When you think of sunny southern California, you often think of the song “It Never Rains In Southern California” made famous by Albert Hammond. That was not the case on our recent trip to Temecula, CA. We should have paid more attention to the chorus. It poured and poured. In fact, last year Temecula, CA received 2.50" of rain for the whole year. When we visited in late November it rained 3.70" in one day. Jason Curl, interim GM for the Temecula Creek Inn where we stayed, said, "The golf courses could use the rain." Jim Carter of the South Coast Winery in Temecula, CA welcomed us back again and said, "We could bring the rain with us." Seems like the vineyards like rain too.

We flew into and back out of the Palm Springs Airport, which was just a little over an hour away from the Temecula Creek Inn. LAX is 90 miles and Orange County Airports are also within an easy drive. Although the Temecula Creek Inn doesn't have an airport shuttle, they do make arrangements with a shuttle company. San Diego is 60 miles south. The San Jacinto Mountains shadow the rolling hills and ocean breezes come through to offer cool summer afternoons and evenings, which is perfect weather for growing grapes and golfing on the 153 holes at eight Temecula golf courses, seven of which are championship courses.

Temecula Creek Inn
 
The Temecula Creek Inn is nestled in the valley of the San Jacinto Mountains. Upon arriving we registered in a warm and inviting lobby, complete with a roaring fire in the stone fireplace and comfortable chairs and couches providing a touch of home. The décor is in the Native American style in fabrics and framed paintings and artifacts. The inn offers 130 rooms and suites and our room was very comfortable and overlooked the golf course. The Temet Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a 100 year-old historic "Stone House” used for special occasions, such as, conference space or weddings. If you are a golfer you'll want to try out either the 18-hole championship course or the precision demanding "Stone House" 9-hole championship course. http://www.jcgolf.com/    http://www.temeculacreekinn.com/ 877-517-1821 or 951-694-1000  Listen to a PodCast with Kevin and Sue McCarthy on the Temecula Creek Inn, click here.

South Coast Winery Resort & Grape Seed Spa
 
It didn't matter if it was raining when we made a stop at the nearby winery for wine tasting and a tour. There is a gift shop where you can pick up a cute t-shirt with a variety of wine sayings, gourmet food, jewelry and decorative accessories for the home. Of course, you will find many of the items with a wine theme. Lunch followed at the 12,000 sq. ft. "Vineyard Rose" restaurant with Tuscan inspired menus by Executive Chef Alessandro Serni. Chef Serni works with the Winemaker Jon McPherson to pair wines with the dishes.

The winery is also a resort and we had a tour through the luxury villa suites, complete with romantic fireplaces, jacuzzis and private patios nestled in the middle of the 38 acres of vineyards. The Grape Seed Spa has a beautiful pool and balcony where you can relax after having a spa treatment, facial or massage.

The owner, Jim Carter, stopped by our table and shared the history of how in the mid-1990's after viewing the movie "A Walk In The Clouds", about a thriving vineyard in a mountain valley, his life would be changed forever. Jim decided to have his own vineyard. Today, his Master Winemaker Jon McPherson and Winemaker Javier Flores produce award-winning wines with an annual capacity of 50,000 cases. After lunch we were led on a tour of the barrel room and saw how the wine is aged and bottled. Jim even named one of his wines after his wife, "Sweet Maggie". In 2007, South Coast Winery achieved 203 awards for their wines. http://www.wineresort.com/   866-944-6379

Ponte Family Estate Winery Ponte
 
is one of 20+ award-winning wineries where we also tasted more wines. Ponte has a gift shop and the Smoke House Restaurant. Ponte has a Wine Club where members get a 20% discount, a newsletter, wine recipes provided by the chef, a wine tasting in the VIP Room, and much more. We met one of the local members and he told us he and his wife come to the winery every Friday evening and meet up with other members for tasting of the "vine". He said, "It's just like going to the local bar in other places, only here it is our neighborhood winery." http://www.temeculawines.org/  951-694-8855

Old Town Temecula
 
When the California Railroad came through the valley in the late 1800's Temecula was born. Mountain men like Kit Carson and Jedediah Smith followed. The Butterfield Overland Stagecoach and California's first inland Post Office brought more growth to the area. I learned that the stagecoach route started in St. Louis and went through to San Francisco. You can stroll down the wooden boardwalks and visit quaint shops and antique stores. Be sure to stop by the Temecula Olive Oil Company for a tasting of a wide variety of locally grown oils and go next door to the House of Jerky where you can sample unusual Ostrich, Buffalo, Turkey and Venison jerkies.

Pechanga Resort & Casino

The modern 200,000 sq. ft. casino has 522 luxury rooms and suites at the Four Diamond Hotel, nightly entertainment and headliner concerts at "Silk-The Club", high-limit rooms and non-smoking playing rooms. Pechanga is California's largest casino and is operated by the Pechanga Tribe of the Luiseno American Indians. You can dine at the Great Oak Steakhouse and find out about the legend of the 100-year old oak tree on the reservation. www.pechanga.com 877-711-2946 Pechanga Resort & Casino The modern 200,000 sq. ft. casino has 522 luxury rooms and suites at the Four Diamond Hotel, nightly entertainment and headliner concerts at "Silk-The Club", high-limit rooms and non-smoking playing rooms. Pechanga is California's largest casino and is operated by the Pechanga Tribe of the Luiseno American Indians. You can dine at the Great Oak Steakhouse and find out about the legend of the 100-year old oak tree on the reservation. http://www.pechanga.com/   877-711-2946

A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure
 
I was looking forward to my sunrise hot air balloon flight over the valley, gliding gently over the wineries, golf courses and rolling hills. Unfortunately, the rain would delay my balloon adventure for another trip. Flights run 60 - 75 minutes and are available 7 days a week, year round; "weather permitting" and reservations are required. www.hotairtours.com   800-965-2122
 
6,000 years ago the Shoshone Indians called Temecula home. We found out Temecula means "Where the Sun Breaks Through the Mist"and is the only city in California to retain the original Indian name. Although the song says it never rains in southern California, we think we'll plan our return to Temecula when the skies are blue.

6,000 years ago the Shoshone Indians called Temecula home. We found out Temecula means "Where the Sun Breaks Through the Mist"and is the only city in California to retain the original Indian name. Although the song says it never rains in southern California, we think we'll plan our return to Temecula when the skies are blue.

For additional information on Temecula contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau. http://www.temeculacvb.com/  888-363-2852