Private Temecula Wine Tour from Del Mar

Planning a day trip from Del Mar to Temecula for some wine tasting? This private wine tour promises not only a relaxing escape into California’s renowned wine region but also the chance to enjoy a curated, intimate experience with knowledgeable guides.

What we love about this tour: the flexibility to customize your day, the insights provided by expert guides, and the variety of stops that combine scenic beauty with premium tastings.

One thing to consider: the tour doesn’t include lunch, so you’ll want to plan ahead or indulge at the wineries.

This experience suits couples, small groups, or anyone eager to explore Temecula’s vineyards with a comfortable and informative guide. If you value authentic wine tastings, scenic views, and a relaxed pace, this tour is likely to hit the mark.

Good To Know

• Private group experience ensures personalized attention and flexibility.
• Includes tastings and guided tours at multiple reputable wineries.
• Scenic stops in Old Town Temecula provide a charming intro to the region.
• Comfortable transportation makes for a stress-free day.
• Lunch not included, so plan accordingly.
• Stops include cave tours, picnic options, and panoramic vineyard views for a well-rounded experience.

A Closer Look: What This Tour Offers

This full-day private tour is designed for those who want a seamless, guided exploration of Temecula’s wineries without the hassle of planning transportation or appointments. Starting from your location in Del Mar, the trip is approximately 8 hours long, allowing enough time to savor wines, enjoy scenic views, and soak in the local atmosphere.

Convenience and Comfort: Pickup & Transportation

The tour includes pickup from your hotel, rental, or the Solana Beach Station, which is ideal for travelers staying in nearby coastal areas. The transport is air-conditioned, ensuring you stay comfortable while enjoying the beautiful scenery en route. With a maximum group size of 14, the experience balances intimacy with a lively group vibe, and the tiered pricing makes it accessible for both small couples and larger groups.

Why It Matters: Having a private guide means you’ll get tailored commentary, local insights, and the chance to ask questions—something that often makes the difference between just tasting wine and truly understanding it.

Itinerary Breakdown: From Old Town to Vineyards

Stop 1: Old Town Temecula (40 minutes)

The tour kicks off with a visit to Old Town Temecula, a lively district famed for its Western-inspired architecture, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. This stop gives you a chance to stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee or browse the local farmers market if it’s Saturday. It’s a charming intro to the region’s character, with many guests noting the vibrant atmosphere and the perfect photo opportunities.

Review insight: Guests have enjoyed the free time here, describing it as “a great way to soak in some local flavor before heading into wine country.”

Stop 2: Somerset Vineyard & Winery (1 hour)

Your first winery stop is Somerset Vineyard & Winery, where tastings are included along with a guided tour of the production process. Guests commonly comment on the quality of the wines—“award-winning” is a phrase that pops up. The guided tour offers a chance to learn about their winemaking, which elevates the tasting experience.

Review insight: Travelers loved the personalized approach, with one noting, “The guide was very knowledgeable and made the tasting fun and educational.”

Stop 3: Oak Mountain Winery and Cave Tour (1 hour)

Next, you visit Oak Mountain Winery, known for its impressive underground wine cave—the largest in Southern California. Tastings here are paired with a walk through the cave, offering a unique perspective on winemaking and storage. Charcuterie boards are available, which many find to be a perfect accompaniment to the wines and a nice touch to the visit.

Review insight: Many mention the “underground tour being a highlight,” and appreciate the chance to experience the scale and artistry of cave cellaring.

Stop 4: Lunch at Cougar Vineyard & Winery (Weekday) or Bel Vino Winery (Saturday)

Lunch is scheduled at Cougar Vineyard & Winery on weekdays or Bel Vino Winery on Saturdays. Both options boast vineyard views and a relaxed atmosphere. The weekday option includes a meal at Sangios Deli, while on Saturdays, guests can enjoy a bistro meal with live music and outdoor picnic tables.

Note: Lunch is not included in the price, so you might choose to bring your own or purchase at the winery.

Review insight: Reviewers appreciate the scenic lunch stops, with some noting that the views and ambiance make up for the lack of included meal.

Final Stop: Callaway Vineyard & Winery (1 hour)

The day wraps up at Callaway Winery, a picturesque estate with sweeping views of the valley. Tastings here are the perfect way to reflect on the day, and many guests comment on the stunning setting, which makes for excellent photos and a relaxing finish.

Review insight: Visitors mention that this finale “really captures the essence of Temecula,” especially praising the panoramic vistas.

What’s Included and What to Plan For

Included:

• Fully narrated tour with a knowledgeable guide
• Entry to all wineries, tastings, and cave tour
• Pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water and snacks for the day

Not included:

• Lunch, which allows you to choose what and where to eat based on your preferences
• Additional purchases at wineries

Tip: Since tastings are included, you might want to bring some extra cash for optional purchases or souvenirs.

How the Experience Feels: The Genuine Value

Travelers consistently describe the experience as relaxed, informative, and scenic. The guides are praised for their friendliness and expertise, often making the day more engaging than just a series of tastings.

The variety of stops—from lively Old Town to underground caves—ensures that the day doesn’t become monotonous. The scenery along the way is a highlight, with rolling vineyards and valley vistas providing fantastic photo ops.

Guests appreciate the flexibility of a private tour, which allows for some customization—whether it’s spending more time at one winery or taking a quick photo at a particularly stunning viewpoint.

Practical Considerations

• Pricing: At $300 per person, the tour offers good value considering the included tastings, guided tours, and transport. Larger groups benefit from lower per-person costs, making it a budget-friendly option for small gatherings.
• Duration: With roughly 8 hours, the tour strikes a good balance between a full day of activities and not feeling rushed.
• Group Size: Limited to 14 guests, it fosters an intimate environment but still offers social opportunities.
• Timing: Operating Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, giving flexibility for planning around your schedule.
• Booking: Confirmations happen immediately upon booking, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private wine tour is perfect for couples seeking a romantic day, friends wanting a fun outing, or small family groups eager to experience Temecula without the stress of driving. It’s especially well-suited for those interested in learning about winemaking, as the guide’s insights add depth to the tastings. If you’re after picturesque views, a relaxed pace, and a personalized experience, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Final Thoughts

This private Temecula wine tour from Del Mar offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day exploring California’s famous wine region. The combination of scenic vineyard visits, expert-guided tastings, and the charm of Old Town makes it a standout choice. While lunch isn’t included, the flexibility allows you to tailor your meal experience, whether at the winery or elsewhere.

The knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery mean you’ll likely leave with a deeper appreciation for winemaking and plenty of photos to remember the day. It’s an ideal outing for those wanting a curated, intimate introduction to Temecula’s wines without the hassle of arranging transportation or tours independently.

If you’re ready to sip, savor, and explore in style, this tour can give you a taste of Temecula’s best, all in one memorable day.

FAQ

Is pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel, rental, or the Solana Beach Station, making the day convenient from start to finish.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, giving enough time to enjoy all stops without feeling rushed.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but the tour provides scenic options at Cougar Winery or Bel Vino Winery depending on the day.

What’s the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 14 guests, ensuring a private, personalized experience.

Are tastings included?
Yes, tastings are included at all the wineries, along with guided tours at Somerset and Oak Mountain.

Can I change the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, there’s some flexibility to tailor the stops within the planned itinerary.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, though you should consider mobility if planning to do cave tours.

In summary, this private Temecula wine tour from Del Mar offers an engaging, scenic, and educational experience perfect for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. With knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and flexible options, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy California’s wine country without the stress of planning.