Foodie Phenomenon Happening In SoCal's Largest Wine Region

TEMECULA VALLEY, CA — If you've lived in the Temecula area long enough, you remember when local wineries were in their infancy and any cuisine offerings there were, well ... eh. Maybe you were an out-of-town visitor to Temecula Valley Wine Country years ago and found the food less than appetizing.

Oh, how things have changed. Temecula Valley Wine Country is now an international destination — not only for wine and entertainment but also for great fare.

There is a foodie phenomenon occurring across California wine regions, largely due to customer expectations and tastebuds, according to industry officials.

“There’s much more of an interest from wineries in having a culinary program to offer their guests," according to Cakebread Cellars resident chef Brian Streeter.

Napa Valley, where Cakebread is located, has undergone a culinary shift, just like Temecula Valley. Streeter joined Cakebread in 1989 and he has seen California’s food and wine pairing programs evolve over the decades to become more sophisticated.

“Tasting room experiences were pretty straightforward when I moved to the Napa Valley,” he said. “The expectation of the customer is much greater now and the experiences are more varied.”

Temecula Valley Wine Country gets it.

"Temecula is definitely becoming a foodie and wine lovers paradise due to the passionate business owners within this community who are wanting to elevate service and hospitality," said Sharon Cannon, head of marketing and the tasting room at Temecula's Avensole Winery. "The region is really stepping up and it is wonderful to watch and be a part of."

In addition to a very full food and drinks menu at The Restaurant at Avensole Winery that rivals fine dining anywhere, the estate has also debuted its Cork & Fork Tour — a wine and culinary experience hosted by wine educator, Michelle Vazquez, and culinary expert, Lauren Irwin.

Local wineries are a tight-knit community, and that comes through to visitors. Sara Carrizales, marketing manager for Temecula's Ponte Winery, explains that Temecula Valley Wine Country has transformed into a culinary destination that is "very approachable" — it's not snobby; everyone is welcome.

The Restaurant at Ponte features a sustainable menu. Ingredients are locally sourced and there's even an herb garden on site. As a result, the menu changes on a seasonal basis.

"Food is created to elevate the wine and vice versa," Carrizales said. "The wine is always considered when crafting the menu."

Temecula Valley Wine Country is located in close proximity to Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, so it attracts locals as well as daytrippers who can take advantage of the many inns and overnight accommodations at the wineries and nearby.

"Temecula Valley offers a unique blend of picturesque wineries, award-winning wines, and an emerging vibrant culinary scene, again, that is really exciting to be a part of," Cannon said.

Thinking about giving Temecula Valley Wine Country's gastronomic offerings a whirl? With dozens of restaurants at local wineries, there's no shortage of dining options. Here are 21 to try (see a map here):

• Baba Joon's Kitchen at Fazeli Cellars, 37320 De Portola Road, Temecula
• Gaspar’s Restaurant at Altisima Winery, 37440 De Portola Road, Temecula
• Bolero Restaurante at Europa Village, 41150 Via Europa, Temecula
• Meritage at Callaway Vineyard & Winery, 32720 Rancho California Road, Temecula
• Carol's Restaurant at Baily Winery, 33440 La Serena Way, Temecula
• Cave Café at Oak Mountain Winery, 36522 Via Verde, Temecula
• Sangio's Deli at Cougar Vineyard & Winery, 39870 De Portola Road, Temecula
• Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery, 40620 Calle Contento, Temecula
• The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars, 38311 De Portola Road, Temecula
• The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula
• The Restaurant at Avensole Winery, 4567 Rancho California Road, Temecula
• The Restaurant at Mount Palomar, 33820 Rancho California Road, Temecula
• Cafe Champagne at Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula
• Creekside Grille at Wilson Creek Winery, 35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula
• Bistro at Miramonte Winery, 33410 Rancho California Road, Temecula
• Mama Rosa's Trattoria at Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery, 37350 De Portola Road, Temecula
• Lorimar's Tuscan Kitchen, 39990 Anza Road, Temecula
• Bouquet Restaurant at Ponte Vineyard Inn, 35001 Rancho California Road, Temecula
• The Restaurant at Ponte Family Estate Winery, 35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula
• The Cellar at Ponte Vineyard Inn, 35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula
• The Bistro at Monte De Oro, 35820 Rancho California Road, Temecula

Have you been to an eatery in Temecula Valley Wine Country? Let us know your favorite.