Plan a fall timeshare vacation to southern California’s Wine Country.
California Wine Country is generally considered to be the counties of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino north of San Francisco. World-renowned vintages draw millions of visitors a year to the area’s famous wineries.
But here’s a secret – for a real treat visit Southern California Wine Country. The town of Temecula is the center, which sits equi-distant and just about an hour from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County.
This picturesque valley with a Mediterranean climate is home to more than 35 wineries that have cultivated over 3,500 acres of vineyards.
While northern California wine country began as far back as 1856 when Hungarian immigrant Agoston Haraszthy planted his first vines, wine grapes wouldn’t be planted in Southern California until over one hundred years later.
In several different locations throughout the valley, Richard Break and Leon Borel, working for the newly formed Rancho California Development Corporation, planted 56 different varieties of grapes.
John Moramarco planted a thousand acres for the Brookside Vineyards and Winery in 1967.
The town of Temecula wasn’t finally incorporated until 1989.
The Temecula Valley is now recognized as a full-fledged appellation, legally defining it as a wine-producing geographical area. Gaining well-deserved recognition the area has received over 5,000 awards for its wine.
Harvest of the heavy, ripe fruit in the fall is worthy of a celebration, and AutumnFest is a three-month long celebration of the area’s wineries.
In September Temecula Valley proudly participates in California Wine Month. Take your SIP Passport with you on your self-guided tour where passport holders can savor wine tasting at five of the Valley’s premier wineries, along with enjoying special savings.
October is when the Old Town Temecula Fall Rod Run attracts over 30,000 auto enthusiasts to participate in the Friday Night Cruise, and the Saturday Show and Shine. Hundreds of of the finest vehicles – all pre-1974 – are proudly displayed.
And in November the eagerly anticipated Harvest Celebration Barrel Tasting gets underway. This food and wine adventure is self-guided at more than 30 participating wineries.
At each stop you’ll find barrel samples of unfinished wines that are not available to the general public. Along the way you can sample finished wines and delicious foods.
Throughout the three-month long AutumnFest, the various wineries get in on the fun with other exciting events including Wilson Creek’s Sunset Jazz in the Vines, and Mount Palomar’s Grape Stomps.
You can also participate in everything from South Coast’s Blessing of the Wine Celebration to Monte de Oro’s Rocky Horror Halloween Bash.
Check out the many California timeshare rentals available within an easy drive of Temecula’s Southern California Wine Country.
Photo Credit: eventful.com