Weekday Wine Tour Special +Local Pick-up in Temecula Wine Country

If you’re thinking about sampling some of Southern California’s best wines without the crowds and on a more laid-back schedule, the Weekday Wine Tour Special offered by SoCal Wine Tours might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, we’ve scoured reviews and details to give you a thorough idea of what it’s like and whether it’s worth your time.

Two things that stand out about this experience are the casual, fun vibe and the beautiful setting—plus, the chance to visit some of the top wineries in Temecula while learning a bit about wine production. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that this tour doesn’t include sit-down tastings, which might matter if you’re after a more formal or educational experience.

This tour is best suited for those who want to enjoy good wine, relax in scenic surroundings, and have fun without the fuss of a more structured, intensive tasting. Perfect for groups, casual wine lovers, or anyone celebrating a special occasion in Temecula.

Key Points

• Casual & fun: The overall vibe is relaxed, making it great for groups looking to enjoy wine without a formal setting.
• Three top wineries: You visit some of the best in the area, including South Coast Winery, Oak Mountain, and Somerset Vineyard.
• Wine & production tour: At Somerset, you get to see how wine is made, including tasting straight from the barrels, which adds a cool learning element.
• Lunch in a cave: Oak Mountain offers a unique dining experience inside a wine cave, with pre-ordered food.
• Approx. 18 oz of wine: That’s roughly three glasses—ample for most people, especially if you’re pacing yourself.
• Limited to weekdays: This tour runs Monday through Thursday, so it’s perfect if you prefer avoiding weekend crowds.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

First Stop: South Coast Winery

Our journey begins at South Coast Winery, one of the region’s premier spots. Known for its quality and scenic views, this winery offers a solid introduction to Temecula wines. The visit lasts about an hour and 15 minutes, with an admission ticket included. Based on reviews, you’ll likely appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the chance to taste some good wines in a beautiful setting.

What you’ll love: The chance to sip wines at a top-tier winery with plenty of time to chat with your guide and soak in the scenery. Reviewers mention that guides are friendly and knowledgeable, creating a welcoming environment.

Second Stop: Oak Mountain Winery

Next, you head to Oak Mountain Winery for lunch and a one-and-a-half-hour stop. Here, the highlight is the dining experience inside the cave—a rare treat. The winery’s cave is a 10,000-square-foot space where you’ll enjoy your meal, pre-ordered via a form sent during the week of your tour. Remember, food & gratuity aren’t included, and all orders must be placed ahead of time.

What you’ll love: The setting itself—imagine dining surrounded by wine barrels and natural stone, with the sun shining in. One reviewer described it as lovely and relaxing, perfect for a leisurely lunch in excellent company.

Final Stop: Somerset Vineyard & Winery

The last winery is Somerset, where you’ll get to see a production tour and taste wine straight from the barrels. Somerset’s special method involves fermenting in terracotta vessels, a technique dating back over 8,000 years. This process avoids oak tannins, resulting in a purer, more natural flavor that some wine enthusiasts really appreciate.

What you’ll love: The chance to see a truly unique wine-making process and taste wine straight from the barrels. Reviewers mention that learning about this method added an interesting dimension to their visit.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour’s main draw is the 18 ounces of wine tastings across three wineries, giving you about three glasses’ worth of wine—more than enough for most people to enjoy without overdoing it. Plus, you’ll have transportation, a driver, a guide, bottled water, and all taxes and fees included, which makes the price of $139 quite reasonable.

However, food isn’t included with your cave lunch (though you must pre-order), and gratuity for the driver and guide isn’t included either. If you’re planning to go with a group, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider tipping your guide—many reviews noted their guides were friendly and knowledgeable.

Who might find this worthwhile?

• Wine lovers who prefer a relaxed, fun atmosphere over formal tastings.
• Visitors who want to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a weekday experience.
• Those interested in seeing a variety of wineries and learning about wine production.
• People who love scenic vineyards paired with good food and wine.

The Group & Transportation

The tour accommodates up to 99 travelers but typically operates with smaller groups, creating a friendly environment. Pick-up is available in Temecula, and the meeting point is convenient. The tour lasts about five hours, making it a good half-day activity.

Considerations

While most travelers seem to really enjoy the experience, keep in mind that this isn’t a sit-down tasting tour or a highly educational experience. If you enjoy learning about the history of wine or prefer more structured tastings, this might not fully satisfy that craving. Still, many reviews mention that guides are friendly and share useful tidbits about the area and the wineries.

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

For the price, this tour offers a solid value, especially considering the visits to three top wineries, the unique cave lunch, and a production tour. The relaxed pace, scenic views, and friendly guides make it appealing for a wide range of travelers.

The fact that it operates on weekdays is a bonus—you’re more likely to enjoy a quieter experience, and the atmosphere tends to be more laid-back. The inclusion of wine straight from barrels at Somerset is a real highlight, offering a taste of the craft that’s often missing from more traditional wine tours.

In summary: If your goal is to enjoy a pleasant day of wine tasting with a relaxed vibe, good scenery, and a touch of education, this tour checks most boxes. Just remember it’s more about fun and discovery rather than deep dives into wine science or history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Children 17 and under are not permitted on this tour, including babies. Non-drinker tickets are available for those who want to join without wine tasting but still enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere.

Can I purchase non-drinker tickets?
Yes, discounted non-drinker tickets are available and can be purchased after you complete your booking.

How much wine do I get to taste?
You will taste a total of about 18 ounces of wine across three wineries, roughly three glasses in total.

Are food and gratuity included?
No, food inside the cave at Oak Mountain Winery is pre-ordered and not included in the tour price. Gratuity for the driver and guide is also not included, so consider tipping if you’re pleased with the service.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The whole experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including travel, tastings, and the lunch break.

What makes Somerset Vineyard special?
It’s the only winery in Southern California producing wine using the ancient terra-cotta fermentation process, which avoids oak tannins and delivers a natural taste.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation and a driver are part of the package, with pick-up in Temecula.

Can I customize the experience?
Private tours require a minimum of 14 guests, and this tour is generally scheduled as a group experience, so customization options are limited.

Are there any hidden costs?
All fees and taxes are included in the price, but remember that food, tips, and optional extras are not.

What kind of group size should I expect?
While the maximum is 99, most groups are smaller, creating a friendly, relaxed environment.

Final Thoughts

This Weekday Wine Tour in Temecula offers a laid-back, engaging way to explore some of the region’s top wineries. It’s especially good if you enjoy tasting wine in scenic settings, like a cave lunch, and learning a little about the wine-making process without the pressure of formal tastings. Guides seem friendly and knowledgeable, and the scenery is a highlight.

It’s a perfect choice for casual wine enthusiasts, groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone looking to enjoy Temecula’s vineyards without the weekend rush. Just keep in mind that if you’re after a deeply educational or formal tasting experience, this may not satisfy that desire.

Overall, for a fun, scenic, and reasonably priced wine tour, this experience is worth considering—especially on a weekday when you can enjoy it without the crowds.

Hope this helps you decide if this tour fits your Temecula plans. Cheers to a great trip and some fantastic wines!