What happens at a tasting
Most tasting rooms offer a flight: several small pours, usually from a printed list you choose from. You pay per person, and the fee varies by winery and by the type of flight (standard, reserve, or a seated experience). Many wineries waive or reduce the fee when you buy bottles, and wine club members often taste for free.
You don't need to know anything about wine. Tell the person pouring what you usually like, sweet or dry, red or white, and let them steer you.
Before you go
- Check each winery's hours and fees on its website
- Reserve for weekends and groups
- Eat a real breakfast
- Bring water and sunscreen
At the counter
- It's fine to spit or pour out
- Share a flight if you're pacing yourself
- Ask which wines are only sold at the winery
- Tip your server if they made the visit
Getting home
- Pick a designated driver, or
- Book a wine tour or driver
- Stay at a winery resort and skip the drive
Ways to save
- Go on a weekday. It's calmer, and some wineries run weekday specials.
- Share flights. Two people, one flight, more wineries.
- Look at tasting deals. Discounted tasting passes and tour packages pop up often. See Temecula deals.
- Join one club, not five. If you love a winery, its club usually includes free tastings for you and sometimes guests.
Tasting packages and tours
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Tours bundle the driving, and often the tasting fees and lunch, into one price.
See tasting tours & packagesKeep planning
Common questions
How much does wine tasting cost in Temecula?
It depends on the winery and the flight. Standard flights cost less than reserve or seated experiences, and many wineries waive the fee with a bottle purchase. Check current prices on each winery's website.
Do I need a reservation for wine tasting in Temecula?
On weekends, for groups, and for seated or reserve tastings, it's a good idea. Weekday walk-ins are often fine. Policies vary by winery.
What should I wear wine tasting in Temecula?
Comfortable, casual clothes and shoes you can walk in on gravel or grass. Bring layers in spring and fall, because evenings cool down, and a hat and sunscreen in summer.
How many tastings is too many?
Most people are happiest with three or four wineries in a day. Share flights, drink water between stops, and eat lunch, and don't drive after tasting.