Sunday Special Wine Tour in Temecula Valley with Lunch

If you’re considering a laid-back way to spend a Sunday in Temecula, this Sunday Special Wine Tour might catch your eye. It promises visits to two of the region’s premier wineries, South Coast Winery and Maurice Carrie Winery, with the added bonus of a complimentary lunch valued at $20. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the details and reviews suggest it’s a pretty solid option for those looking to enjoy some quality wine, scenic views, and a relaxed itinerary without spending the entire day on the move.

What stands out? First, the scenic drive through Temecula’s vineyards gives a taste of the landscape’s charm, and second, the quality of the wineries visited. The inclusion of a free lunch adds a nice touch, especially since the meal is from a carefully curated menu. However, it’s worth noting that some travelers felt the experience was a bit limited in winery stops, which might be a consideration if you’re hoping for a more extensive tasting day.

This tour seems best suited for those who want a comfortable, well-organized introduction to Temecula’s wine country — perfect for a relaxing Sunday, especially if you prefer to keep things simple and avoid overly long days or complicated schedules. Now, let’s get into the specifics so you can figure out if it aligns with your expectations.

Key Points

• Includes two top wineries — South Coast Winery and Maurice Carrie Winery — with tastings that total more than 2 glasses of wine.
• Comfortable duration, lasting around 3.5 hours, making it perfect for a Sunday outing without taking up your entire day.
• Includes a $20 lunch credit, offering good value for a quality American cuisine meal.
• Scenic route through Temecula’s vineyards provides beautiful views and a relaxed vibe.
• Limited winery stops might be a downside if you’re looking for a full-day wine tasting adventure.
• Group size can go up to 99 travelers, but reviews suggest it stays friendly and manageable.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Itinerary – What You Can Expect

The tour kicks off at the Maurice Carrie Vineyard, where you’ll start with a scenic 15-minute drive through Temecula’s gorgeous vineyards. This is a nice way to settle into the relaxed pace of the day before arriving at the first winery.

Danza del Sol Winery is the first stop. It’s notable for being the first winery built on De Portola Road, and with vineyards over 30 years old, it has a reputation for producing some of the best-tasting wines in Temecula. Expect a warm welcome, and the chance to sample wines in a setting that’s both intimate and picturesque. One reviewer mentioned, “Brow Sugar was the best guide and made sure we had a great time,” highlighting the friendly, knowledgeable staff.

The second stop is Lorimar Vineyards and Winery. Here, you’ll get to enjoy an American cuisine meal with a $20 credit. The meal is part of the experience, and the reviews praise the good food and friendly atmosphere. During your 1.5-hour stay, you can explore the grounds, enjoy wine tastings, and relax before heading back.

The Tastings and Food

You’ll get more than 2 glasses of wine’ worth of tastings during the day, with 14 ounces total. This is a decent amount for a half-day tour, especially if you’re just in it for a leisurely taste rather than a full-blown wine crawl.

The included lunch is a highlight for many — a chance to sit down, enjoy American dishes, and soak in the vineyard views. The $20 credit lets you choose your preferred meal from the pre-arranged menu, which adds flexibility.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

Transportation is provided, with pick-up at designated locations, making it convenient to join the tour without worrying about driving. The group size can be up to 99 people, but reviews suggest the experience remains personable, thanks to attentive guides and a manageable pace.

The Guide and Overall Atmosphere

Reviewers consistently mention friendly guides and drivers. One reviewer said, “Our bus driver was very nice and accommodating,” which seems to be a common sentiment. The atmosphere is described as “wonderful,” with “beautiful scenery” and “friendly people,” making it a pleasant outing.

Is It Good Value?

At $139 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. You’re paying for transportation, guides, tastings, and a lunch, which collectively add up. Since the tastings alone amount to over 2 glasses of wine, and the lunch is valued at $20, the price seems reasonable for a guided, all-inclusive experience.

However, some reviewers expressed disappointment that the tour might not include multiple winery stops or more extensive tasting options — especially if your goal is to visit several wineries in one day. It’s important to recognize that this is a shorter, more relaxed experience, perfect if you value quality over quantity.

The Potential Drawbacks

The main concern is the limited number of winery stops. Some travelers expected more vineyards or a longer experience, especially given the price. Plus, non-drinker tickets are available at a discount, which is a plus if you’re not into wine but still want to enjoy the scenery and food.

Another consideration is the cancellation policy — it’s non-refundable, so be sure about your plans before booking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits those who want a relaxed, scenic, wine-focused outing without the need for a full day of tasting. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Temecula, couples, or small groups looking for a manageable, well-organized Sunday plan. If you’re hoping for a comprehensive wine tour with multiple stops and in-depth tastings, this might feel a bit limited.

It’s not designed for families with children under 18 or for anyone seeking an extensive production tour. But if you’re simply looking to enjoy beautiful vineyard views, some good wine, and a tasty lunch, this tour could be just right.

Final Thoughts

This Sunday Special Wine Tour offers a straightforward, comfortable way to sample some of Temecula’s top wineries, with the bonus of a decent lunch and scenic drives. The guides seem knowledgeable and friendly, and the experience is well-paced for a Sunday afternoon.

While it might not satisfy those wanting a full day of wine tasting at multiple wineries, it’s a solid choice if you’re after a relaxing, no-hassle introduction to Temecula’s wine country. The value for what you get — tastings, transportation, lunch, and beautiful scenery — makes it worth considering, especially if you appreciate a more curated, leisurely experience.

If you prefer a shorter, well-organized outing that still captures the essence of Temecula’s vineyards, this tour could be a good fit. Just keep in mind the non-refundable policy and plan accordingly.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Yes, non-drinker tickets are available at a discount. You can still enjoy the scenery, lunch, and guide insights.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes, including travel, tastings, and lunch, making it a perfect afternoon outing.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Maurice Carrie Vineyard at 34225 Rancho California Rd, Temecula.

What’s included in the price?
You get tastings at two wineries (more than 2 glasses of wine), transportation, a guide, bottled water, and a $20 credit for lunch.

Can I upgrade to visit more wineries?
Yes, there’s an option to add a third winery stop with a production tour for an additional fee.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, children 17 and under are not permitted.

What about tips?
Gratuity is not included, so consider tipping guides and drivers if you enjoyed the experience.

Is transportation comfortable?
The tour provides transportation from designated pick-up points, and the group size can be up to 99 travelers, but reviews suggest a friendly and accommodating environment.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

Is the scenery worth it?
Absolutely. The drive through Temecula’s vineyards is scenic and relaxing, with plenty of photo opportunities.

If a relaxed, scenic, wine-focused Sunday sounds appealing, this tour offers a mix of good wine, beautiful views, and tasty food — all in a manageable timeframe.