Overview
If you’ve read my guide on the top wineries in Temecula, you should already have Europa Village on your list. As one of the first wineries on the strip, This is a perfect location to start your day. A quaint outdoor garden area welcomes you with options to sit outside or visit one of their two tastings rooms.
The Wine
Europa Village, true to it’s name specializes in Italian, French and Spanish wines under three different labels. With a menu over 4 pages long, there is something here for everyone’s taste which makes it a perfect stop for groups. While they offer wines you are used to seeing, they also offer an array of wines you may have never heard of or had the chance to taste such as an excellent Arneis, a Sangiovese (aka Chianti), and Montepulciano.
My picks:
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Maker’s Reserve, Napa Valley
2015 Counoise, Estate Wine, 95 pts.
Atmosphere
Fun fact, the entire tasting room at Europa Village is actually temporary and will one day become a parking lot to their new estate that is expected to be done in about 2 years. It will feature a building for each of their three labels as well as a new resort, restaurant, and gift shops.
While the plans look amazing, you would never guess that the current spot is temporary. Their iron entrance gates lead you into a fabulous courtyard nestled with trees and roses. If you look just past the garden ladled with picnic tables you can see the rolling hills of vines off into the distance. This is a perfect place for a picnic and to enjoy the fresh air, however they do not allow outside food and beverages.
The current location offers two tasting rooms: one called the cave, which is my favorite and the other is a more traditional room with a large gift shop attached.
Great For:
- Couples
- Large Parties
- Excellent Views
Visit
33475 La Serena Way, Temecula | (951) 491-0825 | open daily from 10am to 5pm
Tasting Fee: $20 – 6 tastings OR $30 – 6 tastings + 2 reserve
No reservations necessary.
