Explore Temecula
In Temecula, California, the mountains are alive with two passions: wine and golf. Over the past dozen years, wineries in the region have expanded and prospered. Neat rows of grapevines line the slopes—each stake supporting grapes and livelihood. Among the 50 wineries, Carter Estate Winery and Resort ranked high for its vibrant, award-winning atmosphere. champagne method Sparkling wine and stunning stills.
South Coast Winery Resort is the Carter’s sister property across the street, allowing guests to shuttle between resorts to enjoy all the amenities. it carries a rhythm on the vine The concert series and our stay at Carter Winery Resort happened to coincide with a performance by Queen Nation. Their music still resonates in our ears today: “We are the champions” – Perfect for South Coast and Carter Winery & Resorts. Queen Nation found a lot of “people to love” there.
Bungalow experience
After the music died down, we retreated to our bungalow, one of sixty at Carter Winery Resort, each peacefully decorated with cozy fireplaces and bathtubs with crystal tubs. The sweetest spot is the terrace, just steps from the vineyards, gazing out at the snow-covered mountain scenery in early October. Morning coffee is accompanied by the sight and murmur of hot air balloons filling, rising and landing. Carter Estate’s own design sits nearby on 112 acres.
Wine tasting and dining
We strolled along those acres of vineyards, through olive groves, to the Carter Estate tasting room, where huge windows offer sweeping views outside and the buzz of winemaking operations inside. The tasting room offers extensive giftware, a full bar, snacks and a five-glass tasting for $30. The wide selection of eight varieties makes it hard to choose, but since sparkling wine is their specialty, at least one glass is a must. Alice’s favorite sparkling wine is Brut Rosé, refreshing and refreshing on a sunny afternoon, while Danny prefers Cuvée Prestige. we all say oui, oui, Syrah, Syrah To Shiraz.
After wine tasting, guests can relax by the pool, order from the grill, or go across the street to enjoy fine dining at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. The slow-cooked short ribs were tender on a bed of creamy polenta and spiced vegetables, and the filet mignon was cooked to perfection. Both were paired perfectly with a bottle of their Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve, which we brought into the wine club balcony for the concert.
The excitement of golf
In addition to wine, food and hot air balloons, golf is available at Pechanga Resort or Temecula Creek Golf Club. Pechanga’s ride is closed due to regulation, but we remember it as it was aptly named a dozen years ago – a thrilling ride through rugged canyons and ravines.
Temecula Creek Golf Club offers three different 9 holes: Creek, Oaks and Stonehouse. Creek is a friendly warm-up venue, while Oaks rewards long hitters. However, Stonehouse is a love-hate challenge – we loved it from start to finish. Watching golfers face the daunting ninth green while waiting for the first tee to clear is entertainment in itself.
The Stonehouse course is a rollercoaster, with the sixth hole leading from a high opening through a deep and wide ravine, in stark contrast to the previous uphill par 3, which can be played in two strokes when the wind is calm and longer when the wind is blowing. Each hole has its own story, culminating in the historic Stone House next to the seventh green – a former granite miner’s shed from the 1880s, now a charming wedding and event venue.
The Stonehouse Course is full of fun and our Murietta siblings, Jim and Denise, recently discovered the joys of couples golf after fifty years of marriage. On the driving range we met another couple from Padre Island celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. They preferred the Temecula Wine Valley to Napa, and after speaking with “Freddie Mercury” himself, invited him to renew their vows and then purchase tickets to his Queen Nation concerts. Coincidentally, we were dancing the night away at the same event – our own event Rhapsody in Temecula.
