avenues and side streets.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Murals reflect the region's history
This colorful mural represents the period around 1882, when the Temecula town site was established with the arrival of the California Southern Railroad. The line transported both passengers and cattle well into the early 20th century.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Entertainment options
You’ll never be bored with the entertainment options in Temecula. A wide variety of festivals and events are offered year-round. Throughout the summer months, local wineries host nationally-known artists, concerts and live entertainment (Thornton Winery is legendary for its Champagne Jazz Series). For a taste of Vegas, head over to Pechanga Resort & Casino, where A-list concerts are held weekly in a state-of-the-art theater.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Each winery has its own charm
The Persian-inspired Fazeli Cellars winery is one of the many stunning buildings that line the Temecula wine trail. From rustic to contemporary, traditional to classic, every winery along Temecula’s trail has its own unique ambiance.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Rustic wine tasting
You can’t get closer to an Italian country wine tasting experience than at Doffo Winery on the Temecula wine trail. Sip some of their excellent varietals under grape-covered trellises, accompanied by tasty homemade appetizers. Or enjoy a picnic under the vines in their hillside grotto, with gorgeous views of the countryside.
Up, up and away
There's no doubt that the most spectacular way to view the Temecula Valley is soaring above the magnificent scenery in a hot air balloon.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Slow down with slow food
Stop by E.A.T. Marketplace for a taste of their eclectic, seasonal menu that satisfies all tastes and dietary restrictions, from vegan to gluten-free to paleo and beyond. This casual, friendly eatery is a champion of Slow Food and an advocate for local farmers, ranchers and food artisans. You can also get your food to-go and enjoy a relaxing picnic a few steps away in Town Square Park on Main Street.
Photo courtesy of Pechanga Resort & Casino
Soothe your body and soul
Whether you’re looking for a couple’s massage to celebrate the one you love, a champagne facial or yoga class in the vineyards, you’ll find it at the numerous day spas and full-service resort spas that specialize in treatments influenced by the region’s wineries.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Sweet spot for golf
Golfers of all skill levels will relish playing on one of Temecula’s seven golf courses open to the public. Many courses are surrounded by age-old oak trees, streams and lakes. Several boast dramatic elevation changes leading to breathtaking views over Temecula Valley.
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Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Celebration time
You can’t beat the ambiance of a winery to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or just life in general with friends and family.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
To life!
When the sun begins to set behind the chaparral-covered hills, relax and raise a glass in celebration of the beauty of Temecula’s wine country, and to life!
About Joanne and Tony DiBona
Joanne and Tony DiBona know a thing or two about creating photo galleries to share their personal travel experiences around the world with their readers. Their articles have been featured on 10Best for the past decade, as well as in national and international print and online media. Their awards for photography and journalism fill up an entire wall in their office, the most recent being a top national award for their US and international galleries published on 10Best. Follow their travel adventures on their scenic photography website and travel blog. Have a question about travel? Contact them on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
Read more about Joanne and Tony DiBona here.
Connect with Joanne and Tony via: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
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