Valley of wines and hot-air balloons - Temecula

A short getaway from San Diego brings us to place of rolling hills, golf courses, hot-air balloons and vineyards. Temecula (popularly interpreted as 'Where the sun breaks through the mist') is the wine capital of Southwest California. The scenic wine country in the Temecula valley boasts of over 20 wineries like the Thornton, Falkner, Ponte, Mount Palomar, Miramonte, Hart, Churon, and Bally to name a few. Visitors get a taste of the wine country with the various wine tasting tours and wine-inspired fine-dining options. These wineries also play host to several music concerts and other special events throughout the year. The annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine festival also draws visitors in thousands to the wine country.

The historic old town in Temecula (Temecula was established in 1859) with its numerous art galleries, antique dealers, artisan food stores, museums and other shops provides a old world charm and a rich historic experience. Olive oil tasting and cheese tasting are an integral part of strolling old town's quaint streets. Temecula Olive Oil Company grows its own olives in California and they produce olive oils of the highest quality. This cozy little shop also carries pure sea salt from different parts of the world. Sample of salts are available for tasting. Freshly baked breads with a choice of olive oil for dipping makes a perfect end to the visit here. Temecula Valley Cheese Company with a large selection of artisan cheeses take pride in calling themselves the purveyors of the world's finest cheeses.

Temecula's old town is not just about antiques, museums, and collectibles. The certified farmer's market provides an opportunity for the local farmers to display and sell their fresh organic produce that they grow in their own farms. This popular market comes to the old town every Saturday and on Wednesday's at the Promenade mall. The visitors to the market can also browse different craft and jewel selections while savoring the tastes of Kettle corn and freshly squeezed lemonade.