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Summer Weather in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country
Just 22 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Temecula Valley's daytime temperatures are modified by cooling ocean influences that help create a pattern of warm, sunny days and cool nights. Average daytime summer temperatures in the Temecula Valley are 85 degrees. Throughout summer, cooling ocean influences promote a 20- to 30-degree drop in temperatures at night.
Although separated from the Pacific by the Santa Rosa mountain range to the west, the Rainbow Gap and the Margarita Gap (at the southwestern corner of the valley) allow ocean breezes to flow through the Temecula Valley almost every day. These gentle Pacific winds help keep temperatures lower than those found in some surrounding Southern California areas. Another cooling ocean influence is referenced in Temecula's moniker as the land "where the sun shines through the mist." The dynamics of onshore flow channel cool moist air from the ocean (seen as mist, fog, and clouds) through the Rainbow Gap, the Margarita Gap, and over the Santa Rosa mountain range into the Temecula Valley. This moist air tumbling into the valley can appear anytime from mid-afternoon to well into the night; it may retreat at dawn or linger to the afternoon. These ocean influences make Temecula Valley's cool summer mornings perfect for hot air balloon rides at sunrise and for golf outings early in the day.
Centrally located approximately 60 miles north of San Diego and 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is nestled quietly off the I-15 freeway. The Temecula Valley is uniquely noted for its casual and picturesque wine region, the wide variety of events and activities it inspires, and its sunny relaxed spirit that is so synonymous with Southern California.
3-Day Escape in Southern California Wine Country
Less than 60 miles north of San Diego and 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles lies Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. Rolling hills covered with vineyards, expansive views reaching to 11,000-foot high mountains, air swept by ocean breezes and world-class wines make the Temecula Valley an exciting place to visit.
Spend your first day wine tasting at some of the over 30 wineries in the Temecula Valley. At lunchtime, visit one of the many unique dining venues within Wine Country and sample some truly amazing cuisine while overlooking rows of lush vineyards. When evening rolls around, make a stop at Pechanga Resort and Casino, California's largest casino and one of the best entertainment venues around. Be sure and stay for dinner and test your culinary boundaries at one of their eight different eateries.
On the second day of your trip, take a romantic sunrise balloon ride. Experience tranquility while soaring over dew-kissed vineyards and awe-inspiring scenery. Once back on the ground, enjoy a delicious continental breakfast, sip on champagne and reflect on the wonderful experience. After your morning flight, stroll along the wooden boardwalks in historic Old Town and shop at the certified Farmers Market, boutiques and antique shops. Catch a matinee theatrical performance at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. After a memorable performance, you can stroll down the street in Old Town and enjoy a fabulous gourmet dinner, inspired by local ingredients.
Start your third day with some fresh air and beautiful views, on the green. Select from eight championship golf courses. Take a private lesson with the Temecula Valley Golf School to brush up on your skills before hitting the links. After a pleasant day of golf, grab a bite to eat at the golf course or feast at one of the many restaurants the Temecula Valley has to offer. Modest, refined or rustic, the Temecula Valley offers a wide variety of accommodation alternatives from quaint bed and breakfasts, luxurious winery and golf resorts to four diamond casino resorts. Temecula Valley is the perfect getaway with all the excitement you could ask for under the warm California sun.
Temecula - One of the Most Historic Communities in Southern California
Temecula, established in 1859, is one of the most historic communities in Southern California. From Indian village to mission outpost, from Mexican rancho to crossroads settlement, from railroad town to modern city, the story of Temecula is rich and varied.
The name Temecula comes from the Luiseño Indian word "Temecunga" - "temet" meaning "sun" and "-ngna" which means "place of". The Spanish interpreted and spelled the word as "Temecula" translated to mean "Where the sun breaks through the mist". Temecula is the only city in California to still retain its original Indian name.
The hillsides of Temecula were the home of the Temecula Indians, the first residents of the area. Ancestors of the Temecula Indians were here as early as 900 A.D. The Luiseno Indians still inhabited Temecula in the 1700's when the first Spanish padres arrived.
Today's Old Town Temecula reflects the juxtaposition of old and new in the upscale dining, retail and entertainment options now available. The revitalization of Old Town includes new development and a state-of-the-art new Civic Center scheduled to open in early fall of 2010.
Journey at Pechanga Ranked 4th Best New Course You Can Play
Journey at Pechanga, in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country, is a new 7,219 yard, Par 72 Championship 18-Hole golf course open to the public. Recently ranked as the 4th "Best New Course You Can Play" by GOLF Magazine, the impressive, Arthur Hills-designed course winds along a spectacular boulder strewn mountainside and boasts a dramatic 62,000 square-foot Clubhouse with high-end resort amenities. As the name implies, this course presents an exhilarating "journey" in an unforgettable setting. Located adjacent to the largest casino west of the Mississippi, Pechanga Resort & Casino, make sure to enjoy a signature massage after your round at the greatly expanded Spa Pechanga.
Medal Count Reflects High Quality of Temecula Valley Wines
Wines from Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country received over 100 Gold, Double Gold and Best of Class awards in wine competitions in 2009. Double Gold requires unanimous approval from a panel of four judges and Best of Class reflects superiority, typically in a price category.
For South Coast Winery owner Jim Carter, whose wines received 49 Gold and 23 Double Gold/Best of Class awards in 2009, including the prestigious Golden Bear Award from the California State Fair Wine Competition in 2008 and 2009, the results are testament to the growing number of quality wines consistently coming from the Temecula Valley. "Although we are not a large wine region, we are producing as fine a wine as anywhere in the state," he said. Temecula Valley's medal count is even more impressive given the quality of the wines entered and the caliber of judges, many who come from all over the country. "Overall I think the level of competency in the Temecula Valley is going up," said Keyways Vineyard and Winery winemaker Michael Tingley. "This not only reflects the skill of the winemaker but the expertise of growers who are becoming better and better at what they do."
The Temecula Valley is the premiere winemaking region in Southern California. Over the last decade, the number of wineries in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country has doubled and more new wineries are in the planning stages. More importantly, the area's reputation for making fine wine is on the rise as local wines continue to win major awards at wine competitions that include well-known domestic and international brands.
Carolyn Fittipaldi, Marketing Manager
Temecula Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau
26790 Ynez Court, Suite B, Temecula CA 92591
Ph: 951-491-6085 Fax 951-491-6089
e-mail: carolyn@temeculacvb.com web site: www.temeculacvb.com
