A Vineyard Escape: 48 Hours of Wine and Wellness at South Coast Winery

As a travel journalist who’s spent the past few years chasing the world’s most indulgent corners, I’ve learned this: sometimes the best luxury lies just beyond your doorstep. After a stretch of back-to-back deadlines I craved a reset. Not a long-haul flight, not an overly orchestrated itinerary—just a short, sweet breath of fresh air. So I packed a weekend bag, pointed my car north from San Diego, and within 90 minutes, found myself driving through the sun-drenched hills of Temecula wine country. My destination? South Coast Winery Resort & Spa (rooms from around $300), a place where rustic California charm meets upscale comfort—and where time slows down just enough to catch your breath.

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A villa among the vines at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

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As soon as I pulled into the South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, I knew the next few days were going to be special. Tucked away in the heart of Temecula Valley, my double queen villa overlooked rows of sun-soaked vines stretching across 38 acres. From my patio, I could watch the golden light ripple through the grape leaves—a postcard-worthy welcome. That first afternoon, I sipped on award-winning wines during a tasting at South Coast’s own winery. I started each morning with breakfast on-site, savoring the quiet vineyard views before heading out to explore more of what this wine country had to offer.

Wine with a soul & plates with purpose

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This is a working winery, with decades of award-winning accolades to its name. The winemaker, Jon McPherson, is a legend in the Temecula Valley—and his legacy is present in every pour. I spent an afternoon in the tasting room. Standouts included the 2020 Wild Horse Peak Syrah—bold, smoky, and surprisingly elegant—and a delightful Sparkling Rosé that’s become my new favorite brunch companion.

Later that evening, I dined at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant, a space that felt more like a modern European countryside estate than a typical hotel eatery. I started with the charcuterie board followed by lamb, paired beautifully with their Estate Grown Meritage. Each bite and sip felt intentional, farm-forward, and full of flavor.

A wine-lover’s trail in Temecula Valley

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Temecula Valley is a place where every bottle tells a story—and I got to hear quite a few. I began my tasting trail at Lorimar Winery, where their fruit-forward blends reflect both tradition and innovation. Next, I stepped into history at Callaway Winery, the first to open in the region, where I enjoyed a guided tour and a fresh, farm-to-table lunch at Meritage with sweeping vineyard views. Peltzer Winery was a standout, with its rustic “crush house,” family roots, and welcoming atmosphere—it’s as much about memory-making as it is about winemaking. Dinner at Bolero Restaurante in Europa Village transported me to Spain, thanks to a menu full of tapas and hearty regional flavors. On my final morning, I checked out of South Coast and made one last stop: Carter Estate Winery, where I toasted to the trip with their oak-aged varietals and soaked in the last moments of Southern California sunshine.

As I drove back to San Diego, I felt full—not just from food or drink, but from something deeper. South Coast Winery is more than a weekend retreat; it’s a reminder that luxury doesn’t have to be grandiose. It can be felt in the hush of a vineyard at dawn, the swirl of a perfect Syrah, the heat of a sun-warmed stone beneath your feet. For anyone in Southern California craving a reset—romantic, restful, or otherwise—this is the place. Just far enough to feel like a vacation. Just close enough to become a habit.

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