Temecula Wines to Sip All Summer Long

From breezy picnics to backyard BBQs, these warm-weather wines from Temecula are made for sunshine, laughter, and long golden evenings.

When the days stretch longer and the sandals come out of hibernation, there’s only one thing your wine rack should be doing: reflecting the season. Summer is a lifestyle, and no one bottles that radiant energy quite like the winemakers of Temecula Valley.

From crisp whites and flirty rosés to surprisingly refreshing reds, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association offers up a lineup of wines that are sunshine-ready. Whether you’re planning a luxurious vineyard picnic, a low-key dinner on the patio, or just looking to impress your guests with a well-curated bottle, these wines bring flavor, elegance, and a serious sense of fun to every summer moment.

We’ve rounded up our favorite pours to carry you through the season—so grab your sunglasses, and let’s get sipping.

Bright and Crisp for Daytime Sips

Let’s face it: summer sipping starts early. Whether you’re brunching at noon or lounging poolside by 3 p.m., these vibrant whites and rosés are light, refreshing, and built to beat the heat.

South Coast Winery – 2023 Pinot Blanc ($25)

With tropical notes of pineapple, spiced apple, and the soft toastiness of brioche, this Pinot Blanc balances refreshing acidity with creamy texture. Stainless steel fermentation with a touch of new French oak makes it versatile enough to pair with grilled fish tacos, roasted chicken, or that buttery corn-on-the-cob you’ve been dreaming about. Bonus: it’s great chilled for impromptu porch hangs.

Carter Estate Winery – 2022 Les Nobles ($35)

Think of this as the perfume of summer—an intoxicating blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. Aromas of rose petals, lychee, and citrus leap from the glass, while the dry, crisp finish makes it the ideal pairing for sushi picnics, crab cakes, or a plate of spicy Thai noodles under twinkling lights.

Masia de la Vinya – 2022 Rosé de Garnacha ($36)

Bright wild strawberries and juicy white peach come together in this crisp rosé, aged in stainless steel for a clean, fruit-forward profile. Pair it with grilled shrimp skewers, a fruit and feta salad, or your favorite poolside playlist. It’s what we imagine sipping while wrapped in a linen sarong with the scent of sunscreen in the air.

 Summer Reds That Keep Their Cool

Red wines in the summer? Yes, absolutely. These selections bring the bold fruit and soft spice you love, with a lighter touch that pairs beautifully with grilled fare, al fresco dinners, and breezy late-night conversations.

Wiens Cellars – 2021 Pinot Noir ($45)

Like a velvet robe in the form of a wine, this Pinot Noir opens with dried cherry, fennel, and a hint of cola. Aged in French oak, it’s silky and balanced with just enough spice to elevate dishes like cedar-plank salmon, duck breast, or a cheese board stacked with brie and jam.

Masia de la Vinya – 2021 Barbera ($45)

Aromas of blueberry, pomegranate, and cloves make this Barbera a summer evening staple. Lively acidity and a smooth, medium body pair easily with savory mushroom risotto, grilled veggies, or a cozy pasta night on the patio. It's the kind of bottle you open “just to have a glass” and suddenly realize it's empty.

Churon Winery – 2022 Tempranillo ($49)

This bold-yet-playful red is bursting with juicy raspberry, strawberry, and a hint of clove. It's basically the wine version of a backyard party. Serve with burgers, carnitas tacos, or grilled veggie skewers, and don’t be surprised when the bottle disappears faster than the guacamole. 

Big, Bold & Built for the Grill

Long summer days are perfect for firing up the grill—and these rich, complex reds are ready to meet the moment. Smoky, spicy, and bold, they’re the wines to reach for when dinner gets serious.

Danza del Sol Winery – 2021 Estate Syrah ($40)

Charred raspberry, stewed blueberry, and a whisper of anise give this Syrah a layered complexity that’s almost too easy to drink. Slow-roasted ribs? Yep. Grilled lamb? Absolutely. It’s like having a smoky campfire in your glass—without smelling like one.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards – 2021 Petite Sirah ($60)

This deep, sultry red has intense aromas of blackberry, lavender, and sweet tobacco spice. It's bold and tannin-forward, perfect for braised short ribs, roasted lamb, or dark chocolate desserts by the fire pit. We love it as a nightcap wine after the dinner plates are cleared and the stars come out.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery – 2019 Estate Negroamaro ($61)

Made from a thick-skinned Italian grape, this spicy, coffee-laced wine packs a punch. It’s daring, delicious, and ready for anything from BBQ chicken pizza to teriyaki beef skewers. It practically begs for an outdoor dinner party—bonus points if there are string lights involved. 

Temecula in a Bottle (and on Your Travel List)

Temecula’s wines are more than delicious—they're a reflection of the region’s laid-back luxury, stunning landscapes, and innovative spirit. Whether you're stocking up for summer entertaining or planning a weekend getaway, these bottles offer a passport to the good life.

And if you’re lucky enough to visit in person? Expect hot air balloon mornings, vineyard lunches, sun-drenched tastings, and golden hour walks through the vines. Many of the wineries featured here offer food pairings, live music, and tasting room experiences that make Temecula one of Southern California’s must-visit wine destinations.

Final Sip: Make This the Summer of Temecula

No matter how you're spending the season—hosting soirées, taking weekend road trips, or just trying to drink something beautiful while you water the plants—Temecula has your perfect pour.

So pop a cork, pour a glass, and savor the sunshine. Summer never tasted so good.

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