This Is California’s Best-Kept Wine Country Secret
What to eat, drink, see, and do in this under-the-radar region.
The interior of Two Travelers Wine Bar. Photo by Kimberly Motos.
Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.
Photo courtesy of The Goat & Vine
Meet the insider: Alicia Trevithick, Chef and Owner, The Goat & Vine
Location: Temecula, California
A trip to Temecula wouldn’t be complete without a meal at the buzzy restaurant The Goat & Vine, where locals and visitors come in droves for wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, and salads, plus an excellent selection of wines. Chef and owner Alicia Trevithick is a de facto expert on the region, and she shares her tips on the spots to hit on your next adventure to this corner of Southwest Riverside County wine country.
EAT
Kimberly Motos
In Old Town, if I’m looking for a pistachio latte and perfect croissant, I head to Le Coffee Shop. For a farm-to-table lunch, my favorite is E.A.T. Marketplace, and for a global wine list, charcuterie, and oysters, stop into Two Travelers Wine Bar + Merchant. Small Barn has a great outdoor patio. But one of my favorite places in Temecula is a true hidden gem. It’s a family-run Mediterranean spot, Papa Feta. I go for the chicken souvlaki plate on a freshly made giant pita at least once a week. Two of the best old-school classics in town where you’ll find a lot of locals are The Gambling Cowboy and Gourmet Italia. And Robert Renzoni Vineyards has an amazing meatball sandwich, beautiful views, and live music.
DRINK
Andrew Tipton
Peltzer Winery always has something fun, and across the street is Akash Winery, which also has a great vibe. The Temecula Stampede is a classic country bar. If beer is what you’re looking for, there are some standout breweries worth visiting like 8 Bit Brewing Co. and Solaris Beer & Blending, located in what’s considered Temecula’s brewery district.
STAY
Courtesy of Ponte Vineyard Inn
Ponte Vineyard Inn is beautiful and walkable to several wineries and spas. There are also plenty of vacation rentals dotted around the wineries with a lot of character.
DO
Andrew Foulk/City of Temecula
The Saturday Farmers Market in Old Town Temecula is fantastic: fresh flowers, local produce, baked goods, and very good food. The crêpe stand is amazing, and I’ll wait in line for an hour for the green hen crêpe with garlic harissa if I have to. There’s always a party going on in Old Town, with festivals, concerts, and the annual Temecula Rod Run classic car event. Many wineries have live music, concerts, and special events all weekend. Pro tip: Mid-week is a great time to head out to wine country for a chill vibe.
SHOP
Courtesy of Paige Creative
Old Town Temecula has several rustic and charming boutiques and shops, from the tiny Weld + Wool custom hat bar on Main Street to Temecula Olive Oil Company, where you can taste its locally grown olive oil. Under the Willow boutique is great for shopping, Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants offers great gifts, and if you really want to get lost in an antique shop, Granny’s Attic just across the riverbed is where I go for vintage finds.
